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Information Technology

The Information Systems Technology degree introduces students to a very broad field that includes many Information Technology (IT) sectors such as hardware, software, networking, web design, programming and repair/troubleshooting. This curriculum is
designed to prepare the student for entry-level employment in this rapidly expanding field.

The curriculum includes a variety of courses in application software including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics, operating system software, programming, hardware, Internet, web design, telecommunications, and networking.

Currently, we teach applications using Microsoft Office 2010 in Windows 7 environments. This includes Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.  We offer a variety of programming classes including C++, Java, Visual Basic, Basic, MicroAssembler, and Game Design. Our Internet curriculum course offerings include Internet services and web page design using XHTML, Adobe Dreamweaver CS5, Flash CS5, Illustrator CS5, and Photoshop CS5. Hardware courses include PC Troubleshooting and A+ Certification courses. Networking courses include those focusing on local area networks, network servicing, network security, telecommunications, and CISCO.

We offer day and night classes, on- and off-campus classes, weekday and weekend classes, blended hybrid courses, and online (cyber) courses.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

(69 credit hour program)

The program provides practical IT knowledge for office and technical personnel. Graduates of this curriculum may become software specialists, microcomputer operators, management trainees, office support personnel, web site developers, help desk specialists, PC support specialists, network support personnel, repair technicians, trainers, or other
IT professionals. In some cases, graduates will be able to immediately fill positions. In others, they will require additional education, training, or industry certification
to fill job roles.

Requirements are:

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Certificate

(35 credit hour program)

This program provides practical IT knowledge for office and technical personnel.   This program offers students an opportunity to acquaint themselves with some of the software currently in use on personal computers. Graduates of this curriculum may either continue their education in the IST two-year degree program or seek jobs as trainees in various office and business positions. 

Requirements are:

First Semester

Second Semester

Career Studies Certificate for Applications Software Specialist

(16-credit hour program)

This certificate is designed to assist students in developing the basic software skills involved in information processing in the office environment and their applications for a range of office functions.  The program will also enable current software users to upgrade skills using the latest Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).  Students completing the requirements will possess the knowledge and skills needed to be proficient end-users of these applications.  Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared to sit for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams.

Requirements are:

Career Studies Certificate for Cisco Internetworking

(19-credit hour program)

This program prepares students for industry certification as Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA).  SVCC is an Authorized Cisco Networking Academy.   Instructors for certification courses are industry certified in their respective fields.

Requirements are:

Career Studies Certificate for Web Site Development

(21-credit hour program)

This certificate is designed for non-conventional, short-term programs.  It is specialized for a specific career or academic interest course area.  It is designed as a distinct, mini-curriculum within a broader range of adult education possibilities.

Requirements are:

Career Studies Certificate for GAMING TECHNOLOGY

(18-credit hour program)

This certificate is designed for non-conventional, short-term programs.  It is specialized for a specific career or academic interest course area.  It is designed as a distinct, mini-curriculum within a broader range of adult education possibilities.

Requirements are:

Career Studies Certificate for TELECOmmunications Technology

(24 credit hour program)

This certificate is designed for non-conventional, short-term programs.  It is specialized for a specific career or academic interest course area.  It is designed as a distinct, mini-curriculum within a broader range of adult education possibilities.

Requirements are:

Course Offerings

See our college catalog and course schedules for more information.

Information Technology Essentials

Information Technology Database and Design

Information Technology Programming

Information Technology Networking

Full-time Faculty

Barnes-Watt, Kelley
Associate Professor
Office Phone: 434-949-1032
Email: kelley.barnes@southside.edu
Christanna Campus

Jones, Crystal
Associate Professor
Office Phone: 434-949-1035
Email: crystal.jones@southside.edu
Christanna Campus

Tuck, Joan B.
Associate Professor
Office Phone: 434-736-2019
Email: joan.tuck@southside.edu
Daniel Campus

Wright, Tommy
Associate Professor
Office Phone: 434-736-2040
Email: tommy.wright@southside.edu
Daniel Campus

Information Systems Technology Program Goals

The Information Systems Technology program at Southside Virginia Community College is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in the computer field. Although the field is very broad, the program is designed to focus on specific areas as addressed below:

Application Software

Students in the IST Program are required to take ITE 115, Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts. This course provides an introduction to essential concepts of computers, Windows, Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and slide show presentations. In addition, students graduating with an Associate in Applied Science degree are required to take a 3-credit hour course in either spreadsheet or database.

Operating System Software

Students in the IST program need a working knowledge of Windows. Students graduating from this program should be able to run, add, and remove programs, add and remove hardware, perform file management techniques, customize a desktop, use Windows accessories, and use system tools.

Programming

Students working toward the Associate in Applied Science in IST must take two programming courses. These courses give the student an overview of programming and provide exposure to a different field in IST. Currently, we are offering a concepts course as well as courses in Visual Basic, Basic, MicroAssembler, Visual C++, Java, and Game Design.

Internet and Web Page Design

Students in the IST program should be confident users of the Information Highway. Students should be confident in using a web browser, performing searches, and using email. In addition, students wishing to gain skills in designing web pages have a choice of several classes. Internet and web page design courses are electives.

PC Repair and Troubleshooting

Graduates of the IST program should have basic skills in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing personal computers. A PC hardware repair or PC troubleshooting elective is required for this program.

Networking

Networking is an exploding field in IST. In addition to basic classes in networking essentials, SVCC offers courses in CISCO networking and courses related to telecommunications.

Other program goals include:

Continual update of courses and new course offerings as appropriate. Using the Virginia Community College System's Master Course Listing, studying current trends in the computer field, and addressing local needs and demand, SVCC must continually update current offerings and provide new courses as needed.

Use of current versions of software. IST courses should be taught using the current version of software, or preparations should be underway to upgrade to the newest version.

Use of appropriate textbooks. Instructional resources are vital to learning. Textbooks should be adopted that are appropriate for traditional and nontraditional students found in the community college setting. Textbooks adopted should be accurate, up-to-date, visually appealing, stimulating, challenging, and versatile.

Use of qualified, competent adjuncts. With many courses being taught by adjuncts, students should be confident that only qualified, competent persons are being hired. Support should be provided to adjuncts by full-time faculty members as needed.

Industry certification. Depending on electives and programs of study/specialization, students in the IST program have the opportunity to prepare for and take industry certification tests for Microsoft Office Specialist (Windows Vista, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), CCNA (Certified Cisco Networking Associate), A+ (PC Repair and Troubleshooting), Network+ (Networking essentials), CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster), ACA (Adobe Certified Associate) and IC3 (Internet and Computing Core Certification).

Use of an advisory council. The Vocational/Technical Advisory Council meets annually to receive updates on this program. Recommendations for the future are made at this time.

Faculty Advisors. Responsible advising of students is important to ensure that IST students are skilled in the area of their choice, and/or are exposed to many areas of the IST field. Faculty advisors must ensure that students have entry-level job skills upon graduation.

Expansion/Quality of off-campus course offerings. Courses in IST are offered at many off-campus locations. The course description should be the same for on- and off-campus classes, and textbook adoption should be the same for both.

Capstone course. Students preparing for graduation are required to take a capstone course, Seminar and Project. This course prepares upcoming graduates for employment in the IT field.