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What You Will Learn
MCTC’s Information Technology program has two A.A.S. awards: Computer Support and Network Administration and Software Development, as well as a number of diplomas and certificates.
MCTC’s Computer Support and Network Administration degree provides a comprehensive, industry-focused training on network support and Internet technologies. You will learn how to install, configure, and maintain computer hardware, protocols, operating systems, software and Internet-working devices, with special emphasis on developing troubleshooting skills. Instructors with real-world experience lead classes and cover key topics such as network administration, client/server installation and support, Web server management, database implementation, and network security.
In addition, you will have the chance to work in groups with other class members to learn valuable teamwork and communication skills that reflect real-world soft-skill requirements. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in various student club activities, technology competitions and industry events.
MCTC’s Software Development degree will empower you to systematically analyze problems and create software solutions for business, scientific fields and government. You will learn how to create and maintain computer programs using a variety of computer programming languages. You will also study client/server architecture, data communications, data process principles, computer business applications, graphical user interfaces, Web development and e-business/e-commerce concepts.
To prepare programs for implementation, you will learn to design and develop in multiple programming languages. You’ll also test and maintain programs to verify proper operation with data and reliability testing, including debugging to correct errors that are encountered. Many of the Information Technology courses are geared toward vendor-based and vendor-neutral industry standard certifications, such as those from Microsoft, Sun and CompTIA.
As a student, you will also have the opportunity to participate in valuable learning activities such as internships, student learning experiences and the Information Technology Club. Upon completion of the program, you will have gained strong problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills that will be useful as you enter the workforce.
MCTC has an articulation agreement with Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Moorhead; St. Mary’s University; and St. Scholastica for students who wish to pursue a four-year degree.
Admission Requirements
Students are accepted into this program for fall, spring and summer terms.
Courses in this program require achievement of the following minimum placements:
- READING-one of the following:
Awards or Credentials You Could Earn
- Computer Support and Network Administration A.A.S. Degree—60 credits
- Computer Support and Network Administration Diploma—54 credits
- Information Assurance Professional Diploma—47 credits
- Cisco Network Administrator Certificate—26 credits
- Computer Security Specialist Certificate—26 credits
- Linux Network Administrator Certificate—26 credits
- Microsoft Network Administrator Certificate—26 credits
- Wireless Network Administrator Certificate—26 credits
- Database Administrator Certificate—26 credits
- Macintosh Support and Network Administration Certificate—26 credits
- Information Technology Fundamentals Certificate—21 credits
Where You Could Work
- Help desk centers
- Technical support
- Information technology departments in government and industry
- Network administration
- Internet service providers
- IT consulting firms
- Training centers
- Technology vendors
- Software consulting firms
- Application software developers
- Web developers