Overview
This associate degree is under revision and is not currently accepting new students.
Information Technology (IT) is a STEM discipline that covers the computing hardware, software, networks, and other technology that most modern organizations use today. As the complexity and performance of technology have increased, so has the demand for highly skilled workers. WMCC offers an extremely flexible Associate in Science hybrid degree in IT that suits personal lifestyles and work commitments and generates excellent opportunities for college transfer and employment.
Industry Focused
The Associate in Science degree in Information Technology provides students with extensive training in three areas:
Networking: This IT degree is offered in conjunction with Cisco Networking Academy program. As of 2021, students work with the new CCNAv7 curriculum. The courses in the CCNA Version 7.0 curriculum help students develop a comprehensive foundation for designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting modern computer networks, ranging from small business networks to enterprise networks. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and essential career skills, including problem solving and collaboration. This degree also prepares students for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) certification exam.
Operating Systems & Security: This module of courses covers network operating systems. It also prepares students for the cybersecurity challenges they will face in the IT industry, and it prepares them for the Comp TIA Security+ Exam.
Programming: This degree introduces programming in several languages. Students start with a foundation in C# and then expand to object-orientated programming with Java and a course on SQL databases. According to Coding Dojo’s list of the Most In-Demand Programming Languages for 2019, SQL and Java are in the top three.
Flexibility
This IT degree is offered in a face-to-face/hybrid (FH) format. Consequently, students see their professors on campus every other week for lab work and questions. They also have the flexibility to learn much of the material at home on their own schedule. This flexibility offers the best of both worlds. Note: This degree has general education requirements.
Pathways
Cisco and CompTIA certifications are industry-recognized achievements that are continually updated. These certifications provide students with credentials that boost their already excellent employment opportunities. WMCC’s IT program also has an active advisory board that not only reviews the curriculum, but also provides opportunities for real-world IT experiences. Students completing the associate degree in Information Technology with course grades of C or better can transfer all credits earned at WMCC to Plymouth State University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology or Rivier University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management and enter as a junior. The IT program has also developed a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of New Hampshire Manchester and Granite State College.
Students may also opt to enroll in the two-semester Information Technology certificate, designed to provide specific skills and competencies for the computer user.
First Year
| Fall Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
| ENGL120W | College Composition | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| IST113W | IT Essentials | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| IST125W | Introduction to Programming | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| IST151W | Computer Networking I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester Totals | 13 | 4 | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||||
| IST114W | Linux Essentials | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| IST153W | Computer Networking II | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| PHYS118W | The Physics of Raspberry Pi | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Mathematics | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
| Semester Totals | 12 | 4 | 14 | |
| Total Credits for Year | 29 | |||
| Summer Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
| IST200W | IT Internship | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Total Credits for Summer | 1 | |||
Second Year
| Fall Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
| ENGL211W | Professional Writing | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| IST232W | Computer Security | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| IST 251W | Computer Networking III | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
| Semester Totals | 16 | 0 | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||||
| IST115W | Object Oriented Programming with JAVA | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| IST230W | Network Servers and Security | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| IST235W | SQL Databases | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| IST253W | Computer Networking IV | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 15 | 2 | 16 | |
| Total Credits for Year | 32 | |||
| Total for A.S. Degree | 62 |
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Troubleshoot, configure, and maintain desktop computer hardware.
- Install and configure Windows computers and servers.
- Design local area networks using multiple subnetworks.
- Configure networking devices to forward traffic throughout local area networks.
- Configure networking devices to connect to Internet Service Providers.
- Configure and maintain computer network servers.
- Establish and maintain basic network security policies and procedures.
- Prepare for selected industry recognized certifications.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the foundation of programming languages and object-oriented databases.
- Demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrate knowledge in social, legal, and ethical implications of computer information technology.
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