IT Networking Information Systems & Technology

Requirements of Admission to Program

Associate Degree in Networking and Cyber Security OR Associate Degree (or 90 college level credits) in other field AND A+ Certification AND Network + Certification  

Lower Division General Education - Credit Hours: (35)

COMMUNICATION: 5 credits

• ENGL& 101 English Composition I 

HUMANITIES: 5 credits – recommend to choose from the following

• CMST 110 Multicultural Communication 
• CMST& 101 Introduction to Communication 
• CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 
• CMST& 220 Public Speaking 
• PHIL& 101 Introduction to Philosophy

SOCIAL SCIENCE: 10 credits – recommend to choose from the following

• BUS& 201 Business Law
• POLS& 202 American Government 
• PSYC& 100 General Psychology 
• SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology 
• SOC& 201 Social Problems 
• SOC 262 Race and Ethnic Relations 

NATURAL SCIENCE: 10 credits – recommend to choose from the following

• GEOG 210 Maps, GIS and the Environment 
• ENVS& 101 Introduction to Environmental Science 

QUANTITATIVE SKILLS: 5 credits

• MATH 136 Inferential Statistics 
  OR
• MATH& 146 Introduction to Statistics

Upper Division General Education - Credit Hours: (10)

• CMST 320 Professional and Organizational Communication (5) 
• PHIL 320 Ethical Decision Making (5)

IT BAS Core Requirements - Credit Hours: (55)

• IT 301 Scripting and Programming for Network Administration (5)
• IT 302 Emerging Communication Technology (3)
• LS 301 Research Skills for BAS (2)
• IT 305 Remote and Virtualized Platforms (5)
• IT 321 Advanced Information and Data Security (5)
• IT 322 Forensics I (5)
• IT 361 Cloud Computing (5)
• IT 418 Advanced Technology Integration (5)
• IT 421 Cyber Operations (5)
• IT 441 Data Science and Big Data Analytics (5)
• IT 461 Advanced Routing and Switching (5)
• IT 481 Information Systems Capstone (5)

College Level Elective Courses - Credit Hours: (80)

Any college-level course

Any college level course will meet requirements. Recommend courses in the following disciplines: IT, Business, Technical Writing, Communication, Ethics/Human Relations, Leadership/Management 

 

Total: 180 

What is the cost of the program?

It’s important to be aware of how much college costs so you can plan your finances. All online students qualify for WA state resident tuition rates with a waiver, no matter where in the United States they live.

Students are encouraged to review the official Tuition Rates and fees set by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. Every college also charges campus-based fees, like technology fees or lab fees.

Student Approved Mandatory Fees

Description	Fee
Early Childhood Education/Childcare Bldg.	$1.25 per credit to 10 credits, maximum rate $12.50
Technology Fee	$1.75 per credit to 10 credits, maximum rate $17.50
Health and Wellness Center Fee	$3.00 per credit to 10 credits, maximum $30.00
Safety Fee	$15.00 per student
eLearning Fee	$6.00 per credit

Program Specific Costs

*All costs are approximate

Description	Total Cost
Books and Supplies ($300 per quarter)	$1800
Student IT Course Fees ($100 per course)	$1100
Certifications	$1500
Certified Background Check	$65.00
TOTAL	$4465

Notes About Tuition

• Tuition rates subject to change by the Washington State Legislature.
• Tuition and fees are due at the time of registration and payment must be completed within 2 business days of registration. Continuing students and new students who register early may defer fee payment until the published deferment date (see calendar).
• Some courses have additional fees assessed.
• Washington Online (WAOL) students are assessed an additional fee of $8.00 per credit. This fee is non-refundable once the course begins.
• U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have not yet established Washington residency may now attend TCC at a reduced rate. This optional waiver has been approved by the TCC Board of Trustees, but may not be available at all state colleges. A student who plans to transfer to a college that does not participate in this waiver is advised to establish Washington residency before transfer. Residency information is available at the Admissions Counter.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the IT Networking: Information Systems and Technology Bachelor of Applied Science program, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate, implement and demonstrate effective communication across all levels of the organization and to diverse audiences
2. Formulate an understanding of the value of diversity and community as it relates to technology fields with attention to the dynamics of power and privilege
3. Design policies that support data integrity, confidentiality, availability, and security within the organizational structure
4. Improve ethical behaviors, innovation and critical thinking, teamwork, and technical proficiency commensurate with duties of an information technology professional
5. Analyze, evaluate, and implement comprehensive project plans by applying analytical tools, information systems and emerging technologies to improve business processes and eliminate security vulnerabilities
6. Recommend acceptable resolutions to ethical issues and dilemmas to improve desired organizational outcomes
7. Investigate and recommend solutions to security threats

Degree Learning Outcomes

All Program Level Outcomes also align with TCC's Degree Learning Outcomes.  TCC has six measurable outcomes that all degree recipients are expected to meet. 

1. Core of Knowledge (COK): Demonstrate a basic knowledge of each of the distribution areas (Written Communication, Humanities, Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences), or, as applicable, specific professional/technical content, and program-level content and apply this knowledge to academic endeavors.
2. Communication (COM): Listen, speak, read, and write effectively and use nonverbal and technological means to make connections between self and others.
3. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (CRT): Compare, analyze, and evaluate information and ideas to solve problems.
4. Information & Information Technology (IIT): Locate, evaluate, retrieve, and ethically use relevant and current information of appropriate authority for academic or, as applicable, specific professional/technical applications.
5. Intercultural Collaboration & Diversity (ICD): Demonstrate successful application of an interdependent, diverse, and multicultural worldview through collaborative engagement.
6. Responsibility & Ethics (RES): Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes responsible and ethical behavior toward individuals, the community, and the environment.

Schedule of Classes

The following is a sample 2 year full time schedule. Each student will be assigned general education and elective classes to meet the degree requirements depending on their previous courses.  A 3 year part time schedule is also available.

Please note: Your schedule will vary depending on which general education and elective courses you need to complete and how many credits per quarter you wish to take.

A draft educational plan will be based off of our preliminary review of unofficial transcripts.  Changes to your academic plan may be required after your official transcripts have been reviewed by the Credential Evaluators.  Official transcripts must be received by TCC no later than 6 weeks after you accept the offer to join our program.

 

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
Fall Quarter
IT 301	Scripting and Programming for Network Administrators	5
IT 302	Emerging Communication Technology	3
LS 301	Research Skills for Healthcare	2
IT 305	Remote and Virtualized Platforms	5
Winter Quarter
IT 321	Advanced Information and Data Security	5
CMST 320	Professional and Organizational Communication	5
MATH& 146 Or MATH 136	Introduction to Statistics Or Inferential Statistics	5
Spring Quarter
IT 322	Forensics	5
PHIL 320	Ethical Decision Making	5
IT 361	Cloud Computing	5
Summer Quarter (Optional)
Elective or Distribution Requirement		5
Elective or Distribution Requirement		5
Fall Quarter
IT 461	Advanced Routing and Switching	5
BUS 201	Business Law	5
GEOG 210	Maps, GIS, and the Environment	5
Winter Quarter
IT 421	Cyber Operations	5
IT 441	Data Science and Big Data Analytics	5
POL& 202	American Government	5
Spring Quarter
IT 418	Advanced Technology Integration	5
IT 481	Program Capstone	5
ENVS& 101	Introduction to Environmental Science	5

Curriculum Time Limits

There is a five-year time limit on ALL IT, computer/information management courses or courses transferred from other IT programs into the TCC IT BAS Program. While we do realize it may be necessary for some students to spread out the education, it is vital that students complete all IT courses within five years to ensure that the curriculum is as up-to-date as possible. A student may petition their IT faculty advisor for a waiver of this requirement.

 

IT Networking Job Classifications

While professionals with information technology degrees could work in any number of fields, TCC’s attention is focused on occupational classifications that most closely reflect natural pathways of networking for graduates of our ITN-IST degree.  Jobs in this classification would include Computer Systems Analysts, Information Security Analysts, Database Administrators, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, and Computer Network Architects.

Average Washington State Salary by Job Classification

The following average salaries were reported in 2019 by the Washington State Employment Security Department. These are state-wide averages and may not be reflective of your specific region. 

Computer Systems Analysts  $99,258 ($47.72 hr)

Computer Systems Analysts implement and improve computer systems through analysis of science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems.  They analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. They may also analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Information Security Analysts  $112,006 ($53.85 hr)

Information Security Analysts plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information.  They may also ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. Additionally, they may respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

 

 

Database Administrator  $106,718 ($51.31 hr)

Database Administrators apply their knowledge of database administration systems to administer, test, and implement computer databases. They coordinate changes to computer databases and may plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators  $93,536  ($44.97 hr)

Network and Computer Systems Administrators install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. They monitor networks to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. They may also monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. They may assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. They may supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. They may administer network security measures.

Computer Network Architects  $110,431 ($53.09 hr)

Computer Network Architects design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. They perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. They may also design network and computer security measures. They may research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information on national statistics for IT networking jobs, please visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

There are several Master’s degree-level paths that graduates of the ITN-IST BAS program have upon completion.

WGU offers Master’s degrees in multiple fields. They accept all Washington BAS degree graduates via a statewide transfer (articulation) agreement.

Pacific Lutheran University has a transfer agreement for all TCC BAS degrees to be accepted into all their Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Marketing Analytics degrees offered through their School of Business.

University of Washington-Tacoma’s Milgard School of Business (MSB) program accepts all TCC’s applied bachelor’s degrees into their Master of Science in Business Analytics.

WGU MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (PDF)

TCC to PLU

UW Tacoma Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)