DCCC to Offer Computer Information Technology Degree Program on the Davie Campus

By Kathy Kepley
Davidson County Community College

February 21, 2011

A two-year degree program in Computer Information Technology will be offered on the Davie Campus of Davidson County Community College beginning in Fall 2011.  In addition to the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, students may also earn the CIT diploma and certificate, as well as related certificates in Applications Specialist and PC Technician.

“We are pleased to announce Computer Information Technology as the third new business-related curriculum that will be available on the Davie Campus in the fall” said Allison Holmes, Associate Dean for Curriculum on the Davie Campus.  “The CIT curriculum is in addition to a diploma in accounting and an associate degree in business administration.”

Graduates with the A.A.S. degree in CIT may pursue careers in information technology in a wide range of industries including PC repair, hardware/software support, computer assembly, computer network support and administrative support. Graduates may also seek front-line careers in software and computer retail, technology instruction and banking.

Specific course work in the program includes business applications for creating word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. Students also learn to create websites and effectively use online resources for research and communication.  Hands-on training is offered in network cable assembly, pc repair, assembly and troubleshooting. Students learn various methods to secure information through software and hardware devices.

In the second year of study students learn how to administer a PC based environment through administrator and user privileges, design and develop a business solution using advanced spreadsheet techniques and relational database systems, and complete a system project.

Instruction at the Davie campus will include the most recent software applications including Office 2010 and Windows 7. Students will spend one or two semesters learning and practicing in the Office 2010 applications. Students will also learn and practice in other operating system platforms.

In addition to the technical skills, students also learn the appropriate business ethics in regard to working in an information technology field.

“Students will work in groups and complete various group projects during the program,” Holmes said. “Through this, students learn the value of working in groups and the benefits of using each group members’ strengths.”

Practical applications are included to give students experience in developing professional presentations and documents. Some students may choose to complete a live project with an area business or organization during the last semester. Live projects include databases, advanced business solutions using spreadsheets, or information management. Students may choose to help a business transform to a paperless or digital environment.
Students interested in the CIT, accounting and business administration programs at the Davie Campus should contact Allison Holmes (acholmes@davidsonccc.edu) or Rita Mathews (rlmathe@davidsonccc.edu) at 336.751.2885.