Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology

Information technology provides systematic foundations that include methodologies and models for conceptualizing the complex dynamics of the Information Technology environment as it applies to information systems design and implementation.

IT professionals possess the right combination of knowledge and practical, hands-on expertise to take care of both an organization’s information technology infrastructure and the people who use it. They assume responsibility for selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization. They integrate those products with organizational needs and infrastructure and install, customize and maintain those applications, thereby providing a secure and effective environment that supports the activities of the organization’s computer users. In IT, programming often involves writing short programs that typically connect existing components (scripting).

Planning and managing an organization’s IT infrastructure is a difficult and complex job that requires a solid foundation in applied computing as well as management and people skills. Those in the IT discipline require special skills – in understanding, for example, how networked systems are composed and structured, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. There are important software systems concerns such as reliability, security, usability, and effectiveness and efficiency for their intended purpose; all of these concerns are vital. These topics are difficult and intellectually demanding.

The program supports work processes and employee performance enhancements; is designed to improve overall workgroup and individual productivity; and addresses the creation, distribution, storage, and use of information in all its states. Business processes are incorporated as an integral part of all course content. Information Technology encompasses:

  • Client/Server Side Computing
  • Project Management
  • Multimedia
  • Networks
  • Database Systems
  • System Analysis
  • Information Security
  • Network/ Cybersecurity
  • Application Development
  • E-Commerce Programming

IT graduates of the AAS degree program may continue their studies towards a bachelor's degree in a computer or information technology area or may obtain full-time employment as database specialist, help desk support, network technicians, web/digital designers, and in other closely related fields.

IT graduates of the BSAS degree program may obtain full-time employment as web & multimedia designers/developers, network administrators, computer programmers, application developers, database managers, computer systems analysts, cybersecurity specialist, and in other closely related fields.

Associate Degree Program

Graduates of the associate degree program can pursue careers in service and support of information systems, as well as continuing on to a bachelor's degree in information technology. This degree may be earned in four semesters if students average 15-16 hours per semester.

Students wishing to receive the Associate of Applied Science in information technology must complete the following:

COURSE TITLE S.H.
FIRST YEAR REQUIREMENT -STUDENT SUCCESS
YSU 1500Success Seminar1-2
or SS 1500 Strong Start Success Seminar
or HONR 1500 Intro to Honors
General Education Requirements
ENGL 1550Writing 13-4
or ENGL 1549 Writing 1 with Support
ENGL 1551Writing 23
CMST 1545Communication Foundations3
MATH 1552Applied Mathematics for Management4
Select 2 courses from 2 of the domains: AH, SS, or NS (one must include a lab)6
Major Requirements
CSIS 1525Survey of Modern Operating Systems3
CSIS 1570Web Systems and Technologies3
CSIS 1590Survey of Computer Science and Information Systems3
CSIS 1595Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 12
CSIS 1595LFundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 Lab1
CSIS 2605Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 22
CSIS 2605LFundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 Lab1
CSIS 2620System Configuration and Maintenance3
INFO 3704Business Communication3
or ENGL 3743 Introduction to Public, Professional and Technical Writing
CSIS 3722Development of Databases3
CSIS 3731Human-Computer Interaction3
CSIS 3755Information Assurance3
CSIS 3782Cisco Networking Academy 13
Additional Course Work to total 60 s.h.
Free Electives7
Total Semester Hours60-62
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallS.H.
YSU 1500
Success Seminar
or Strong Start Success Seminar
or Intro to Honors
1-2
ENGL 1550
Writing 1
or Writing 1 with Support
3-4
CSIS 1590 Survey of Computer Science and Information Systems 3
CSIS 1595 Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 2
CSIS 1595L Fundamentals of Programming and Problem-Solving 1 Lab 1
CMST 1545 Communication Foundations 3
MATH 1552 Applied Mathematics for Management 4
 Semester Hours17-19
Spring
ENGL 1551 Writing 2 3
CSIS 1525 Survey of Modern Operating Systems 3
CSIS 1570 Web Systems and Technologies 3
CSIS 2605 Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 2
CSIS 2605L Fundamentals of Programming and Problem- Solving 2 Lab 1
General Ed Course 3
 Semester Hours15
Year 2
Fall
CSIS 2620 System Configuration and Maintenance 3
CSIS 3722 Development of Databases 3
CSIS 3731 Human-Computer Interaction 3
CSIS 3782 Cisco Networking Academy 1 3
Free Elective 3
 Semester Hours15
Spring
CSIS 3755 Information Assurance 3
INFO 3704
Business Communication
or Introduction to Public, Professional and Technical Writing
3
General Education Course 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 1
 Semester Hours13
 Total Semester Hours60-62

Learning Outcomes

  1. The Associate program in Information Technology provides preparation for student’s basic knowledge of technologies in the implementation and troubleshooting of networks.
  2. The Associate program in Information Technology provides preparation for student’s basic knowledge of technologies in designing databases and extracting information using appropriate programs or applications.
  3. The Associate program in Information Technology provides preparation for student’s basic knowledge of technologies in assessing information management processes and procedures and the application of technologies.
  4. The Associate program in Information Technology provides preparation for student’s basic knowledge of technologies in developing interactive programs.