associate · School of IT
Associate of Science in Information Technology
Technical training for entry-level system specialist and user support roles.
60 credits Online
The purpose of this program is to offer technical training and a basic foundation in popular computer software applications as well as a general background in many computer concepts and techniques. Graduates will be ready to apply for entry-level positions as system specialist, user support specialist, and computer information managers.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain and make use of Information Technology tools in business organizations.
- Explain numbering system theory and understand symbolic logic reasoning using propositional calculus.
- Explain and make use of modern operating systems.
- Acquire practical experience using the integrated programs of Google Office Productivity Tools.
- Develop operational roles/responsibilities and processes for customer support.
- Explain and apply general-purpose computer language programming.
- Construct a computer and its components to match specific requirements.
- Organize and employ database management systems within a business organization.
- Apply best practices, architecture, model, and protocol for operating computer networks.
- Design and develop websites, including site definition and planning, IA, design, and construction.
- Develop an integrative learning project that offers a successful solution to a practical problem.
Program Breakdown by Course
| Course Number | Course Name | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education (15 Credits) | ||
| ASB 1001 English Composition I This course introduces students to college-level writing, focusing on logical sentence structure, grammar, and academic composition. Through structured writing processes—prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing—students develop clarity and organization. Emphasizing expository writing, critical analysis, and research-based essays, the course requires students to analyze texts and construct well-supported arguments. Additionally, it reinforces proficiency in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling for accurate written communication. With a strong emphasis on information literacy, vocabulary development, and source integration, students gain essential skills for academic and professional success, refining their ability to write clearly and effectively. | English Composition I | 3.0 |
| ASB 1002 English Composition II This course is a continuation of ENC 1001, designed for students who require additional time and practice to strengthen their writing skills before progressing to college-level coursework. Emphasizing the refinement of the writing process, students will further develop proficiency in academic writing, information literacy, and critical thinking. The course focuses on improving sentence structure, coherence, and organization while introducing students to business and professional writing. Through guided assignments, students will enhance their ability to construct well-supported arguments and effectively integrate research. | English Composition II | 3.0 |
| ASB 2038 College Algebra This course prepares students for disciplines requiring quantitative calculations, covering essential algebraic concepts and their applications. Topics include set theory, algebraic expressions, radicals, exponents, polynomial and rational equations, inequalities, and graphing functions. Students will explore rate of change, transformations, extreme values, and function modeling, along with one-to-one and inverse functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and their laws. The course also introduces systems of equations, including linear and nonlinear systems in multiple variables, providing a strong foundation for problem-solving in mathematical and applied contexts. | College Algebra | 3.0 |
| ASB 2039 Statistics This course provides students with a foundational understanding of statistical literacy and its applications in work-related, societal, and personal problem-solving. Emphasizing statistical reasoning over complex mathematical derivations, students will develop practical skills in data organization, graphical representation, and statistical interpretation. Key topics include data distribution, measures of center and variability, probability concepts, and normal distribution analysis. Through assignments and discussions, students will learn to critically analyze data, recognize the appropriate use of statistical tools, and interpret real-world statistical applications. | Statistics | 3.0 |
| BSB 2002 Critical Thinking and Ethics This course develops critical thinking and ethical analysis skills, focusing on argumentation, reasoning, and the justification of ethical positions in both personal and professional contexts. Students will examine key ethical concepts, evaluate multiple perspectives on ethical issues, and formulate well-supported conclusions. Emphasis is placed on professional ethics, including topics such as affirmative action, sexual harassment, employee privacy, and age discrimination, allowing students to reflect on their own values and develop a personal and professional code of conduct. Through case studies and discussions, students will enhance their ability to apply ethical reasoning and decision-making to real-world challenges. | Critical Thinking and Ethics | 3.0 |
| Core Courses (45 Credits) | ||
| ASB 2015 Information Management for Business This course explores the role of Information Technology (IT) in modern business environments, focusing on its use as a strategic tool to gain competitive advantage rather than just supporting operations. Students will examine the impact of globalization, the information explosion, and increased market competition on IT-driven business strategies. The course takes a management-oriented approach, making it valuable for both business professionals interested in IT and IT professionals seeking management insights. | Information Management for Business | 3.0 |
| ASB 2017 Principles of Project Management This course introduces students to the fundamentals of project management, focusing on planning, scheduling, and control as key phases in successfully managing projects. Students will learn essential skills to organize, execute, and oversee projects, ensuring they align with business goals and entrepreneurial ideas. Emphasizing teamwork and leadership, the course prepares students to collaborate effectively, solve common project challenges, and work within a team to achieve project success. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, students will gain hands-on experience with project management tools and techniques, preparing them for future roles in business and project coordination. | Principles of Project Management | 3.0 |
| ASI 1001 Service Desk Concepts This course provides a comprehensive introduction to service desk operations, emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of support professionals, essential processes and procedures, commonly used tools and technologies, performance measurement strategies, professional work environments, and customer support principles. Designed for individuals who currently work or aspire to work in a remote-based support environment, the course highlights key areas such as customer service, client training, operating system troubleshooting, and connectivity issue resolution. Students will gain a deep understanding of the evolving role of the service desk, while exploring emerging technology trends including cloud computing, virtualization, and mobile technology. Building upon existing user-level knowledge of personal computer software and hardware, the course equips learners with the fundamental concepts and practical skills essential for success in a remote technical support role. | Service Desk Concepts | 3.0 |
| ASI 1002 Principles of Information Technology This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), exploring their impact on the knowledge society, economy, and education. Students will analyze the role of ICT in digital transformation, the digital divide, and emerging trends, including cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). Throughout the course, fundamental concepts such as binary representation, hardware and software, databases, communication networks, data storage, and transmission will be covered. Additionally, students will examine online communication tools, social networks, cybersecurity, and strategies for managing digital identities. Through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous activities, students will engage in discussions, case analyses, and hands-on exercises that will allow them to understand the relationship between technology and its environment. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to evaluate the impact of ICT, apply knowledge in various organizational contexts, and contribute to digital transformation with an ethical and strategic perspective. | Principles of Information Technology | 3.0 |
| ASI 1020 Mathematical Logic This course covers proportional logic and certainty and validity tests, application of set number theory and counting principles for solving problems. The course develops the skills of abstraction for computer-related activities. | Mathematical Logic | 3.0 |
| ASI 2003 Software Operations This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of IT and digital technology, integrating core principles of operating systems with a broad overview of the IT landscape. It defines, explains, and applies essential operating system concepts such as process management, inter-process communication, memory management, I/O systems, and file systems, while also exploring key areas including hardware, software, programming, databases, networking, storage, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT support and operations | Software Operations | 3.0 |
| ASI 2008 Fundamentals of Database Systems This course emphasizes database concepts, developments, use and management in three main sections: database concepts, practice, and emerging trends. Relational database systems are the main focus, but other types, including object- oriented databases, are studied. The practical design of databases and developing database applications using modern software tools is emphasized. | Fundamentals of Database Systems | 4.0 |
| ASI 2009 Networking Management Fundamentals This course provides students with instruction in networking technologies and their implementation. Topics include the OSI reference model, network protocols, transmission media, and networking hardware and software. | Networking Management Fundamentals | 4.0 |
| ASI 2011 Web Page Development Concepts This course provides students with a strong foundation in web programming and front-end web development, focusing on the use of HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript to create dynamic, interactive, and visually engaging web content. Through hands-on projects and practical exercises, students will learn to structure web pages, apply styling and layout techniques, and implement client-side scripting to enhance user experience and interactivity. The course equips learners with essential skills to build modern, responsive websites and serves as a gateway to more advanced web development topics. | Web Page Development Concepts | 4.0 |
| ASI 2013 Associate Capstone The Associate Option Capstone is designed to provide knowledge on the identification, analysis and synthesis of current trends and incremental changes in the chosen technical area of study. | Associate Capstone | 4.0 |
| ASI 2014 Computer Programming Fundamentals This course continues the foundations of computer science by deepening students’ understanding of discrete structures, algorithm analysis, data structures, logic, digital fundamentals, modeling, and problem-solving techniques. With a strong emphasis on developing good programming style and best practices, students will engage in extensive hands-on exercises that promote “programming in the small”—solving problems through well-structured, modular code. The course is centered around the Python programming language, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios and build a solid base for future coursework in systems development, software engineering, and computational thinking. | Computer Programming Fundamentals | 4.0 |
| ASI 2015 Office Productivity Tools This course focuses on gaining fundamentals hands-on experience using the integrated programs of Productivity Tools. It is designed to use the basic features of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google communication tools, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Forms and to integrate data between the applications. | Office Productivity Tools | 4.0 |
| ASI 2016 Hardware Operations Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to configure a computer and its components to match specific requirements. Students will also learn to identify different kinds of network cabling, connection types, and mobile device technologies. | Hardware Operations | 3.0 |