Online IT Degree: Associate's Degree in Information Technology

If you are interested in becoming an information technology professional, but need to enhance your skills and knowledge before you seek employment, the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology is designed to prepare you to reach your professional goals.

Our program prepares you with the general education, applied knowledge, and technical skills applicable to a wide range of entry-level positions.*

| Curriculum | Tuition and Fees

Program Highlights

In addition to offering career focus areas, this program will give you the opportunity to gain a broad range of skills:

Install and maintain computer and wireless networks
Troubleshoot hardware and software problems
Create software applications
Manage databases
Develop Web pages

Career Focus Areas for the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology

Career focus areas are groupings of courses designed to prepare you with specialized knowledge and skills in a chosen field. Career focus areas allow you to personalize your education by focusing your elective choices on an area of study that best fits your desired career path.* Career focus areas include:

Application Development
Help Desk Administration

Network Administration
Web Development

What are the Career Opportunities?

This degree is designed to prepare you for entry-level employment in various areas within the information technology field. Upon completing the program, you may qualify to work as a project manager, program manager, or network administrator.* You can also focus on an area of study that best fits your career and educational goals.

Who Should Take this Program?

If you seek entry-level employment in the information technology field or wish to pursue an information technology bachelor's degree in the future, this program is for you. Click here to review career profiles.

Curriculum for the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology

Course #	Course Title	Credits
100/200-level	100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE	5 100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE
	100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE	5 100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE
	200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE	5 200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE

Course #	Course Title	Credits
IT 117	INTRODUCTION TO WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT	5 INTRODUCTION TO WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Learning the value of self-promotion equips students to demonstrate their skills to an audience. This course investigates the World Wide Web and the Internet. Students learn the basic concepts of Web development and e-commerce along with basic Web page design. By creating an individual online portfolio or biography using HTML, XHTML, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), students will develop skills for today and tomorrow.
IT 190	FOUNDATIONS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	5 FOUNDATIONS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Students will explore the basic concepts of information technology including hardware, software, and networks. The student will gain a practical understanding of how computer hardware and operating systems work. Topics include personal computer configuration and maintenance, along with the fundamentals of system software installation and administration.
IT 273	NETWORKING CONCEPTS	5 NETWORKING CONCEPTS This course introduces the concepts behind today's networks. It outlines current network design, explaining the OSI Model and the methods of carrying data over wired and wireless media. Other topics include fundamental network design components such as topologies and access methods, basic administration of network operating systems, and troubleshooting methods for data transmission and recovery.
IT 299	ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS	5 ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS This course is designed to build on the concepts of all information technology courses students have taken as a part of their degree plans. The capstone project integrates problem-solving techniques and implementation solutions studied in the information technology courses. Students research particular problems or issues they select, analyze the major concerns, and recommend viable information technology solutions to resolve or improve the problems or issues.
Choose one of the following courses:
CS 114	ACADEMIC STRATEGIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL	5 ACADEMIC STRATEGIES FOR THE IT PROFESSIONAL Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation.
CS 121	PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS	5 PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation. Onsite only.
Choose one of the following courses:
IT 163	DATABASE CONCEPTS USING MICROSOFT ACCESS	5 DATABASE CONCEPTS USING MICROSOFT ACCESS This course is an introduction to relational database management systems. Students will use a relational database management system to create and maintain a database. Students will create filters, sorts, queries, forms, and reports. Emphasis will be placed on the skills needed to meet user requirements.
IT 238	DATA MODELING FOR HEALTH INFORMATICS	5 DATA MODELING FOR HEALTH INFORMATICS This course covers data modeling for health care systems. Students will be introduced to the following topics: entity-relationship modeling, normal forms, database creation, and data manipulation using SQL. Students will complete hands-on assignments and case studies related to the health care industry.
Choose one of the following courses:
IT 193	FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING VISUAL BASIC	5 FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING VISUAL BASIC This course introduces the fundamentals of programming using Visual Basic. Basic concepts and syntax used to write programs, including variables, input, output, looping, and program flow, are introduced. Students will design and develop simple, graphical user interface-based applications using the Visual Studio development environment.
IT 258	FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING JAVA	5 FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING JAVA This course is an introduction to object-oriented programming in Java, where students learn analysis and design techniques of software engineering. Projects and assignments cover numerous aspects of program development. Students successfully completing the course will have the necessary background to analyze, design, and implement basic software solutions in Java.
Choose one of the following 100/200-level courses:
IT 296	ASSOCIATE'S-LEVEL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXTERNSHIP*	5 ASSOCIATE'S-LEVEL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXTERNSHIP* This course gives associate’s-level students practical job experience in the information technology field. The externship provides students an opportunity to learn about the IT career field through practical, real-world experiences and mentoring from an IT professional. This experience will enrich students’ technology skills and provide a better understanding of the level of expertise needed to be successful in their career. Onsite only
AB 140	INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT	5 INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT This course will give students an introductory overview of management theory, management functions, organizational structure, daily management responsibilities, ethics, and current management tools and resources. Theoretical concepts will be illustrated with practical application to real-world management problems and scenarios.
AB 209	SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT	5 SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT In this course, students will create a business plan applying the principles of small business organization and management. Students will enhance problem-solving skills and develop a foundational understanding of entrepreneurial principles.
AB 220	GLOBAL BUSINESS	5 GLOBAL BUSINESS This course gives students an overview of global business. Students receive an introduction to the terminology and the cultural, economic, strategic, market, and production differences encountered in the global business environment. This course serves as an introduction to the factors involved in making business decisions regarding globalization. Case studies and real-world scenarios will illustrate the reality of doing business on this broad scale.
*Only available onsite.

Course #	Course Title	Credits
	OPEN ELECTIVES	35 OPEN ELECTIVES

Students who do not possess prior learning credit comparable to IT 133: Software Applications must either take the course as an elective or pass the IST assessment before their first term or upon completion of foundational coursework.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

IT 193	FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING VISUAL BASIC	5 FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING VISUAL BASIC This course introduces the fundamentals of programming using Visual Basic. Basic concepts and syntax used to write programs, including variables, input, output, looping, and program flow, are introduced. Students will design and develop simple, graphical user interface-based applications using the Visual Studio development environment.
IT 254	FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING C#	5 FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING C# This course introduces the fundamentals of C#, an object-oriented programming language. Topics include producing and editing printed output, standard I/O processing, loop processing, user-defined functions, arrays, and accessing databases. Upon completion, students will be able to write programs to solve common business application problems.
IT 258	FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING JAVA	5 FOUNDATIONS OF PROGRAMMING USING JAVA This course is an introduction to object-oriented programming in Java, where students learn analysis and design techniques of software engineering. Projects and assignments cover numerous aspects of program development. Students successfully completing the course will have the necessary background to analyze, design, and implement basic software solutions in Java.
IT 293	INTERMEDIATE VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING	5 INTERMEDIATE VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING This is an intermediate course in the design and implementation of programs using Visual Basic. Topics include object-oriented programming, database access, and soft ware component development.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

IT 261	DESKTOP ADMINISTRATION	5 DESKTOP ADMINISTRATION This course prepares networking students to install, configure, and administer a desktop operating system. Students learn to automate operating system installation, set up and manage user accounts, and configure local file systems. They learn to configure and troubleshoot both local and network printers, manage and troubleshoot access to shared folders, and recover from system failures.
IT 278	NETWORK ADMINISTRATION	5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION This course introduces students to the features and functions of common network operating systems and shared data management concepts. Students examine and compare both local and network operating system features, and practice basic installation and administration of network operating systems, including administrator tasks, server organization, user management and permissions, security features, and shared printing.
AB 221	CUSTOMER SERVICE	5 CUSTOMER SERVICE In this course, students will learn how companies can develop customer loyalty and address personalized customer needs. Students will apply concepts learned to real-world scenarios and learn how to recapture previous customers and acquire new ones through effective relationship-building strategies. Online communication tools and call center strategies will also be examined.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

IT 278	NETWORK ADMINISTRATION	5 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION This course introduces students to the features and functions of common network operating systems and shared data management concepts. Students examine and compare both local and network operating system features, and practice basic installation and administration of network operating systems, including administrator tasks, server organization, user management and permissions, security features, and shared printing.
IT 283	NETWORKING WITH TCP/IP	5 NETWORKING WITH TCP/IP This course provides a thorough examination of the protocols and services in the TCP/IP protocol suite. Students gain an understanding of how network traffic is encapsulated and transported by TCP/IP on local area networks and on wide area networks, including the Internet. Students learn about message addressing and forwarding, and how network errors are resolved.
IT 286	INTRODUCTION TO NETWORK SECURITY	5 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORK SECURITY This course covers current topics in network security, such as threat detection and response methods. Introductory topics, such as proxy servers, firewalls, and other threat detection and protection methods, will be discussed. This course is designed, among other things, to provide the student with the requisite knowledge to sit for the CompTIA Security+ certification examination. While the course may provide the student with the knowledge necessary to sit for the examination, Kaplan University cannot guarantee the student's eligibility either to take this exam or become certified.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

IT 245	WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT	5 WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT This course introduces activities related to website development. The concepts begin with the planning stages of interface design, site mapping, and storyboards. Elements such as tables, forms, rollover buttons, hyperlinks, text formatting and management, navigation systems, inserting multimedia, and implementing cascading style sheets will be explored.
IT 247	FUNDAMENTALS OF WEB GRAPHICS	5 FUNDAMENTALS OF WEB GRAPHICS Students will learn how to create appropriate Web graphics using popular image editing tools. Throughout the course, they will create a collection of custom graphics that will be displayed in an ePortfolio layout. Topics will include resizing, resolution, optimization, digital photo enhancement, custom banner and button creation, and more.
Choose one of the following:
IT 241	WEB DESIGN METHODS AND TECHNOLOGY	5 WEB DESIGN METHODS AND TECHNOLOGY This course will teach students how websites are developed as managed projects and how the development process relates to business goals. It covers Web technologies and strategies involving the Web designer's role. Customer expectations, ethical and legal issues in Web development, and Web design elements such as aesthetics, user experience, navigation, usability, and accessibility will also be discussed.
IT 250	ENHANCING WEBSITES WITH PHP	5 ENHANCING WEBSITES WITH PHP This course covers Web development using PHP. Students will learn how to display content using forms. Students will access databases and learn how to display data on a Web page.

Total Program Requirements	90 Total Program Requirements

Core Requirements
Major
Open Elective
Career Focus Area/Application Development
Career Focus Area/Help Desk Administration
Career Focus Area/Network Administration
Career Focus Area/Web Development
Total Program Requirements

You Could Save Time and Money on Your Kaplan University Degree

Credit for Prior Learning

Our undergraduate degree programs feature large pools of open electives designed to offer greater flexibility when applying transfer credits toward program requirements. In addition, you can enroll in our portfolio development course, which helps you document your work and life experience in a portfolio you can submit for consideration for college credits. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs for undergraduate programs. Refer to the University Catalog for our transfer of credit policy.

Students in the Military

Kaplan University is proud to support our military and veterans in their educational pursuits by offering significantly reduced tuition. Undergraduate program tuition is reduced up to 55 percent for active-duty servicemembers and up to 38 percent for veterans. In addition, Kaplan University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for all of our graduate programs, and both active-duty servicemembers and veterans are eligible for special tuition rates for these programs. A 10 percent tuition reduction is also available to spouses of active-duty servicemembers. For more information, call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor or visit the Kaplan University military site.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour	$371.00
Total program requirements Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology	90
Total cost of tuition	$33,390.00
This program requires a $100 technology fee per term (online students only). A nonrefundable application fee, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, may be required at the time of enrollment. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships.

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*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.

Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology

School of Information Systems Technology