Part-time & Graduate Enrollment Services
Applied Computer Technology AAS
Program overview
Computers are important to all parts of the economy, and the number of careers that involve work with computers is constantly expanding. Students in the AAS degree program in applied computer technology take courses to prepare them for careers that involve maintaining computer software and hardware, installing and maintaining computer networks, and working with a variety of computer applications.
Program concentrations
Students will select a concentration in computer technical support or networking and cyber security in the second year.
Computer technical support: This concentration develops skills specific to working with office professionals to solve computer-related problems. These skills prepare students to work at a help desk responding to a client’s computer problems and performing setup, upgrades, and repairs to computers and computer peripherals.
Networking and cyber security: Students in this concentration develop skills specific to network and network security support. The skills include server setup, support and administration, network setup, troubleshooting and repair, identifying and implementing security policies, and installing appropriate hardware and software to support a secure and robust network.
On-the-job responsibilities
Students work as computer technicians, computer support specialists, network technicians, network security technicians, and network administrators.
Places of employment
Graduates can expect to work in a variety of environments, including banks, insurance companies, large stores, manufacturing companies, public utilities, government agencies, health care agencies, hospitals, and many other kinds of departments and businesses that use computers and networks.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of a sampling experience in applied computer technology, either through the Summer Vestibule Program or equivalent career exploration course, is a prerequisite for this program, as are the following:
English: Placement into the College of Liberal Arts’ Writing Seminar (0502-227) course. Students typically enter Writing Seminar with reading scores equivalent to 10.0 on the California Reading Test. However, students who complete AAS degrees typically enter NTID with reading scores equivalent to 9.0 on the California Reading Test.
Mathematics: Placement into Foundations of Algebra (0884-180) or a higher-level course. Typically, students entering this program will have completed at least three years of high school mathematics.
Science: Typically, students entering this major will have completed at least two years of high school science.
Curriculum
Applied computer technology, AAS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ASL/Deaf Cultural Studies† | ||
| NACT-150 | Introduction to PC Hardware | 3 |
| NACT-160 | Networking Essentials | 3 |
| NACT-170 | Introduction to Web Development | 3 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First Year Seminar | 3 | |
| LAS Elective‡ | 3 | |
| NACT-151 | Windows Operating Systems | 3 |
| NACT-161 | Client-Server Networks | 3 |
| NACT-155 | Non-Windows Operating Systems | 3 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 1 | 3 | |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| NACT-200 | Help Desk Support | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| NACT-250 | CTS: Computer and Data Security | |
| NACT-260 | NCS: LAN WAN Design | |
| NACT-230 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| NACT-240 | World of Work | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| NACT-251 | CTS: Digital Systems Integration | |
| NACT-261 | NCS: Network Security | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| NACT-252 | CTS: Server Management and Security | |
| NACT-262 | NCS: Fund of Systems Administration | |
| NACT-235 | Introduction to Database Applications | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 2, 3, 4 | 9 | |
| Cooperative Education | Co-op | |
| Third Year | ||
| NACT-295 | ACT Technical Capstone | 3 |
| Professional/Technical Electives§ | 6 | |
| LAS Perspective 6 | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 72 | |
Please see New NTID General Education Curriculum-Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
† Deaf Perspectives on Contemporary Civilization (NHSS-150) or ASL I (NASL-190)
‡ NTID mathematics course NMTH-120 or higher. It is recommended that students take NMTH-140 Mathematics in Society.
§ ACT program electives include Computer and Data Security (NACT-250), Digital syste,s Integration (NACT-251), A+ Certification Prep (NACT-255), LAN WAN Design (NACT-260), Network Security (NACT 261), Network+ Certification Prep (NACT-265), Network Defense Technologies (NACT-266), Web Applications (NACT-270), Client-side Scripting (NACT-271). Additional electives from another NTID major can be taken with approval from the ICS Department Chair.