http://www.rit.edu/NTID/act

Computers are important to all parts of the economy, and the number of careers that involve work with computers is constantly expanding. Students in the AOS degree program in applied computer technology take courses to prepare them for careers that involve maintaining computer software and hardware, installing and maintaining computer networks, and working with a variety of computer applications.

Program concentrations

Students select a program concentration in the second year. Concentrations involve either computer technical support or networking cyber security.

Computer technical support: This concentration develops skills specific to working with office professionals to solve computer-related problems. These skills prepare students to work at a help desk responding to a client’s computer problems and performing setup, upgrades, and repairs to computers and computer peripherals.

Networking and cyber security: Students in this concentration develop skills specific to network and network security support. The skills include server setup, support and administration, network setup, troubleshooting and repair, identifying and implementing security policies, and installing appropriate hardware and software to support a secure and robust network.

On-the-job responsibilities

Students work as computer technicians, computer support specialists, network technicians, network security technicians, and network administrators.

Places of employment

Graduates can expect to work in a variety of environments, including banks, insurance companies, large stores, manufacturing companies, public utilities, government agencies, health care agencies, hospitals, and many other kinds of departments and businesses that use computers and networks.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of a sampling experience in applied computer technology, either through the Summer Vestibule Program or equivalent career exploration course, is a prerequisite for this program, as are the following:

English: Placement into English level C or above. Students successfully completing the AOS degree typically enter with reading scores equivalent to 8.0 on the California Reading Test.

Mathematics: Placement into Foundations of Algebra (0884-180) or a higher-level course. Typically, students entering this program will have completed at least three years of high school mathematics.

Science: Typically, students entering this program will have completed at least two years of high school science.