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.

Course Number  Course Titles  Lecture 

Hours 

Lab 

Hours 

Quarter Credits 
BSM 150  Business Start-Up Strategies  50  10  5 
BSM 255  Project Management  50  10  5 
CSC 100  Student Success Fundamentals  50  10  5 
ENG 100  English Composition I*  50  10  5 
ENG 200  English Composition II*  50  10  5 
HUM 120  Introduction to Sociology*  50  10  5 
HUM 140  Introduction to Psychology*  50  10  5 
ITS 100  Hardware Technology Fundamentals  50  10  5 
ITS 110  Fundamentals of Operating Systems  50  10  5 
ITS 120  Managing Computer Devices  50  10  5 
ITS 130  Systems Support  50  10  5 
ITS 150  Basic Networking  50  10  5 
ITS 180  Administering Networks  50  10  5 
ITS 190  Network Maintenance  50  10  5 
ITS 200  Software Deployment  50  10  5 
ITS 210  Network System Services  50  10  5 
ITS 220  Introduction to Database Management  50  10  5 
ITS 230  Managing Information Systems  50  10  5 
ITS 240  Cyber Security Fundamentals  50  10  5 
MTH 101  Introductory Algebra*  50  10  5 
  Totals:  1000  200  100 

*General Education course 

 

  • 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.

BSM 150: Business Start-up Strategies 
Students in this course are exposed to basic issues in starting a business. Topics may include capitalization, staffing, subcontracting, permits, facilities, and basic business planning. The course offers students practical exercises to begin strategic development of a business and offers practical problems and issues in the startup phase of building a successful organization.

BSM 255: Project Management 
This course prepares students to develop and implement project plans when working to complete assigned projects. Topics in this course may include defining project goals and objectives, specifying tasks or how goals will be achieved, establishing needed resources for project completion, and associating budgets and completion timelines. Students study the major phases of project management including project feasibility, planning, implementation, evaluation, and support. Project management software will be used by students to gain an understanding of how to best organize and delegate their project. Students gain an understanding of how to manage projects and how these skills may be applied to an individual project or a group project.

CSC 100: Student Success Fundamentals   
This course serves as an introduction to the necessary core skills needed to be successful at an academic, professional, and personal level. Students will identify core skills, values, and interests to assist in their path to success. Topics covered in this course may include time management, effective study skills, written and oral communication, improving critical thinking to enhance problem-solving skills. Other topics may include job search techniques and job etiquette, and on-the-job behavior. Students will work towards building their professional development through various assignments and topics throughout the course. Students will explore Laurus College resources for success inside and outside the classroom.

ENG 100: English Composition I 
English provides students with the basic rhetorical foundations to prepare them for the demands of academic and professional writing. Students in this course will learn and practice the strategies and processes that successful writers employ when communicating information. These strategies include reading analytically and strategically, improving reading comprehension, writing persuasively, writing for investigative purposes, problem-resolution, evaluation, explanation, and refutation.

ENG 200: English Composition II 
English provides students with the basic research foundations and skills to prepare them for the demands of academic and professional writing. Students in this course will learn and practice the strategies and processes that successful writers employ when researching topics and information to prepare reports and arguments. The course will culminate with a written research paper and the presentation of the student’s research for peer response.

HUM 120: Introduction to Sociology 
This course introduces tools used by sociologists to explore and understand society.  Social relationships, social structures and processes are explored.

HUM 140: Introduction to Psychology 
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. In this class, students will dive into what makes themselves and others behave the way they do. Topics covered in this class include Neuroscience, Sensation and Perception, Learning, Memory, Thinking and Intelligence, Developmental Psychology, Personality Theories and Assessment, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Workplace Psychology. This class will be focused more on behavior as it pertains to the workplace rather than the clinical side of Psychology.

ITS 100: Hardware Technology Fundamentals 
Students begin learning about computer hardware and each item that makes up a computer. Students build the skills needed for proper file management, and learn to troubleshoot basic problems that may occur during computer usage. Students study the system board in depth, learning about components, as well as, their functions. Other topics covered may include computer memory, different operating systems, floppy drives, and hard drives. Students also work with computer power supplies, learning how to measure output and proper removal and replacement of power supply units. Students learn to handle several system types and troubleshoot various computer hardware issues.

ITS 110: Fundamentals of Operating System
Students study how to properly set up and install hard drives, as well as techniques for proper troubleshooting and data recovery. Students examine how to protect the hardware and software of a computer while troubleshooting, and how to properly use tool kits and troubleshooting reference guides while isolating and repairing a number of computer problems. Other topics studied may include ports and expansion slots for add-on devices, SCSI devices, keyboards, pointing devices, multimedia technology, monitoring system performance, and support devices. Students install and study about supporting applications with various operating systems.

ITS 120: Managing Computer Devices
Students in this course study operating systems designed specifically for networking, as well as the differences between various operating systems. Students install and customize operating systems, utilize system registries and diagnostic tools, and troubleshoot problems that typically arise in various systems. Other topics studied may include communication over the internet, browsing the World Wide Web, utilizing email, transferring files, communication over phone lines, and modems.

ITS 130: Systems Support
Students study the basic principles of networking and networking concepts, as well as discover different types of network architectures and learn about various networking software and protocols. Students learn about many of the computer and printer problems that commonly occur in the workplace, and how to effectively troubleshoot and fix those problems. Students discover proper maintenance techniques for computers and printers in an office setting. Also discussed in this course are proper disaster recovery and maintenance plans for computers, how to create system backups, and viruses and other computer infestations.

ITS 150: Basic Networking 
Starting with an introduction to networks students gain an understanding about communication services, mail services, and management services.  Students study networking standards and models, and study the various layers making up networking as a whole.  Students gain an understanding of different network protocols, and their functions.  Students explore networking media and learn to install protocols on various operating systems.  They examine the difference between LANs and WANs, and the transport systems that serve them both.  Other topics covered may include installing NICs in computers and configuring them for various types of networks.  Network hardware such as hubs, repeaters, bridges, and routers may also be examined in this course.

ITS 180: Administering Networks 
Network Administrators must understand a variety of key networking concepts and technology that include storage, network architecture, Voice over IP implementation, and server consolidation.  In this course students come to understand the common causes and high costs of service outages, how to measure high network availability, how to design a data center and explore what must be considered with consolidating resources.
ITS 190: Network Maintenance

Students in this course examine the essentials of a WAN, and learn how one is implemented and how remote connectivity is established.  Students gain understanding of various network operating systems and how they are similar or may differ from one another.  Students gain an understanding for how to establish users, groups, and rights in a networking system.

ITS 200: Software Deployment 
In this course, students learn to plan, control, and manage the deployment of a network system.  It will encompass documentation, operating system application governed by the system role.  Students work with GUI (Graphical User Interface) based applications as well as the CLI (command-line interface) to accomplish tasks.  GUI and CLI applications include Windows PE (Pre-installation Environment), Microsoft Visio, WDS (Windows Deployment Services), AD DS (Active Directory Domain Services), MDT (Microsoft Deployment Toolkit), and Windows AIK (Automated Installation Kit).

ITS 210: Network System Services 
Network Information Services provide the structure for authenticating and authorizing users in the workplace.  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 
Students are introduced to core database concepts, objects, data manipulation, storage structures, and administering a database.  This course includes skills that prepare students to design, manage, and secure relational databases and an understanding of structured query language.

ITS 230: Managing Information Systems 
Students combine acquired skills from previous courses to capitalize in the process of IT and Computer Networking management.  They plan, coordinate, document, and direct computer and network related projects within sets of scenario guidelines.  Students will learn to project, set achievable business goals, and align projects to reach those goals.

ITS 240: Cyber Security Fundamentals  
This class will increase your understanding of potential threats, learn how to apply practical mitigation options, and react to attacks quickly.  The class teaches you the skills and knowledge you need to design, develop, implement, analyze, and maintain networks and network protocols.  It explains how these systems currently operate and the limitations that lead to security weaknesses.  Topics covered in this course may include the fundamental issues needed to understand network security, the definition of security terms, security ethics, the OSI network model, and cryptography for networks.  Students may explore the common risks for secure network design and development, including the impact of modularity on security and a summary of the general security issues.

MTH 101: Introductory Algebra 
This course provides students with a conceptual understanding of algebra by using problem solving applications in context to real-world application. Students will integrate meaningful applications with relevant data, graphs, tables, charts, colors, and diagrams.

Program Outline
Course Number  Course Titles  Lecture 

Hours 

Lab 

Hours 

Quarter Credits 
BSM 150  Business Start-Up Strategies  50  10  5 
BSM 255  Project Management  50  10  5 
CSC 100  Student Success Fundamentals  50  10  5 
ENG 100  English Composition I*  50  10  5 
ENG 200  English Composition II*  50  10  5 
HUM 120  Introduction to Sociology*  50  10  5 
HUM 140  Introduction to Psychology*  50  10  5 
ITS 100  Hardware Technology Fundamentals  50  10  5 
ITS 110  Fundamentals of Operating Systems  50  10  5 
ITS 120  Managing Computer Devices  50  10  5 
ITS 130  Systems Support  50  10  5 
ITS 150  Basic Networking  50  10  5 
ITS 180  Administering Networks  50  10  5 
ITS 190  Network Maintenance  50  10  5 
ITS 200  Software Deployment  50  10  5 
ITS 210  Network System Services  50  10  5 
ITS 220  Introduction to Database Management  50  10  5 
ITS 230  Managing Information Systems  50  10  5 
ITS 240  Cyber Security Fundamentals  50  10  5 
MTH 101  Introductory Algebra*  50  10  5 
  Totals:  1000  200  100 

*General Education course 

 

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

BSM 150: Business Start-up Strategies 
Students in this course are exposed to basic issues in starting a business. Topics may include capitalization, staffing, subcontracting, permits, facilities, and basic business planning. The course offers students practical exercises to begin strategic development of a business and offers practical problems and issues in the startup phase of building a successful organization.

BSM 255: Project Management 
This course prepares students to develop and implement project plans when working to complete assigned projects. Topics in this course may include defining project goals and objectives, specifying tasks or how goals will be achieved, establishing needed resources for project completion, and associating budgets and completion timelines. Students study the major phases of project management including project feasibility, planning, implementation, evaluation, and support. Project management software will be used by students to gain an understanding of how to best organize and delegate their project. Students gain an understanding of how to manage projects and how these skills may be applied to an individual project or a group project.

CSC 100: Student Success Fundamentals   
This course serves as an introduction to the necessary core skills needed to be successful at an academic, professional, and personal level. Students will identify core skills, values, and interests to assist in their path to success. Topics covered in this course may include time management, effective study skills, written and oral communication, improving critical thinking to enhance problem-solving skills. Other topics may include job search techniques and job etiquette, and on-the-job behavior. Students will work towards building their professional development through various assignments and topics throughout the course. Students will explore Laurus College resources for success inside and outside the classroom.

ENG 100: English Composition I 
English provides students with the basic rhetorical foundations to prepare them for the demands of academic and professional writing. Students in this course will learn and practice the strategies and processes that successful writers employ when communicating information. These strategies include reading analytically and strategically, improving reading comprehension, writing persuasively, writing for investigative purposes, problem-resolution, evaluation, explanation, and refutation.

ENG 200: English Composition II 
English provides students with the basic research foundations and skills to prepare them for the demands of academic and professional writing. Students in this course will learn and practice the strategies and processes that successful writers employ when researching topics and information to prepare reports and arguments. The course will culminate with a written research paper and the presentation of the student’s research for peer response.

HUM 120: Introduction to Sociology 
This course introduces tools used by sociologists to explore and understand society.  Social relationships, social structures and processes are explored.

HUM 140: Introduction to Psychology 
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. In this class, students will dive into what makes themselves and others behave the way they do. Topics covered in this class include Neuroscience, Sensation and Perception, Learning, Memory, Thinking and Intelligence, Developmental Psychology, Personality Theories and Assessment, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Workplace Psychology. This class will be focused more on behavior as it pertains to the workplace rather than the clinical side of Psychology.

ITS 100: Hardware Technology Fundamentals 
Students begin learning about computer hardware and each item that makes up a computer. Students build the skills needed for proper file management, and learn to troubleshoot basic problems that may occur during computer usage. Students study the system board in depth, learning about components, as well as, their functions. Other topics covered may include computer memory, different operating systems, floppy drives, and hard drives. Students also work with computer power supplies, learning how to measure output and proper removal and replacement of power supply units. Students learn to handle several system types and troubleshoot various computer hardware issues.

ITS 110: Fundamentals of Operating System
Students study how to properly set up and install hard drives, as well as techniques for proper troubleshooting and data recovery. Students examine how to protect the hardware and software of a computer while troubleshooting, and how to properly use tool kits and troubleshooting reference guides while isolating and repairing a number of computer problems. Other topics studied may include ports and expansion slots for add-on devices, SCSI devices, keyboards, pointing devices, multimedia technology, monitoring system performance, and support devices. Students install and study about supporting applications with various operating systems.

ITS 120: Managing Computer Devices
Students in this course study operating systems designed specifically for networking, as well as the differences between various operating systems. Students install and customize operating systems, utilize system registries and diagnostic tools, and troubleshoot problems that typically arise in various systems. Other topics studied may include communication over the internet, browsing the World Wide Web, utilizing email, transferring files, communication over phone lines, and modems.

ITS 130: Systems Support
Students study the basic principles of networking and networking concepts, as well as discover different types of network architectures and learn about various networking software and protocols. Students learn about many of the computer and printer problems that commonly occur in the workplace, and how to effectively troubleshoot and fix those problems. Students discover proper maintenance techniques for computers and printers in an office setting. Also discussed in this course are proper disaster recovery and maintenance plans for computers, how to create system backups, and viruses and other computer infestations.

ITS 150: Basic Networking 
Starting with an introduction to networks students gain an understanding about communication services, mail services, and management services.  Students study networking standards and models, and study the various layers making up networking as a whole.  Students gain an understanding of different network protocols, and their functions.  Students explore networking media and learn to install protocols on various operating systems.  They examine the difference between LANs and WANs, and the transport systems that serve them both.  Other topics covered may include installing NICs in computers and configuring them for various types of networks.  Network hardware such as hubs, repeaters, bridges, and routers may also be examined in this course.

ITS 180: Administering Networks 
Network Administrators must understand a variety of key networking concepts and technology that include storage, network architecture, Voice over IP implementation, and server consolidation.  In this course students come to understand the common causes and high costs of service outages, how to measure high network availability, how to design a data center and explore what must be considered with consolidating resources.
ITS 190: Network Maintenance

Students in this course examine the essentials of a WAN, and learn how one is implemented and how remote connectivity is established.  Students gain understanding of various network operating systems and how they are similar or may differ from one another.  Students gain an understanding for how to establish users, groups, and rights in a networking system.

ITS 200: Software Deployment 
In this course, students learn to plan, control, and manage the deployment of a network system.  It will encompass documentation, operating system application governed by the system role.  Students work with GUI (Graphical User Interface) based applications as well as the CLI (command-line interface) to accomplish tasks.  GUI and CLI applications include Windows PE (Pre-installation Environment), Microsoft Visio, WDS (Windows Deployment Services), AD DS (Active Directory Domain Services), MDT (Microsoft Deployment Toolkit), and Windows AIK (Automated Installation Kit).

ITS 210: Network System Services 
Network Information Services provide the structure for authenticating and authorizing users in the workplace.  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 
Students are introduced to core database concepts, objects, data manipulation, storage structures, and administering a database.  This course includes skills that prepare students to design, manage, and secure relational databases and an understanding of structured query language.

ITS 230: Managing Information Systems 
Students combine acquired skills from previous courses to capitalize in the process of IT and Computer Networking management.  They plan, coordinate, document, and direct computer and network related projects within sets of scenario guidelines.  Students will learn to project, set achievable business goals, and align projects to reach those goals.

ITS 240: Cyber Security Fundamentals  
This class will increase your understanding of potential threats, learn how to apply practical mitigation options, and react to attacks quickly.  The class teaches you the skills and knowledge you need to design, develop, implement, analyze, and maintain networks and network protocols.  It explains how these systems currently operate and the limitations that lead to security weaknesses.  Topics covered in this course may include the fundamental issues needed to understand network security, the definition of security terms, security ethics, the OSI network model, and cryptography for networks.  Students may explore the common risks for secure network design and development, including the impact of modularity on security and a summary of the general security issues.

MTH 101: Introductory Algebra 
This course provides students with a conceptual understanding of algebra by using problem solving applications in context to real-world application. Students will integrate meaningful applications with relevant data, graphs, tables, charts, colors, and diagrams.

We Have a Lot to Offer You

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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