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Information Technology Degree
Our Information Technology Degree Program At-a-Glance
- Earn your specialized degree in just 2 years
- Accredited by ACCSC
- Licensed by the PA Department of Education, Department of Private Licensed Schools
What You Need to Know About Our Information Technology AST Degree
Increasingly, so much of what we do evolves around computer and digital information systems, in both large and small businesses alike. Whether it’s network security, database management, network administration or cloud asset management, employers are in need of skilled information technicians who can help protect their digital assets and ensure everyone has the technology they need to work efficiently. At South Hills School of Business & Technology, you can learn the skills you need to become part of the IT field in just two years with our Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Information Technology.
From classroom theory to practical experience, we bring the real world of IT into our program so that you are exposed to all of the training and technical skills you’ll need in to start your career. Our experienced instructors cover topics like:
- Utilizing networking switches and routers to create local area networks
- Demonstrating troubleshooting techniques that lead to resolving computer-related problems
- Cloud computing and common use cases in information technology
- Creating, retrieving, updating, and deleting information from modern database systems
- Setting up and maintaining Windows and Linux operation systems and creating automation scripts for them using common scripting languages
- Understanding the foundations of modern web-based applications
- Protecting networks using common computer security practices
We include a 12-week internship with one of our partner employers as part of your program, so you’ll have the opportunity to put what you’ve learned to work. Previous IT internship locations have included:
- Affinity Connections
- CMIT Solutions
- Falkner Technology LLC
- Keystone Central School District
- Penn State University
- Penn State Outreach
- International
- ZoomTan
South Hills helps to prepare students to sit for internationally recognized certification exams by Microsoft, CompTIA, EC-Council, and CIW, including:
- MCTS
- MCSE
- A+
- Network+
- CIW-A
- Linux+
Students have the flexibility to customize their class choices based on their desired career choice. For those focusing on programming, strong math comprehension skills are an asset.
South Hills IT grads are working in careers including Computer Support Specialist, Network Administrator, Security Analyst, Applications Developer or Programmer, Webmaster, E-Commerce Specialist, Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst, and Database Administrator.
Successful students in this program will be fast learners, willing to explore and try new things with the computer, and not easily distracted by online temptations such as games and social media. For those focusing on programming, strong math comprehension skills are an asset.
Why You Should Choose South Hills
South Hills School of Business & Technology has been in the business of helping our students gain the specialized career skills they need for over 50 years. We know that we can help you, too, as you prepare for your future career in IT. Here are just a few reasons why:
- Important internship and networking opportunities — Every specialized associate degree program we offer at South Hills includes a 12-week internship component, which gives you not only hands-on experience, but also a chance to network and connect with our partner organizations.
- Small class sizes — It’s important to us that each of our students feels seen, both in what they need out of their education and what their goals are. It’s why we keep our class sizes small, so you can build a personal relationship with your teachers and fellow students.
- Experienced instructors and mentors — Our instructors are also experienced professionals who know what it takes to be successful in the job market. Information technology classes are taught by network admins, help desk techs, database managers, and other IT professionals who incorporate their experience into the curriculum.
- Two convenient campus locations — We’ve been providing specialized skills training in Pennsylvania since 1970, starting with our campus location in State College, and expanding into Altoona in 2001.
- Career and alumni services — South Hills is an education community, there for you from the day you enroll to graduation and for years afterward. We have a dedicated Career Services team to help ready you for finding and securing your first job and support you through your career.
- Financial aid and scholarships — Finances shouldn’t stand in the way of you being able to train for the career you want. South Hills has a financial aid team that will help you every step of the way through the application process. Their goal is to help you to obtain all of the grant, loan, agency and military funding that you are eligible for.
Talking Tech with Guido Santella
Guido has been an Information Technology instructor at the South Hills Altoona campus since 2005. In the following videos, he shares advice for those interested in a career in technology.
Want more insight from Guido? Check out the full collection of Talking Tech with Guido Santella videos here.
A Closer Look at Our Information Technology Classes
The Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Information Technology at South Hills is an on-campus program that features small class sizes and more opportunities for individualized attention.
This AST degree program consists of 135 credits that can be completed in just 2 years. It includes courses like:
- IT201 UNIX/Linux Essentials
- IT209 Cisco Networking
- IT210 Server Administration
- IT216 SAN Administration and Disaster Recover
- IT219 Ethical Hacking and Defense
- IT239 Cloud and DevOps Fundamentals
- IT238 Content Management Systems
Complete Course List
Information Technology Course List for 2020-21
| Term | Course # | Course Name | Credits | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | GE117 | Applied Algebra | 4 | 60 |
| GE183 | Business English I | 4 | 60 | |
| GE130 | History of IT | 2 | 24 | |
| CP127 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 2.5 | 36 | |
| CP132 | Introduction to Programming & Logic | 4 | 60 | |
| IT200 | Networking Essentials | 4 | 60 | |
| PD110 | Professional Development | 2 | 24 | |
| Totals | 22.5 | 324 | ||
| Second Term | GE184 | Business English II | 4 | 60 |
| IT204 | TCP/IP | 4 | 60 | |
| CP134 | Web Site Design | 4 | 60 | |
| IT201 | UNIX/Linux Essentials | 4 | 60 | |
| Technical Elective #1* | 4 | 60 | ||
| Totals | 20 | 300 | ||
| *Technical Elective #1 Choices | ||||
| IT100 | Intermediate Programming | 4 | 60 | |
| GA124 | Introduction to Computer Graphics | 4 | 60 | |
| Third Term | CP135 | Business Applications | 4 | 60 |
| CP129 | Introduction to SQL Databases | 4 | 60 | |
| CP133 | Hardware | 4 | 60 | |
| Technical Elective #2** | 4 | 60 | ||
| Technical Elective #3** | 4 | 60 | ||
| Totals | 20 | 300 | ||
| **Technical Elective #2 & #3 Choices | ||||
| IT209 | Cisco Networking | 4 | 60 | |
| IT230 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 | 60 | |
| IT206 | Microsoft Server Operating Systems | 4 | 60 | |
| Fourth Term | IT202 | Database Administration | 4 | 60 |
| IT232 | PHP-Hybrid | 4 | 60 | |
| IT210 | Server Administration | 4 | 60 | |
| CP130 | Technical Presentations | 2 | 24 | |
| GE259 | Technical Writing | 2.5 | 36 | |
| Technical Elective #4*** | 4 | 60 | ||
| Totals | 20.5 | 300 | ||
| ***Technical Elective #4 Choices | ||||
| IT214 | Android Application Development | 4 | 60 | |
| IT231 | Software Engineering & Application Development | 4 | 60 | |
| IT212 | VOIP Telephony | 4 | 60 | |
| Fifth Term | IT237 | Cloud and DevOps Fundamentals | 4 | 60 |
| CD207 | Job Search Skills | 2 | 24 | |
| CP277 | Project Management | 5 | 60 | |
| IT215 | Web Server Administration | 4 | 60 | |
| Technical Elective #5**** | 4 | 60 | ||
| Totals | 19 | 264 | ||
| ****Technical Elective #5 Choices | ||||
| IT217 | Apple Application Development | 4 | 60 | |
| IT211 | JavaScript | 4 | 60 | |
| IT216 | SAN Administration and Disaster Recovery | 4 | 60 | |
| Sixth Term | GE178 | Human Relations in the Workplace | 2.5 | 36 |
| IT225 | Information Technology Capstone Project | 7 | 120 | |
| MG116 | Introduction to Business | 4.5 | 60 | |
| GE213 | Oral Business Communications | 2 | 24 | |
| Technical Elective #6***** | 4 | 60 | ||
| Totals | 20 | 300 | ||
| *****Technical Elective #6 Choices | ||||
| IT219 | Ethical Hacking and Defense | 4 | 60 | |
| IT228 | Python Programming | 4 | 60 | |
| Seventh Term | IT227 | Information Technology Internship | 11 | 330 |
| CD214 | IT Career and Certification Prep | 2 | 21 | |
| Totals: | 13 | 351 | ||
| IT PROGRAM TOTAL CREDITS | IT PROGRAM TOTAL HOURS | |||
| 135.0 Credits | 2,139 Clock Hours |
Bright Outlook Occupation
Computer User Support Specialist
Computer User Support Specialists play a vital role in a company by working with and providing support for different hardware, software, networking, etc.
Bright Outlook Occupation
Software Developer
Software Developers play a key role in the design, installation, analysis, and maintenance of computer programs and applications as well as software systems.
The Outlook for Information Technology Jobs and Careers
The Information Technology program at South Hills is designed to prepare you for entry-level jobs like:
- Network Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
- Customer Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Computer Repair Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
- Database Administrator
- IT Technician
- Server Administrator
- Network Administrator
The field of information technology is expanding fast, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that the entire field will grow 13% and add 667,600 new jobs through 2030. One of the fastest-growing careers overall is for information security analysts, which is expected to jump up by a whopping 33% over the next several years.
With a specialized associate degree in information technology, you also lay the foundation to increase your opportunities for success. The BLS found that people who earned their specialized associate degrees average almost 20% higher wages and had an unemployment rate two percentage points lower than those who had only a high school diploma. A specialized associate degree is also a potential jumping off point to getting your bachelor’s degree or even master’s degree later on as you advance in your career.
Careers in Information Technology
With two years of hands-on training and strong skillsets, our Information Technology graduates are prepared for a variety of career options, including:
- IT Specialist
- IT Technician
- Software Trainer
- Systems Technician
- Programmer
- Web Developer
- IT Consultant
- Help Desk Associate
- Software Quality Agent
- Programmer Analyst
Each student completes a summer-long internship before graduation, providing real world experience. We have placed interns at locations including:
- Affinity Connections
- CMIT Solutions
- Falkner Technology LLC
- Keystone Central School District
- Penn State University ITS TNS
- Penn State Outreach
- PneuDart International
- ZoomTan
South Hills Information Technology graduates are well-trained and in demand for their knowledge and work ethics. Some of the many firms employing our graduates include:
- Penn State University (many departments)
- Affinity
- CMIT Solutions
- EnergyCAP
- Minitab
- PneuDart International
- Sheetz
- TMM Data
- Videon Central
Meet the Faculty
Ray Liddick Jr.
Program Coordinator / Instructor
State College Main Campus
Ray Liddick Jr., the Program Coordinator for Graphic Arts, has been an Information Technology and Graphic Arts Instructor at South Hills School of Business & Technology since 2004.
Ray is a graduate of Tyler School of Art, Temple University and has had MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) accreditation. Ray has spent decades utilizing his IT and graphic arts creativity on the job. Outside of the school, he is the Marketing Media & IT Manager at Pneu-Dart, Inc., a global manufacturer of remote drug delivery, as well as being the Creative Director/Owner of Open Door Visions.
In the classroom and on the job, Ray applies his artistic vision and IT experiences to a wide range of projects including print design, web development, project management and IT infrastructure/networking.
Rick Gority
Instructor
State College Main Campus
Rick Gority, instructor for computer skills classes, has been teaching at South Hills School of Business & Technology since 2009.
Rick received a BA from Penn State University in Telecommunications. In conjunction with a close friend, he co-founded a web & graphic design company in 2000. Rick continued to develop his skills with hardware and networking support, which led to his career in the IT field.
When free time is available, Rick enjoys boating on Lake Raystown, brewing beer, and vacationing in the Outer Banks.
Joseph Meyer
Adjunct Instructor
State College Main Campus
Joseph Meyer has been an adjunct Information Technology instructor at South Hills since 2017. He is a Senior Software Engineer within Penn State University’s software department. Previously, he has worked at CSC and Raytheon in similar roles.
Joe has his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with minors in Digital Design and Japanese from Philadelphia University. He earned his Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Drexel University.
Joe and his family have been residents of State College since 2008. When not working his day job or teaching at South Hills, he can usually be found working on a project in his garage or playing some very old video game.
Guido Santella
Instructor
Altoona Campus
Guido Santella has been an Information Technology instructor at the South Hills Altoona campus since 2005. In 2013, Guido was given the Instructor of the Year award by the Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators (PAPSA). Known for his classroom enthusiasm and energetic teaching style, Guido’s professional experience includes coding, web design, database, and server administration.
Over the years, Guido has enjoyed spending months at a time in Europe, as well as interning at the British Museum in London.
Guido is also an accomplished pianist and was awarded the Italian Heritage Society of Pennsylvania - John Monti Music Award in 2010 for exemplary efforts in promoting the musical heritage of the Italian-American community.
Guido's "I Am South Hills" Video
Nicholas Page
Program Instructor
State College Main Campus
Program Advisory Committees
| Member Name | Job Title | Company |
| Frank Walk | System Administrator | Clearfield County Career and Technical Center |
| Jim Leous | IT Manager | Penn State University |
| Rusty Myers | System Administrator | Penn State University |
| Matthew Raup | Desktop Manager | Penn State University |
| John Stitzinger | CEO | The Make Space |
| Ellen Thorne | SWQA Specialist Lead | InFocus |
| Kyle Crain | Systems and Network Security Specialist | Penn State University |
| Gina Beisel | Senior Manager of Creative and Custom Development Services | Blackboard |
| Adam Root | Database Program Developer | RBA Professional Data Systems |
| Member Name | Job Title | Company |
| Joe Merilli | Owner | PS Solutions |
| Matt Paonessa | Owner | JMG Systems |
| Wes Neal | Owner/Software Engineer | Practical Inventions |
| Josh Wakefield | Director of IT | Juniata Valley School District |
| Chris Beaver | Owner/Developer | cbCodeStudio, LLC |
| David Wertz | President | PCWorksPlus |
| Lee Johnson | CEO | Roasch Visionary Systems |
| Ryan McCracken | Hosting Services Engineering and Security Manager | Tessitura |
| Michael Lingenfelter | Technology Coordinator | Bellwood-Antis School District |
| Matthew Becker | Director of Product Security | EAB |
| Brandon Hazenstab | Business Analyst/Team Lead | PS Solutions |
Get Started on Your Information Technology Career at South Hills
If you’ve been considering a move to the information technology field, now is a good time to reach out to South Hills School of Business & Technology. Contact us today to learn more about our Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Information Technology, and we can walk you through everything South Hills has to offer.
