Program description
Information and telecommunication technologies continue to evolve in our personal and professional life. The ability of businesses and organizations to successfully plan, design, and implement technology-based communication systems is critical to keeping a competitive edge.
As the Internet expands and computing and converged digital networks and applications evolve, there will likely be a shortage of qualified “IT” workers in the future. That's why Century College is preparing information and telecommunication technology professionals for careers as:
- ITT system design and planning
- Network administration/management
- Technology systems architecture
- Network support
- IT project management
- Technical sales and marketing
This broad-based program of liberal, technical, and professional studies will prepare you for intelligent, effective, self-development in a complex and continually changing society. The Information and Telecommunication degree and certificate programs are designed with a digital “convergence” and information security orientation. The program also emphasizes the importance of business and communications skills in today's business climate.
A newly- constructed, multi-million dollar integrated technical laboratory provides a state-of-the-art facility for hands-on learning in:
- Computing and networking systems (Cisco CCNA)
- Voice/IP
- Storage area networking
- Mobile and wireless
- Information assurance/security
- Advanced routing and switching (Cisco CCNP)
Program points of pride
State-of-the-art multi-million dollar ITT Laboratory Facility Located in the Kopp Technology Center featuring:
- 10 Gig Network Infrastructure
- Storage Area Network Technology
- CCNA and CCNP Curriculum
- Multiple Vendor Vo/IP solution
- Digital Convergence Networks
- Century Lab-web based access to LAN/WAN equipment
- Monthly Sponsored Technical Industry Events
- Industry Experienced Certified Instructors
- ITT Industry Sponsored Scholarships
- ITT Industry Sponsored Paid Internship Opportunities
- Mobil and Wireless Technologies
ITT Program Competencies
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Develop and follow a code of ethics
- Develop the ability to analyze information system needs of information users, and specify information system solutions based on the identified need/s.
- Become knowledgeable about ergonomic and human factors relative to the modern work environment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of data, voice, and video communications terminology.
- Apply fundamental telecommunication networking concepts to meet customer requirements.
- Identify typical hardware and software components of a telecommunications environment and how their functions interrelate to one another.
- Define key protocols and standards used in telecommunications.
- Understand existing and defacto standard telecommunication protocols.
- Evaluate carriers, services, and costs related to voice, data and video communications.
- Relate protocols to interface control, flow control, and data link control, using contemporary test equipment.
- Diagnose and solve network problems in order to establish a defined grade of throughput.
- Conduct a traffic study and telecommunication needs analysis necessary for design of telecommunication network.
- Design, construct, and evaluate voice, data, and video networks based upon organizational telecommunication needs and standard communication protocols.
- Explain digitization, digital transmission, and digital switching.
- Understand network synchronization, network control, and network analysis.
- Define the functions of network equipment.
- Understand the quantitative principles, techniques, and practice involved in network design and analysis.
- Examine telecommunication vendor equipment in relation to their impact on the network/s. p1. Evaluate vendor responses to requirements documentation. Identify constraints, considerations, and strategies required to implement a network.
- Identify the activities needed to operate and maintain a network.
- Show through analysis of selected data, reasons for growth patterns and projections within the telecommunications industry.
- Become knowledgeable about human factors issues and their effectiveness on the network.
- Develop a working understanding of the OSI model.
- Develop and manage converged digital networks.
- Develop a customer service understanding and positive attitude.
- Develop effective communication skills.
Student points of pride
Students complete a comprehensive 5-Year Career Plan designed to promote and advance their understanding of IT and career directions as a part of the first semester course work.
Students complete a paid internship at the end of the two year program.
Three ITT students per year are awarded scholarships ranging from one to three thousand dollars.
Each student develops an electronic portfolio containing class projects, case studies, electronic resume, etc.
Awards
- Information and Telecommunication Technology A.A.S. Degree
- Information and Telecommunication Technology -30 Credit Certificate
- Information Assurance and Security 16 Credit Certificate
Planned Advanced Certificate Programs
- Networking Specialist
- Vo/IP Infrastructure & Management
- Convergence and Networking Technology Professional
- Storage Area Networking (SANS)
Articulation agreements
Transfer curriculum
The Century College Information and Telecommunication Technology degree program has articulation agreements with several Universities in the region for those students wishing to pursue a B.S. Degree upon completion of the AAS degree.
Occupational trends
Majority of graduates employed by regional companies. Typical starting salaries range from $40-$55K. Starting salaries vary depending on experience, certification and educational level and technical abilities.
Flexible learning options
The ITT program, and advanced certificate programs, are offered in traditional class environments as well as supplemented and enhanced online formats. Students can enroll in both day and evening class options. The program is flexible and is designed for traditional as well as non-traditional and working adults. Access to technical systems in the laboratory are available six days per week (Monday-Saturday) and via the Web.
Financial aid and scholarships
ADC Information and Telecommunication Technology Scholarship-$1000
To encourage and support students with financial need who desire to pursue a career in the Information and Telecommunication Technology field and are currently enrolled in the ITT program.
Minnesota Information Systems Security Association Scholarship-$2000
To support students enrolled in the ITT program who are in pursuit of a career working in the information security field.
Shavlik Technologies Scholarship-$3000
To encourage and support students with a financial need enrolled in the ITT program who are in pursuit of a career working in the Information Assurance and Security field.
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