The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Information Technology (IT) provides students with broad and versatile skills to solve a wide range of problems in the field. The core of the curriculum introduces students to the fundamentals of IT with a focus on computer hardware, operating systems, system administration, networking, cloud computing, and information security. Students will learn how to handle current and future IT business/enterprise needs. The program prepares students for industry-standard certifications, such as those from Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA.
Information technology (IT) is concerned with management of computers at the infrastructure, operating system, and hardware level. Businesses, governments, and academic and scientific facilities, are all highly dependent on their IT infrastructure and personnel to aid in accomplishing the goals of these organizations. How servers, clients and their resident operating systems are installed, configured, networked, and maintained forms the central focus of the skills required for an IT professional.
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Programs in this Department
Education Opportunities
Students are prepared to continue their education in information technology by pursuing a variety of industry certifications and advanced training in specific areas like Cybersecurity, DevOps, Cloud Technologies, IT Infrastructure, and more.
Career Opportunities
Students who complete the program will qualify for entry level technology positions such as Helpdesk Support Technician, User Technology Support Analyst, User Support Specialist, or Network Associate.
Past graduates have gained employment in the following areas: CSKT Information Technology Department, CSKT Bison Range Information Technology Department, Energy Keepers, Wise Agent, MT Department of Transportation, and the US Air Force.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Associate of Science degree in Information Technology, students will:
- Interpret and differentiate technical terms used within Information Technology.
- Demonstrate how to install, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux client and server systems.
- Design, implement and troubleshoot network systems at the Cisco CCNA level.
- Perform teamwork to deploy local area networks based on case study parameters.
- Understand cloud technology on Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure systems at the cloud practitioner level.
- Discuss and compare technology changes within IT infrastructure.
- Determine how to analyze and solve end-user issues with various troubleshooting techniques.
- Identify and describe ways to be culturally respectful when assisting indigenous end-users with technical support.
Requirements and Prerequisites
The AS in IT degree is designed to expand on a student’s foundational skills and passion for technology and computers. Students will learn skills and concepts that allow them to be “job ready” for a career in Information Technology. As such, students entering the program must have foundational skills with computers including basic typing, using email, and basic computer literacy. Enthusiasm for learning and the motivation to troubleshoot technology are crucial characteristics of students who will be successful in this program. Academic advisors will discuss these things with students prior to them starting the program.
All new students must complete the SKC writing and math assessment in order to get them started in the correct English and Math courses.
Apply now and enjoy a unique educational experience that blends Western academic knowledge with Native American perspectives and practices. Benefit from smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Join a supportive community that values cultural diversity and academic excellence, and prepare for a successful career and leadership role in your community. Apply today and start your journey towards a brighter future at SKC!