Network Administrator Track
Software Developer Track
User Support Technician Track
Web Developer Track
Computer Literacy Certificate
Database Specialist Certificate
Information Security Certificate
Network Administrator Certificate
Software Developer Certificate
User Support Specialist Certificate
Also see: Computer Electronics Major (Electronic Engineering Technology)

 

The Computer Information Technology curriculum provides graduates with a foundation of logic, programming, operating systems, applications, systems analysis, and networking through a core set of courses. Learners may choose to specialize in a particular plan of study: Network Administrator, Software Developer, User Support, or Web Developer. CIT offers a number of industry subject-specific certificates in database, networking, hardware/software, and applications.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Computer Information Technology, Network Administrator Track, the graduate will be able to:

• Participate in collaborative projects utilizing the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Determine project requirements of a computer network system.
• Create project documentation using PC-based applications software.
• Install a variety of server configurations using current network software and protocols.
• Apply workstation configurations using a variety of operating systems commands.
• Integrate project requirements utilizing current database technology.
• Apply operating systems commands for effective disk management.
• Complete a series of exercises to prepare for a popular vendor certification program.

Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Technology, Software Developer Track, the graduate will be able to:

• Determine project requirements.
• Design an information technology solution pertaining to the student's degree.
• Develop applications using programming languages.
• Identify networking concepts.
• Prepare project documentation.
• Participate in collaborative projects utilizing the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Computer Information Technology, User Support Technician Track, the graduate will be able to:

• Participate in collaborative projects utilizing the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Determine project requirements.
• Create project documentation using PC-based applications software.
• Identify and install PC hardware components.
• Utilize fundamental elements of desktop publishing and Web applications to design and create projects, forms and Web pages.
• Apply operating system fundamentals for effective disk management.
• Perform network administration using a variety of network platforms.
• Structure a comprehensive solution to achieve project objectives.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Computer Information Technology, Web Developer, the graduate will be able to:

• Participate in collaborative projects utilizing the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Determine project requirements.
• Create project documentation using PC-based applications software.
• Develop applications using Web programming languages.
• Create a multiple page, multiple presentation Web site.
• Integrate project requirements for an e-commerce Web site using current database and networking technology.
• Complete a series of exercises to prepare for a popular vendor certification program.
• Apply operating systems fundamentals for effective disk management.

In addition to many of the Computer Information Technology competencies, a graduate with a Certificate in the Software Developer Track will be able to:

• Demonstrate techniques of object analysis and object design.
• Design and code programs in C++ and Visual Basic.NET.
• Debug a C++ or Visual Basic.NET program.
• Develop Web front-end applications.
• Utilize a database for a Web application.

In addition to many of the Computer Information Technology competencies, a graduate with a Certificate in Database Specialist will be able to:

• Prepare a systems design utilizing a database management system.
• Design and implement an Oracle and Access database.
• Perform basic administration functions of a database management system.
• Understand data warehousing systems.
• Use the Visual Basic.NET language to interface with a database management system.

In addition to many of the Computer Information Technology competencies, a graduate with a Certificate in Information Security will be able to:

• Describe and analyze security threats.
• Protect and organization’s system and data.
• Design disaster recovery strategies for the enterprise.
• Design and implement computer forensics strategies.
• Assess network vulnerabilities.
• Recognize and respond to security threats.
• Design and develop security audits for an organization.
• Understand the ethical issues related to network security.
• Design and implement wireless networks.
• Work with VPNs and firewalls.
• Protect Internet connections and intranets as well as critical data from attacks.
• Learn how to carry out and implement secure communications across unsecured networks.

In addition to many of the Computer Information Technology competencies, a graduate with a Certificate in Network Administration will be able to:

• Describe the various types of distributed processing systems and operating systems.
• Design, create, and operate a distributed DBMS.
• Use at least one major LAN operating system.
• Complete an industry standard network system examination.
• Design, create, and implement a distributed processing system to support the information processing requirements for a large information management organization to include installing a DBMS.

In this certificate, the student will learn the fundamental components and terminology of personal computer hardware and software basic concepts. This certificate is designed for beginning computer users to develop computer literacy skills.

Upon completion of the Computer Literacy Certificate, the student will be able to:

• Use the Windows operating system to manage files and folders, including creating, renaming, copying, deleting, and moving.
• Demonstrate proficiency within the Blackboard environment.
• Navigate and explore the Internet and the World Wide Web utilizing Microsoft Internet Explorer.
• Utilize the Internet as an effective research tool.
• Describe the basic elements and terminology of the Windows operating system.
• Create and edit Word documents including a research paper, a resume, and a business letter.
• Create and format an Excel worksheet with embedded charts, formulas, and functions.
• Perform a What-if Analysis in Excel.
• Create and use an Access database including tables, queries, and reports.
• Create a slide show in PowerPoint.
• Integrate Office 2003 Applications and the WWW.

In addition to many of the Computer Information Technology competencies, a graduate with a Certificate in User Support Specialist will be able to:

• Identify the terms and concepts of information systems for business applications.
• Create project documentation using PC-based applications software.
• Identify and install PC hardware components.
• Develop and maintain a Web page.
• Use DOS and Windows operating system commands to perform basic system operations.
• Participate as a part of a group on a typical business system project.
• Apply the basic principles of Local Area Networks, including various topologies, types of communications, security operations, and available diagnostics.
• Perform basic network administration tasks.
• Explain networking protocols and network configurations, circuit analysis of high-speed modems, packet-switching techniques, pulse code and pulse-width modulation techniques.

Specific Program Admissions Information

Listed below are additional requirements for admission to the Computer Information Technology and Certificate programs.

Network Administrator Track

• MATH 102 – Beginning Algebra I
• OADM 131 – Keyboarding I
• Placement into ENGL101 – English Composition

Software Developer Track

• MATH 104 Intermediate Algebra
• Placement into ENGL101 or 111

User Support Technician Track

• Placement into ENGL101 – English Composition
• Placement into MATH 102 – Beginning Algebra I or completion of DEV 031 – Pre-Algebra
• OADM 131 – Keyboarding I

Web Developer Track

• Placement into ENGL101 – English Composition
• MATH 102 – Beginning Algebra I
• OADM 131 – Keyboarding I

Database Specialist Certificate

• Complete MATH 102 and faculty advisor approval

Information Security Certificate

• CIT 151 – Networking 1

Network Administrator Certificate

• Complete CIT 151 – Networking 1

Software Developer Certificate

• MATH 104 – Intermediate Algebra
• Work experience approved by the Department Chair

User Support Specialist Certificate

• CIT 101 – PC Applications 1
• Placement into ENGL101 – English Composition
• OADM 131– Keyboarding
• Placement into MATH 102 – Beginning Algebra I

Vocational Education Transfer Option with Ohio State University College of Education

The Computer Information Technology, Web Developer program at Columbus State has completed an articulation agreement with the Technical Education and Training Program of the Ohio State University College of Education. This agreement allows Computer Information Technology, Web Developer students to complete their associate degree at Columbus State, transfer their credits to Ohio State, and complete a baccalaureate degree in Technical Education and Training. Students completing the Ohio State program may be eligible for certification by the Ohio Department of Education to teach in related high school career and technical education programs throughout the State of Ohio. Interested students should contact their Columbus State department chairperson for curriculum requirements and additional details. Please note that course requirements for this transfer option may differ from the standard plan of study published in the catalog.