Computer and Information Technologies

Upon completion, the graduate will be qualified to take industry designed and recognized certification examinations. Employment opportunities include entry-level positions in installation and administration of local and wide area networks in medium to large businesses and organizations, and computer network administration positions in small businesses.

• Recent CIT salary information from the Bureau of Labor & Statistics

There are no special admission requirements for this program.

 

AAS Degree Tracks

Cloud Computing Technologies (AWS)

The Cloud Computing Technologies Track provides the concepts and skills needed to design, set-up, and maintain cloud-based information Systems. The curriculum provides specific training in Amazon Web Services solutions as well as network administration and storage solution technologies.  Employment opportunities are located worldwide.  Employment will include cloud-based system design and administration for medium to large businesses and organizations, as well as government entities.

Information Security

The information security track will provide a solid background in information security. This track will help prepare students for entry-level positions of network security, auditing and penetration testing, firewall configuration and computer crime investigation.

Internet Technologies

The Internet technologies track prepares students to design, program and maintain Internet-based services. With specializations in web programming and web server administration, two sub-plans: web programming and web administration.

Network Administration

The network administration track provides the concepts and skills needed to design, set-up, maintain and expand network and telecommunications systems. The curriculum provides specific training in Cisco, and/or Microsoft network systems. Employment opportunities include entry-level positions in installation and administration of local and wide area networks in medium to large businesses and organizations and computer network administration positions in small businesses.

Network Technologies

The network technologies track provides the concepts and skills needed to set up, maintain and expand networked computer systems.

Most of these degree tracks can be earned in 60 credit hours.

Note: Current CIT Students, prior to spring 2018, may still be on earlier degree check sheets – Please see your CIT Advisor to be sure.

Programming

The Programming Track prepares students to design, develop, and maintain computer programs written in current and emerging programming languages. With tracks in Information Systems and Software Development, students successfully completing this track are prepared for entry-level positions in computer programming or transfer to select four-year institutions.

 

KCTCS CIT Certificates - can be earned separately and many are embedded in the degree. 

(Please see catalog to see which certifications are included with each degree track.)

EIGHTEEN KCTCS CIT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE:

• A+ Prep
• AWS Cloud Architecting
• Network+ Prep
• Security+ Prep
• CIT Fundamentals
• Computer Support Technician
• Computer Technician
• Productivity Software Specialist
• Information Security Specialist
• MS Network Administrator
• MS Enterprise Administrator
• CISCO Networking Associate
• CISCO Networking Enhanced
• Network Technologist Specialist
• Web Administration
• Web Programming
• Social Media Specialist
• Digital Forensics

Note that ACTC is also a Pearson-Vue/Comp-TIA certified IT testing center.  We are qualified to give Industry Information Technology Certifications.

Any track of our CIT degree qualifies for a fully transferable 2+2 agreement with Western Kentucky University (WKU). Our program leads from an Associate of Applied Science degree in an IT-related area to a 24-hour reduction in a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology (CIT). Students planning to transfer under a 2+2 program must register for that program and follow its curriculum. In addition, the WKU Degree program is offered entirely online, allowing the student to work or stay in the tri-state area and earn a bachelor's degree. If you have any questions, please see the WKU website (link opens in new window) for more information.

KCTCS also has a transfer agreement with Northern Kentucky University (NKU).  Our CIT degree program can lead to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology from NKU through the following pathways:

• KCTCS CIT AAS degree to NKU CIT BS degree - Informatics Track
• KCTCS CIT AAS degree to NKU CIT BS degree - Associate of Science Track
• KCTCS CIT AAS degree in NKU CIT BS degree - Network Administration Track
• KCTCS CIT AAS degree in NKU CIT BS degree - Information Security Track
• KCTCS CIT AAS degree in NKU CIT BS degree - Web and Database Administration Track

Please see the NKU KCTCS2NKU website (link opens in new window) for more information.

• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Cloud Computing Technologies Track (AWS)
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT General Track (Program Coordinator Approval Required)
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Information Security Track
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Internet Technologies Track (Web Programming Sequence)
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Internet Technologies Track (Web Administration Sequence)
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Network Administration Track (CISCO Sequence)
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Network Administration Track (Microsoft Sequence)
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Network Technologies Track
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Programming Track (Information Systems Sequence)
• Semester Plan - AAS CIT Programming Track (Software Development Sequence)
• CIT Certificate Checklists

Completion of the program should take two years, assuming that you maintain full-time enrollment status and follow the course schedule and sequences as listed in the program semester plans.

The CIT internship course is an excellent opportunity to get “hand’s on” experience in the IT field.  Internships look good on a resume – they give you practical knowledge in your chosen field.  

Benefits of Internships Includes:  

1. Gain valuable Work Experience,
2. Explore a Career Path,
3. Give yourself an edge in the job market,
4. Develop and refine skills,
5. Network with Professionals in the field,
6. Gain Confidence,
7. Transition into a possible job.  

It is a proven fact that employers look more favorably on students with Internship experience because they have more practical experience.

ACTC CIT Internship Details

Would you be interested in taking a CIT Internship course starting this spring, summer or fall?  CIT290 - CIT Internship counts as three (3) credit hours (counts as a CIT technical elective) and gets you working in the IT field!  This is an unpaid position, BUT you are applying what you have learned so far in a working IT environment.  I can tell you that every CIT student who has taken the Internship so far has really enjoyed it and has learned a lot!

The course requires 120 hours of work spread over the semester.  You, Ashland Community and Technical College CIT, and your internship location will come to an agreement on this before you start.

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Be an ACTC CIT Student in good standing with at least 17 hours in CIT and an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. you meet or beat these criteria?   Are you interested?  Please contact me via email.

Please let me know if you are interested!

Steps to take:

1. Are you interested?  Let us know ASAP!  (Please note the Requirements!)
2. You will need to take an interview with CIT faculty and possibly an internship representative.
3. You will need to purchase insurance from Ashland Community and Technical College (Currently $11.00 per semester.)  The CIT Program Coordinator needs a copy of your paid insurance form BEFORE you can start.
4. You will sign a work contract outlining what you will do and what they/we expect from you.

Most of these items are required of workplaces today anyway.  This would be an excellent opportunity for you to get your foot in the door, gain valuable work experience, and is an excellent resume builder! 

I encourage you to do your best and I hope you are having a good semester. 

Best regards,

David Childress
Professor - CIT Internship Coordinator
Computer and Information Technologies (CIT)
Ashland Community and Technical College
david.childress@kctcs.edu 

Your success equals our success.

Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

CIT is an excellent career choice for women.