Academics

An Associate of Applied Science in Computer Systems Technology provides skills and education for qualified workers in the field of Network and Systems Administration. The degree is designed to teach students both the business and IT-related concepts needed to enter the workforce as a Systems Administrator and Technician. Four, full-time semesters are required to complete the degree program. An AAS in CST can be earned by completing a
series of specific technical, business, and general education courses.

Graduates with an AAS in Computer Systems Technology can be employed as systems administrators and in a wide variety of other positions in the
Information Technology field. Graduates of this program will have a firm understanding of a wide variety of technical concepts, from the latest version of the Windows Operating System to routing and switching technology using Cisco equipment. Graduates will also have a wide body of knowledge in vendor
neutral and theoretical concepts and practices.

Both the Matanuska-Susitna and Kodiak campuses offer the degree program.

The program objective is the development of a well trained workforce for the State of Alaska. Since many jobs in the computer technology sector are
predicted to grow at high rates in the coming decade, this degree program was designed to train essential employees for that sector.

The educational objectives of the Computer Systems Technology program are to produce graduates who:
1. Have sufficient technical competence to obtain employment as an entry level technician and to be able to progress professionally within the discipline and are prepared for advanced study.
2. Are able to communicate their ideas.
3. Are able to work within a team environment.
4. Are able to apply their knowledge and skills to create and operate networked computer systems that provide solutions and add to the capabilities of business organizations.
5. Demonstrate their understanding of professional and ethical behavior
in the workplace.
 

Students graduating from this program will demonstrate:
1. Proficiency in operating system, utility software and network installation and configuration.
2. Proficiency in computer hardware, software and network operation, trouble shooting and upgrades. Demonstrate familiarity with hardware, software and network security features.
3. Management of user accounts and group accounts in a MS Windows workgroup and/or domain.
4. Ability to identify, design, and implement a network services management strategy.
5. Setup, configuration, and management of a router to include: router interfacing, command line editing, startup, setup, and configuration.
6. Proficiency in the management of Local Area Networks (LANs).
7. Application of customer service principles, including relationships, perceptions, telephone techniques, quality, ethics, record keeping, interpersonal relationships, and teamwork.
8. Application of business principles and the fundamentals of investment, finance, organization, operation and management within a business entity.
9. Application of project management principles and practices, and use of appropriate project management software in the workplace.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE,
Computer Systems Technology

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
See Certificate and Associate Degree Programs Admission Requirements in the current MSC Bulletin. Additionally, all students are required to take CIS A105 or possess equivalent knowledge prior to entering this degree program.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS
In order to receive an Associate Degree in Computer Systems Technology, students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all courses undertaken and applied to the degree.

GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete the General University Requirements for Associate Degrees listed in the MSC Bulletin.
2. Complete the Associate of Applied Science General Degree Requirements (including Oral Communications and ENGL A111) listed in the MSC Bulletin.

AAS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Oral Communication Skills (3 credits):
   COMM A111 Fundamentals of Oral Comm (3)
   COMM A235 Small Group Communication (3)
   COMM A237 Interpersonal Communication (3)
   COMM A241 Public Speaking (3)

Written Communication Skills (6 credits):
   ENGL A111 Methods of Written Comm. (3)
   ENGL A212 Technical Writing (3)

General Requirements (6 credits):
Satisfied under Major Requirements.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete the following required courses:
BA A151 Introduction to Business (3)
BA A231 Fundamentals of Supervision (3)
CNT A160 PC Operating Systems (3)
CNT A165 Customer Service Fund (1)
CNT A170 Cisco Academy Network Fundamentals (3)
CNT A210 PC Technician Fundamentals (3)
CNT A212 Network Technician Fund (3)
CNT A240 Windows System Essentials (2)
CNT A241 Administering & Supporting Windows Workstations & Server (3)
CNT A242 Windows Network Infrastructure Administration (3)
CNT A243 Windows Directory Services Administration (3)
CNT A244 Designing Secure Windows Networks (3)
CNT A245 Windows Directory Services Design (2)
CNT A246 Windows Network Infrastructure Design (2)
CNT A261 Cisco Router Fundamentals (3)
CNT A270 Cisco Academy Switch & Intermediate Routing (3)
CNT A271 Cisco Academy WAN Mgt (3)
CNT A276 Independent Project (3)
–or–
CNT A282 Work Study (3)
MATH A105 Intermediate Algebra (3)
–or–
MATH A107 College Algebra (4)
–or–
MATH A172 Applied Finite Math (3)

2. Students are required to meet a two (2) credit Project Management requirement. See advisor for more information. CIOS A270 is recommended.

3. A total of 63-64 credits is required for the degree.