Information Technology and Network Systems, Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

Program Outline and Course Descriptions

The Associate of Science degree in Information Technologies and Network Systems provides students with a solid foundation of skills in Information Technology and Networking systems. Students in this program gain an understanding of how networks actually work and how they are used in many businesses today. Students move from the basics of computer networking to advanced network issues and implementations. This challenging and exciting program gives students the tools and the information for potential employment in the IT and network service fields.

GENERAL EDUCATION
ENG 100 English Composition I 5
HUM 200 World History 5
MTH 101 Introductory Algebra 5
PHY 200 Physical Science 5
PSY 140 Introduction to Psychology 5
Total General Education 25
PROGRAM CORE
BUS 150 Entrepreneurship 5
ITS 100 Hardware Technology Fundamentals 5
ITS 110 Fundamentals of Operating Systems 5
ITS 120 Managing Computer Devices 5
ITS 130 Systems Support 5
ITS 150 Basic Networking 5
ITS 180 Administering Networks 5
ITS 190 Network Maintenance 5
ITS 200  Microsoft Endpoint Administrator 5
ITS 210 Network System Services 5
ITS 220 Introduction to Database Management 5
ITS 230 Managing Information Systems 5
ITS 240 Cyber Security Fundamentals 5
LAR 100 College Orientation 5
PMT 255 Project Management 5
Total Program Core 75
                 Total Credit Hours 100

The academic year is defined as 3 Quarters and 36 quarter credits.

*Students enrolled in Nevada must take POL 210 in addition to the courses listed in the program outline.

  • Demonstrate proficiency with a LAN and WAN networking systems.

  • Design and construct virtual environments.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in routing and switching.

  • Plan and develop relational databases.

  • Analyze network security and understand how it is maintained and implemented in an organization.

  • Identify tools, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for personal computers, laptops, peripherals, and operating systems.

The Information Technologies and Network Systems of Associate of Science Degree program is 100 quarter credits and can be completed in two (2) years if the student attends all terms full time and consecutively.

GENERAL EDUCATION

ENG 100 English Composition I
Building on English Composition I, this course focuses on advanced writing, research, and analytical skills. Students will engage in critical reading, argumentative writing, and research-based projects. Emphasis is placed on effective communication, persuasive writing, and academic integrity. By the end of the course, students will be able to craft well-researched, compelling arguments across various disciplines.

HUM 200 World History
This course provides an overview of key historical events, civilizations, and cultural developments across the world. Topics include ancient civilizations, the Industrial Revolution, and modern global conflicts. Students will explore historical perspectives on social, economic, and political change. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze historical trends and their impact on contemporary society.

MTH 101 Introductory Algebra
This course introduces students to fundamental algebraic concepts, including equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. Students will develop problem-solving skills through real-world applications of algebra, preparing them for more advanced mathematical concepts. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in algebra to support future coursework in business, science, and technology.

PHY 200 Physical Science
Students will explore the principles of physics and chemistry, including motion, energy, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. This course emphasizes real-world applications of physical science concepts. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply scientific reasoning to analyze natural phenomena.

PSY 140 Introduction to Psychology
Students will explore fundamental concepts of psychology, including human behavior, cognition, development, and mental health. This course examines psychological theories and their real-world applications. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze psychological influences on behavior and decision-making.

 

PROGRAM CORE
BUS 150 Entrepreneurship
This course introduces students to the principles of entrepreneurship, including business planning, funding, and market analysis. Students will explore the challenges and opportunities of starting and managing a small business. By the end of the course, students will develop a business concept and apply entrepreneurial strategies to real-world scenarios.

ITS 100 Hardware Technology Fundamentals
Students in this course explore the fundamentals of computer hardware, learning about the various components that make up a computer. The students develop essential file management skills and learn how to troubleshoot common problems that may arise while working with a computer. As part of the course, students focus on the motherboard, examining its various components and their respective functions. Computer memory, operating systems, and storage drives are the topics covered in the curriculum. The students will study computer power supplies, learning to measure their output and remove and replace them properly. Throughout the course, students gain practical experience with multiple system types and acquire the ability to troubleshoot a wide range of computer hardware problems. The comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-equipped to handle and resolve common hardware problems.

ITS 110 Fundamentals of Operating Systems
In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of operating systems, including installation, configuration, and management. The curriculum covers essential topics such as system architecture, process management, memory management, file systems, and security. Students will also learn troubleshooting techniques and best practices for maintaining system performance and reliability. They will develop the skills needed to support and optimize various operating systems in real-world environments through hands-on labs and practical exercises.

ITS 120Managing Computer Devices
This course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ certification exam by evaluating their knowledge and practical skills. It assesses their ability to install, manage, repair, and troubleshoot PC hardware and operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Throughout the course, students explore Active Directory, user and group management, virtual memory, system backup, and other key functions of Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions. Additionally, the curriculum covers security best practices, incident response, social engineering, and other security-related topics. Students also engage in scenario-based learning to analyze workplace situations objectively.

ITS 130 Systems Support
In this course, students explore operating systems specifically designed for networking, examining the differences among various systems. They gain hands-on experience by installing and customizing these operating systems, utilizing system registries and diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting common issues. Additionally, the curriculum covers a range of topics, including internet communication, web browsing, email usage, file transfers, and communication through phone lines and modems, providing a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and practical aspects of networking.

ITS 150 Basic Networking
This course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of networks. Students will learn about communication services, mail services, and management services. They will gain an understanding of the different layers that make up a network by exploring networking standards and models. A variety of network protocols and their functions will also be examined. In this course, students will explore different types of networking media and learn how to install protocols on various operating systems. A comparison will be made between LANs and WANs, along with an examination of the transport systems that support both. Other topics may include the installation and configuration of network interface cards (NICs). The students will study network hardware such as hubs, repeaters, bridges, and routers.

ITS 180 Administering Networks
Students in this course learn about common causes of service outages and the costs that come with them. Network administrators need a comprehensive understanding of key networking concepts and technologies, including storage, network architecture, Voice over IP (VoIP), and server consolidation. Throughout the course, they also explore methods for measuring network availability, designing data centers, and examining essential factors when consolidating resources.

ITS 190 Network Maintenance
In this course, students explore the essentials of a wide-area network (WAN), including its implementation and the establishment of remote connectivity. They will gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences among various network operating systems. Students will also learn how to establish users, groups, and permissions within a network.

ITS 200 Microsoft Endpoint Administrator
In this course, students will gain the skills to deploy, manage, and secure modern Windows environments in preparation for the Microsoft MD-102: Endpoint Administrator examination. Students will gain hands-on experience deploying Microsoft clients through lab exercises, real-world case studies, and practical troubleshooting exercises. Throughout the course, students will learn about Windows client deployment, identity and access management, device compliance, security policies, and troubleshooting strategies using Microsoft Intune, Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), and other enterprise tools.

ITS 210 Network System Services
Network Information Services provide the structure for authenticating and authorizing users at work. This course prepares students to manage and administer these services in a Windows domain environment. Topics include Active Directory, Group Policy, File Services, DNS, Remote Access Management, Server Management, and many other supporting services.

ITS 220 Introduction to Database Management
This course provides an in-depth understanding of database systems, focusing on their design, implementation, and management. Students will explore relational database models, SQL programming, data normalization, and the latest industry practices. Through theoretical lessons and practical labs, learners will gain the skills necessary to design and manage efficient database systems.

ITS 230 Managing Information Systems
Network administrators must grasp several key networking concepts and technologies, including storage, network architecture, and servers. In this course, students will concentrate on developing a comprehensive understanding and practical skills in Windows Server administration. They will also explore its integration with Microsoft Azure services. Students will delve into the intricacies of managing Windows Server environments, optimizing system performance, and utilizing cloud technologies for improved scalability and efficiency. This course also covers the common causes and substantial costs associated with service outages. Additionally, it instructs students on measuring high network availability and considerations for resource consolidation.

ITS 240 Cyber Security Fundamentals
Students will gain a deeper understanding of potential threats, learn to apply practical mitigation strategies and develop skills to respond swiftly to attacks as a result of this course. They will acquire the competencies needed to design, develop, implement, analyze, and maintain networks and network protocols. The course provides an overview of how these systems operate currently and the limitations that lead to security vulnerabilities. Among the topics covered are the fundamentals of network security, definitions of key security terms, security ethics, the OSI network model, and cryptography. This course also offers insights into the common risks involved in designing and developing secure networks, including the effects of modularity on security and a summary of general security issues.

LAR 100 College Orientation
This course introduces students to the skills and strategies needed for success in college and beyond. Topics include goal setting, time management, effective study techniques, and critical thinking. Students will explore resources available to support academic and career growth while developing skills in communication, collaboration, and self-advocacy. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to navigate their academic journey with confidence and apply essential success strategies in both educational and professional settings.

PMT 255 Project Management
Students will learn project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management techniques. This course covers industry-standard project management tools and best practices. By the end of the course, students will be able to create project plans and manage resources effectively.

Program Outline
GENERAL EDUCATION
ENG 100 English Composition I 5
HUM 200 World History 5
MTH 101 Introductory Algebra 5
PHY 200 Physical Science 5
PSY 140 Introduction to Psychology 5
Total General Education 25
PROGRAM CORE
BUS 150 Entrepreneurship 5
ITS 100 Hardware Technology Fundamentals 5
ITS 110 Fundamentals of Operating Systems 5
ITS 120 Managing Computer Devices 5
ITS 130 Systems Support 5
ITS 150 Basic Networking 5
ITS 180 Administering Networks 5
ITS 190 Network Maintenance 5
ITS 200  Microsoft Endpoint Administrator 5
ITS 210 Network System Services 5
ITS 220 Introduction to Database Management 5
ITS 230 Managing Information Systems 5
ITS 240 Cyber Security Fundamentals 5
LAR 100 College Orientation 5
PMT 255 Project Management 5
Total Program Core 75
                 Total Credit Hours 100

The academic year is defined as 3 Quarters and 36 quarter credits.

*Students enrolled in Nevada must take POL 210 in addition to the courses listed in the program outline.

Program Outcomes
  • Demonstrate proficiency with a LAN and WAN networking systems.

  • Design and construct virtual environments.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in routing and switching.

  • Plan and develop relational databases.

  • Analyze network security and understand how it is maintained and implemented in an organization.

  • Identify tools, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for personal computers, laptops, peripherals, and operating systems.

Program Length

The Information Technologies and Network Systems of Associate of Science Degree program is 100 quarter credits and can be completed in two (2) years if the student attends all terms full time and consecutively.

Course Descriptions

GENERAL EDUCATION

ENG 100 English Composition I
Building on English Composition I, this course focuses on advanced writing, research, and analytical skills. Students will engage in critical reading, argumentative writing, and research-based projects. Emphasis is placed on effective communication, persuasive writing, and academic integrity. By the end of the course, students will be able to craft well-researched, compelling arguments across various disciplines.

HUM 200 World History
This course provides an overview of key historical events, civilizations, and cultural developments across the world. Topics include ancient civilizations, the Industrial Revolution, and modern global conflicts. Students will explore historical perspectives on social, economic, and political change. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze historical trends and their impact on contemporary society.

MTH 101 Introductory Algebra
This course introduces students to fundamental algebraic concepts, including equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. Students will develop problem-solving skills through real-world applications of algebra, preparing them for more advanced mathematical concepts. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in algebra to support future coursework in business, science, and technology.

PHY 200 Physical Science
Students will explore the principles of physics and chemistry, including motion, energy, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. This course emphasizes real-world applications of physical science concepts. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply scientific reasoning to analyze natural phenomena.

PSY 140 Introduction to Psychology
Students will explore fundamental concepts of psychology, including human behavior, cognition, development, and mental health. This course examines psychological theories and their real-world applications. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze psychological influences on behavior and decision-making.

 

PROGRAM CORE
BUS 150 Entrepreneurship
This course introduces students to the principles of entrepreneurship, including business planning, funding, and market analysis. Students will explore the challenges and opportunities of starting and managing a small business. By the end of the course, students will develop a business concept and apply entrepreneurial strategies to real-world scenarios.

ITS 100 Hardware Technology Fundamentals
Students in this course explore the fundamentals of computer hardware, learning about the various components that make up a computer. The students develop essential file management skills and learn how to troubleshoot common problems that may arise while working with a computer. As part of the course, students focus on the motherboard, examining its various components and their respective functions. Computer memory, operating systems, and storage drives are the topics covered in the curriculum. The students will study computer power supplies, learning to measure their output and remove and replace them properly. Throughout the course, students gain practical experience with multiple system types and acquire the ability to troubleshoot a wide range of computer hardware problems. The comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-equipped to handle and resolve common hardware problems.

ITS 110 Fundamentals of Operating Systems
In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of operating systems, including installation, configuration, and management. The curriculum covers essential topics such as system architecture, process management, memory management, file systems, and security. Students will also learn troubleshooting techniques and best practices for maintaining system performance and reliability. They will develop the skills needed to support and optimize various operating systems in real-world environments through hands-on labs and practical exercises.

ITS 120Managing Computer Devices
This course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ certification exam by evaluating their knowledge and practical skills. It assesses their ability to install, manage, repair, and troubleshoot PC hardware and operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Throughout the course, students explore Active Directory, user and group management, virtual memory, system backup, and other key functions of Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions. Additionally, the curriculum covers security best practices, incident response, social engineering, and other security-related topics. Students also engage in scenario-based learning to analyze workplace situations objectively.

ITS 130 Systems Support
In this course, students explore operating systems specifically designed for networking, examining the differences among various systems. They gain hands-on experience by installing and customizing these operating systems, utilizing system registries and diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting common issues. Additionally, the curriculum covers a range of topics, including internet communication, web browsing, email usage, file transfers, and communication through phone lines and modems, providing a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and practical aspects of networking.

ITS 150 Basic Networking
This course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of networks. Students will learn about communication services, mail services, and management services. They will gain an understanding of the different layers that make up a network by exploring networking standards and models. A variety of network protocols and their functions will also be examined. In this course, students will explore different types of networking media and learn how to install protocols on various operating systems. A comparison will be made between LANs and WANs, along with an examination of the transport systems that support both. Other topics may include the installation and configuration of network interface cards (NICs). The students will study network hardware such as hubs, repeaters, bridges, and routers.

ITS 180 Administering Networks
Students in this course learn about common causes of service outages and the costs that come with them. Network administrators need a comprehensive understanding of key networking concepts and technologies, including storage, network architecture, Voice over IP (VoIP), and server consolidation. Throughout the course, they also explore methods for measuring network availability, designing data centers, and examining essential factors when consolidating resources.

ITS 190 Network Maintenance
In this course, students explore the essentials of a wide-area network (WAN), including its implementation and the establishment of remote connectivity. They will gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences among various network operating systems. Students will also learn how to establish users, groups, and permissions within a network.

ITS 200 Microsoft Endpoint Administrator
In this course, students will gain the skills to deploy, manage, and secure modern Windows environments in preparation for the Microsoft MD-102: Endpoint Administrator examination. Students will gain hands-on experience deploying Microsoft clients through lab exercises, real-world case studies, and practical troubleshooting exercises. Throughout the course, students will learn about Windows client deployment, identity and access management, device compliance, security policies, and troubleshooting strategies using Microsoft Intune, Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), and other enterprise tools.

ITS 210 Network System Services
Network Information Services provide the structure for authenticating and authorizing users at work. This course prepares students to manage and administer these services in a Windows domain environment. Topics include Active Directory, Group Policy, File Services, DNS, Remote Access Management, Server Management, and many other supporting services.

ITS 220 Introduction to Database Management
This course provides an in-depth understanding of database systems, focusing on their design, implementation, and management. Students will explore relational database models, SQL programming, data normalization, and the latest industry practices. Through theoretical lessons and practical labs, learners will gain the skills necessary to design and manage efficient database systems.

ITS 230 Managing Information Systems
Network administrators must grasp several key networking concepts and technologies, including storage, network architecture, and servers. In this course, students will concentrate on developing a comprehensive understanding and practical skills in Windows Server administration. They will also explore its integration with Microsoft Azure services. Students will delve into the intricacies of managing Windows Server environments, optimizing system performance, and utilizing cloud technologies for improved scalability and efficiency. This course also covers the common causes and substantial costs associated with service outages. Additionally, it instructs students on measuring high network availability and considerations for resource consolidation.

ITS 240 Cyber Security Fundamentals
Students will gain a deeper understanding of potential threats, learn to apply practical mitigation strategies and develop skills to respond swiftly to attacks as a result of this course. They will acquire the competencies needed to design, develop, implement, analyze, and maintain networks and network protocols. The course provides an overview of how these systems operate currently and the limitations that lead to security vulnerabilities. Among the topics covered are the fundamentals of network security, definitions of key security terms, security ethics, the OSI network model, and cryptography. This course also offers insights into the common risks involved in designing and developing secure networks, including the effects of modularity on security and a summary of general security issues.

LAR 100 College Orientation
This course introduces students to the skills and strategies needed for success in college and beyond. Topics include goal setting, time management, effective study techniques, and critical thinking. Students will explore resources available to support academic and career growth while developing skills in communication, collaboration, and self-advocacy. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to navigate their academic journey with confidence and apply essential success strategies in both educational and professional settings.

PMT 255 Project Management
Students will learn project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management techniques. This course covers industry-standard project management tools and best practices. By the end of the course, students will be able to create project plans and manage resources effectively.

We Have a Lot to Offer You!

We offer Associate and Bachelor of Science Degrees. The courses at Laurus College are taught online by experienced professionals from the field, and our college is known for its friendly learning environment and supportive staff and instructors who will feel like family.

You can even connect with faculty, classmates, and staff in person by visiting one of our locations: Atascadero, Chula Vista, Las Vegas, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria.

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