College Catalog

One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701-5799 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

Information Technology
Network Specialist Concentration (BNW)
Academic School: Business & Computer Technologies
(Effective Fall 2008)

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)

LAPTOP REQUIREMENT: laptop/notebook computer required for enrollment in IT major courses CIT 160 and higher. Specifications are available at www.pct.edu/schools/BCT/comp_sci

This major helps prepare students for a variety of careers related to network design, installation, and maintenance.

Career Opportunities:  Depending upon the concentration, graduates will have an opportunity to pursue positions as Web Administrators, Web Site Developers and Specialists, Database Developers or Analysts, Systems Administrators or Analysts, Network Architects or Engineers, Data Communications Analysts or Information Systems Administrators, Operating Systems Programmers/Analysts, Software Development Engineers, Information Technology Engineers, Network Administrators or Analysts, Cyber Security Specialists and Antivirus Software Managers and related positions that continue to emerge in the information technology field. Exact titles and responsibilities relate to the academic and experiential requirements of the specific positions.

Recommended High School Subjects:  A strong background in English, mathematics through at least algebra, and science is desired. A familiarity with computer equipment and software is also desired.

Remediation Strategies:  Students should remediate any deficiencies prior to enrollment. Students must remediate English, mathematics and reading deficiencies within the first academic year. Mathematics remediation should be the highest priority. Eligibility to enroll in CIT 160 or higher is determined by placement test results.

Transfer Procedures:  All transfer credits will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine where they would fit into the curriculum sequence. Students must have earned a grade of 'C' or better in courses transferred into the major.

Program Goals:  Graduates of an Information Technology (IT) bachelor-degree major should be able to:

• assess the needs of an IT related problem and select, develop, integrate, and administer an appropriate solution including the appropriate application of security to protect the user's interests.
• demonstrate proficiency in the core Information Technologies.
• identify and explain the underlying principles upon which the core information technologies are based and how information is generated and disseminated to address user requirements.
• identify and explain the importance of users and their requirements in the development and deployment of IT solutions.
• practice organizational and project planning skills.
• use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address IT needs and solve IT problems.
• communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, using language appropriate for the intended audience.
• practice sufficient skill with the mathematics and science that underlie the core information technologies and the technologies specific to the selected majors of interest.
• apply necessary collaborative skills.
• employ accepted practices and standards within the IT industry.
• identify and explain standards of professionalism as they pertain to personal and work-related endeavors.
• identify and explain the social, ethical and legal implications of Information Technology.
• identify, evaluate and explain how changes in the IT discipline affect business, industry and their work environment.
• identify and explain the need for continuing professional development in the IT discipline.
• understand the basic financial principles of business and how it affects the IT industry.

Specifically, graduates of the Information Technology Network Specialist Concentration should be able to:

• demonstrate proficiency in the technical aspects of a network, including installation, maintenance, monitoring, resource management, user management, and performance issues.
• demonstrate working knowledge in common operating systems including installation, configuration, scripting, user and resource management, troubleshooting and the use of common system utilities.
• evaluate, analyze, design, manage, administer and troubleshoot networks.
• provide basic technical support including communication skills, diagnostic procedures, and customer relations.
• assume a leadership role.
• exhibit a portfolio of course assignments and projects.

Directed Network Specialist electives must meet these conditions. 1. Two directed elective courses must be at the 200 level or higher. 2. Directed electives can be any Information Technology (CIT) 200 level or higher course. 3. Directed electives can also be selected from the following courses: CIT 290, EET 220, EET 221, EET 222, EET 223, EET 240, ENL 301, SPC 301, SPC 302, MTH 250 and MTH 255

Pennsylvania College of Technology · One College Avenue · Williamsport, PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

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