1 Program Descriptions and Purpose
The Computer Information Technology (CITE) department has two separate programs of instruction leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree and/or institutional certificates; the CITE program and Cybersecurity INFOSEC & Administration (Cybersecurity) program.
Program Description-CITE:
The Computer Information Technology (CITE) program prepares students for careers in Information Technology by offering a one-year intermediate technical certificate, a two-year advanced technical certificate, and an associate of applied science degree. The A.A.S. degree in CITE is a two-year program which will prepare students for working with sophisticated computer networking hardware and operating system software. These programs will prepare CITE and Cybersecurity students for industry recognized certification. It also includes all related coursework to complete A.A.S. degree requirements.
The CITE one-year intermediate technical certificate teaches the foundation of information technology job skills, and the two-year advanced technical certificate includes all the technical coursework of the A.A.S. degree, but with reduced general education requirements.
The CITE program is designed to provide students with essential skills to plan, implement, administer, support, and secure networked computer systems and associated software, as well as install and configure routers and switches in multiprotocol internetworks using LAN and WAN interfaces. North Idaho College operates a Cisco Networking Academy and maintains academic partnerships with industry leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), CompTIA, and VMware.
Continued advances in network technology have created an increased need for professionals trained in the information technology fields. Students will gain essential technical instruction that enables them to perform tasks such as network design, installation, maintenance, packet analysis, risk assessment, and management as well as fill network administration, helpdesk, network analyst, and systems administration job roles.
This is a limited enrollment program. Successful completion of each semester or permission of the instructor is required to continue to the next semester. Successful completion of an intermediate technical certificate or permission of the instructor is required for a student’s continued enrollment in third and fourth semester courses of the CITE or Cybersecurity AAS Programs.
Program Purpose-CITE:
The CITE program is designed to prepare students for professional employment in the Information Technology industry. Students can achieve a college level certification and degree, as well as industry certifications. The CITE program prepares students with the skills necessary to be competent technicians in the IT industry, analytical thinkers, and problem solvers. Our program is a state approved Career & Technical Education (CTE) program that has third-party, industry-recognized technical skill assessments (TSA).
Degree Options-CITE:
- Computer Information Technology (AAS)
- Computer Information Technology (ATC)
- Computer Information Technology (ITC)
Program Description-Cybersecurity INFOSEC & Administration (Cybersecurity)
This Cybersecurity INFOSEC (Information Security) and Administration Associate of Applied Science program will prepare students for a career in the cybersecurity industry. The technical courses in this A.A.S degree program combine both networking concepts and security fundamentals with a focus on best practices required to implement and administer secure network environments. The program integrates knowledge from communication, social sciences, and math with the theory and practice of information technology to prepare students for employment in the industry. It will also provide opportunities for those employed in the information technology field to enhance their knowledge and credentials and advance in their careers.
During the program students are encouraged to work toward a variety of industry certifications in addition to the degree. Students will graduate with a Cybersecurity INFOSEC and Administration Associate of Applied Science Degree upon successful completion of this program. Entry-level position responsibilities in cybersecurity include, but are not limited to: analyzing network traffic, maintaining computer network infrastructure and security; securing computer assets connected to the Internet; installing, configuring and securing PC systems and mobile devices; configuring and securing remote access networks; providing technical support and configuring and repairing endpoint devices.
Career opportunities for Cyber Security professionals are varied and immediate. The National Initiative for Cyber Security Education (NICE) has identified dozens of job titles that require security skills. See www.nist.gov and search for Cybersecurity Career Resources and New Workforce Data for more information on cybersecurity skills needed today. Additionally, projections are that by the end of the decade, all or nearly all intermediate level computer technical, developmental or implementation careers will require some level of security training.
Program Purpose-Cybersecurity Information Security (INFOSEC) & Administration
The Cybersecurity INFOSEC and Administration program is designed to prepare students for professional employment in the Information Technology industry. Students can achieve a college level certification and degree, as well as industry certifications. The Cybersecurity INFOSEC and Administration program prepares students with the skills necessary to be competent technicians, analytical thinkers, and problem solvers in information technology. Our program is a state approved Career & Technical Education (CTE) program that has third-party, industry-recognized technical skill assessments (TSA).
Degree Options-Cybersecurity Information Security (INFOSEC) & Administration