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Information Technology
Information Technology Security Specialist Concentration (BSS)
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 prepares students for current and emerging positions supporting a wide range of information assurance and security concerns within public, private, and government organizations.

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:  Algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, English, writing, speech, computer literacy.

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 Security Specialist Concentration should be able to:

• apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
• analyze a problem, then identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
• design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
• function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
• demonstrate an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities.
• communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society, including ethical, legal, security, and global policy issues.
• recognize the need for, and engage in, continuing professional development.
• use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
• apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information assurance and security methodologies.
• identify and analyze organizational information assurance and security (IAS) requirements.
• incorporate knowledge of organizational IAS requirements into the processes of selection, creation, evaluation, and administration of computer-based systems.
• integrate information assurance and security solutions into the organizational environment.
• participate in activities required to address an organizational security breach.
• train personnel in the effective use of information assurance and security measures.
• apply best practices and standards in their work. participate in the creation of an effective project plan.
• assume a leadership role in a group work environment when required.

Performance Standards:  Students enrolled in the major must earn a minimum final grade of 'C' in each of the following courses: CIT 230, CIT 335, CIT 430, CSC 300, IAS 311, IAS 411, IAS 412, IAS 461, IAS 466, IAS 490, MGT 403, MTH 160, MTH 240.

Directed Information Technology Security Specialist electives: CIT 236, CIT 250, CIT 270, CIT 280, CIT 291, CIT 342, CIT 336, ENL 301, and MTH 242 or higher

Additional Information:  The courses required by this major meet all of the elements of the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) National Training Standard for Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals, NSTISSI No. 4011.

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

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