Information Technology – General Studies Option

The Information Technology (IT) – General Studies option at GTCC is designed for students who want the ultimate flexibility and the option to select their own IT courses to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Aside from the required courses, you can create a customized degree plan based on IT courses that interest you. In this option, you choose 27 credit hours of IT classes that are applied to your degree. If you choose one or more IT Certificate programs of study, when you complete your AAS degree, you will also have certificates in other areas of IT. This is not required, however, and you may select any approved IT course from the following prefixes: CT, CIS, CSC, CTI, CTS, DBA, HBI, HIT, NET, NOS, SEC, SGD, or WEB.

Credentialing Options

Information Technology - General Studies Option, AAS

A 25 59 0 AB

Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50325

The General Studies track, within the Information Technology degree program provides students with a unique opportunity to customize their own program of study within Information Technology.  Students can select from the certificates in various IT disciplines, in order to create stack-able credentials.  For example, students may select Cyber Crime and Mobile Device Development certificates to embed within their General Studies track.  In this case the student would earn an AAS degree in Information Technology, along with two certificates - one in Cyber Crime and the second in Mobile Device Development. 

This degree track provides the ultimate in flexibility and customization for students who desire a specific skill set, or are currently unsure of their decided major area of focus within IT.  With 27 hours in Technical Electives, this degree works perfect for stacking credentials within the degree.  GTCC's Computer Technology Department offers many IT curriculum certificate programs that are only 12 hours each, so feel free to find one of the many certificates that interest you, and apply those credits towards this degree. 

Earn your two-year degree, and two or more certificates along the way.  With such an open curriculum, it is recommended that students select at least one certificate to obtain while completing this degree.  In addition, students should also contact their faculty advisor for proper scheduling of courses.

Upon successful completion of the Information Technology, General Studies track, graduates should be able to:

  • Identify basic network components.
  • Analyze the technical needs of end users.
  • Develop a website using industry standards.
  • Identify various computer security threats.
  • Troubleshoot and repair common computer problems.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 17

Spring Semester I

  •   Credits: 3
  • Technical Elective Credits: 3 1
  • Technical Elective Credits: 3 1
  • Technical Elective Credits: 3 1
  • Natural Science/Mathematics Elective Credit:  3-5 3

Total Credits: 15-17

Summer Semester I

  • Communication Elective Credits: 3 2
  • Humanities/Fine Arts Elective Credits:  5

Total Credits: 6

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 15

Spring Semester II

Total Credits: 15

Total credit hours required for degree: 68-70

Electives

1. Technical Electives

Take 24 credits from any of the following courses:

2. Communication Electives

Take one course from:

3. Natural Science/Mathematics Electives

Choose one course from:

4. Social/Behavioral Science Electives

Choose one course from:

5. Humanities/Fine Arts Electives

Choose one course from:

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Information Technology - Computer Technology Integration Certificate

C 25 59 0 C1

The Computer Technology Integration Certificate is designed to prepare graduates for employment with organizations that use computers to process, manage, and communicate information. Course work will develop a student's ability to communicate and solve complex technical issues related to computer hardware, software, and networks in a manner that computer users can understand.  Classes cover computer operating systems, application software, hardware support, computer programming, database technology, networking, security, and technical support.

Upon successful completion of the Computer Technology Integration certificate, graduates should be able to:

  • Analyze the technical needs of end users.
  • Prepare a professional document, spreadsheet, and presentation.
  • Identify basic security threats.
  • Explain the differences between various common operating systems.
  • Examine various hardware components and their purpose.
  • Develop a functional website.
  • Illustrate proper coding techniques used within a computer program.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Courses

Total Credits: 15

Total credit hours required for certificate: 15

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Information Technology - C++ Programming Certificate

C 25 59 0 C3

The C++ Programming Certificate focuses on the principles and practices necessary to design, develop, and deploy applications using a C++ interactive development environment (IDE). Graduates will be able to build real-world C++ applications based on the knowledge and skills gained in the program. This program prepares the learner to seek entry-level career positions such as: Programmer, Web Database Developer and C++ Developer. Graduates will be able to apply and use Object Oriented Programming (OOP) and C++ to develop stand-alone and web-based applications with database connectivity.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of C++ Programming certificate, the graduate should be able to:

  • Analyze the technical needs of end-users.
  • Design a program in C++ to meet end-user requirements.
  • Develop a program that integrates with a relational database.
  • Develop a program that incorporates Object-Orientated programming methodologies.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Courses

Total Credits: 13

Total credit hours required for certificate: 12-13

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Information Technology - JAVA Programming Certificate

C 25 59 0 C4

The Java Programming Certificate focuses on the principles and practices necessary to design, develop, and deploy applications using a Java interactive development environment (IDE). Graduates will be able to build real-world Java applications based on the knowledge and skills gained in the program. This program prepares the learner to seek entry-level career positions such as: Programmer, Web Database Developer and Java Developer. Graduates will be able to apply and use Object Oriented Programming (OOP) and Java to develop stand-alone and web-based applications with database connectivity.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of JAVA Programming certificate, the graduate should be able to:

  • Analyze the technical needs of end-users.
  • Design a program in JAVA to meet end-user requirements.
  • Develop a program that integrates with a relational database.
  • Develop a program that incorporates Object-Orientated programming methodologies.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Courses

Total Credits: 13

Total credit hours required for certificate: 13

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Information Technology - Web Development Certificate

C 25 59 0 C6

Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50116

The Web Development Certificate prepares graduates for careers in website development and maintenance.  Course work in this program covers the terminology and use of computers to build, manage, maintain, and deploy an online presence in today's multifaceted Internet.  Topics covered within this certificate include PHP, Multimedia, Website (mobile and traditional) Development and Design. Studies will provide an opportunity for students to learn related industry standards.

Upon successful completion of Web Development certificate, graduates should be able to:

  • Identify inefficiencies in existing website and incorporate enhancements to appearance, coding, and overall functionality into a new website.
  • Design and develop a website that satisfies specified requirements.
  • Develop a website with current industry standard software and techniques.
  • Design and develop a website that meets World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Courses

Total Credits: 15

Total credits required for certificate: 15

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Information Technology - Internet Marketing & Social Media Certificate

C 25 59 0 C7

The Internet Marketing & Social Media Management Certificate prepares graduates for careers in the professional management of web content for businesses.  Course work in this certificate covers the development of websites through content management systems.  Additional topics covered within this certificate include search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, Internet marketing, and web analytics. Studies will provide an opportunity for students to learn how to best develop, deploy, and manage a business' complete online presence.

Upon successful completion of the Internet Marketing & Social Media Management, graduates should be able to:

  • Analyze the website related needs of the client.
  • Deploy a professional online presence through a content management system.
  • Integrate a professional social media presence for a business.
  • Develop a website that is optimized for a search engine.
  • Use analytics to measure online activity.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Courses

Total Credits: 12

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Frequently Asked Questions

You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC. During the advising process, you can tell your advisor which option you want to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.

Michael Collins, Instructor
336-334-4822, ext. 50478
mrcollins@gtcc.edu

Paul Campbell, Instructor
336-334-4822, ext. 50828
pmcampbell1@gtcc.edu

Yes. Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822, option 3.

No. All software needed to complete this degree is free to students. You will learn to use several industry-standard professional industry-standard computer software applications during the completion of this degree.

You will need a PC running the Windows operating system. An Apple brand computer running the MacOS operating system may not support some of the software you are required to use. If using a Mac, please ensure you can dual boot to Windows or use a virtualization application (such as Virtual Box, VMware, Parallels, etc.) for Windows applications.

Yes. This program is offered entirely online as part of our Online Learning Program. It is also available at our Jamestown Campus.