Course Catalog

IT Technician Diploma

West Burlington Campus

The Networking Administration and Cybersecurity program offers hands-on experience with installation, maintenance and administration of PC networks. Students will spend time working on security principles and router, switch and firewall configuration. The program offers the latest equipment and software, plus experience with Microsoft and Linux operating systems. Students will leave with the skills and knowledge industry requires.

During the second semester, students will take NET-101 IT Fundamentals, where they have the opportunity to earn CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification.

The IT Technician Diploma is awarded after successful completion of the second semester.

*Diploma can be earned one time.

For specific information regarding program rules and expectations, please view the Information Technology Programs Handbook.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Sequence


Fall Semester Course Title Credit
NET-277 IT Foundations 2
NET-142 Network Essentials 3
CIS-125 Introduction to Programming Logic with Language 3
NET-442 Linux Operating System 3
ENG-105 Composition I 3
Take 1 of 2 courses
MAT-702 Introduction to Math Applications 3
MAT-772 Applied Math (online) 3
TOTAL CREDITS 17

Spring Semester Course Title Credit
NET-276 IT Applications 2
CIS-504 Structured Systems Analysis 3
NET-261 Virtualization/Cloud Operations 3
NET-637 Network Intrusion Investigation 3
NET-314 Windows Server 4
Take 1 of 2 courses
HUM-287 Leadership Development Studies 3
SOC-114 Conflict Resolution in the Workplace 3
TOTAL CREDITS 18

NET-277 - IT Foundations

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of personal computer components
and their functions in a desktop system; a knowledge of computer data storage and retrieval; and skills in classifying, installing, configuring, optimizing, upgrading, and troubleshooting printers, laptops, portable devices, operating systems, networks, and system security. This course also gives students the ability to recommend appropriate tools, diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance, and
troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components in a desktop system; strategies for identifying, preventing, and reporting safety hazards and environmental or human accidents in
technological environments. The course prepares student for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification exam, which will be taken at the end of the semester.

NET-142 - Network Essentials

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide students with the background necessary to understand the local area networking information in Microsoft courses on workstations and networking. This course provides students with the information needed to build a foundation in current networking technology for local area networks, wide area networks and the Internet.

CIS-125 - Introduction to Programming Logic with Language

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Introduction to computer programming with structured program development and module designs emphasized. Write programs related to several areas, including input/output, numerical computation, iteration, recursion, data manipulation and interactive procedures.

NET-442 - Linux Operating System

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course will cover the essentials of installing, configuring, maintaining, administering and troubleshooting the Linux operating system.

ENG-105 - Composition I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.

MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

MAT-772 - Applied Math (online)

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course covers all fundamental arithmetic concepts and more routine algebraic operations. Arithmetic concepts are fractions, percentages, graphing, decimals, ratios, word problems, metrics, areas and volumes. Algebraic work includes solving simpler equations, proportions and formula rearrangement. Appropriate CPT score on math assessment or prerequisite course.

NET-276 - IT Applications

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course introduces skills in identifying operating systems and their configurations and in
implementing security principles across devices and networks. Students will also gain skills in troubleshooting software, security, and malware issues, and in implementing basic operational procedures in documentation, change management, compliance, and communication. The course will introduce basic disaster recovery and business continuity procedures, scripting basics, and remote access technology solutions. The course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification exam, which will be taken at the end of the semester.

CIS-504 - Structured Systems Analysis

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course will provide theory and practice in the complete process of systems analysis and design and the steps involved.  Actual systems analysis and design lab practices will measure the student's understanding as well as provide an opportunity to apply concepts in project management. Prerequisites: ENG-105 or with instructor approval, NET-276, NET-142, NET-442 and CIS-125.

NET-261 - Virtualization/Cloud Operations

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course prepares students to be able to implement, manage, and troubleshoot virtualization concepts used for desktops and servers. Students will learn to develop, manage, and maintain cloud services as well as the cloud operation concepts of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. This course also leads students to have the skills necessary to pass the CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam. Prerequisites: NET-142 and NET-442.

NET-637 - Network Intrusion Investigation

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course enables students to use penetration-testing tools and techniques that ethical hackers and security testers utilize to protect computer networks. Skills and techniques include footprinting, social engineering, port scanning, numeration and cryptography will be covered. This course incorporates a lab component in which students practice skills designed to secure network connections and prevent attacks. Prerequisites: ENG-105, NET-142, and NET-442.

NET-314 - Windows Server

Lecture: 2

Lab: 4

Credit: 4

Windows Server covers the issues of setting up a client/server environment using Windows Server software. The course begins with file server basics. Determining the cost of a network and choosing appropriate network hardware are included. Students will receive hands-on experience in preparing client computers, installing Windows Server software and setting up a complete client/server environment. They will learn how to configure a domain environment with DNS/DHCP, and remote access.  Prerequisites: NET-142 and NET-276.

HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

Brenda Wamsley - Associate Professor - Information Technology

Email: bwamsley@scciowa.edu
Diploma, Indian Hills Community College
AAS, Southeastern Community College
BGS, Western Illinois University
MS, Western Governors University