A.S. Information Technology
64
Credit Hours
69%
Max Transfer Credit
Class Type
100% online, 6 & 12-week courses
Next Start Date
Aug 14, 2023
Cost Per Credit

Connect your skills to your ambition with an IT associate degree

From productivity to marketing to order fulfillment, organizations rely on information technology (IT) to help them successfully do -- and grow -- their businesses. 

Because IT affects business from the inside out, IT professionals have a unique opportunity to impact business from every angle, including operations. Starting with network availability and systems capacity all the way to algorithms and customer databases, technology-based information and resources are needed to maximize productivity and profitability.

Earn a two-year online A.S. Information Technology from Franklin and work with organizations to create and manage the computing systems infrastructures and applications that bring businesses closer to their customers and achieve their operational goals.
 

Program Availability

On Site

Multiple IT Pathways

Enjoy a seamless transition to tech-focused bachelor's degrees.

Real-World Practitioners

Learn from experienced technology leaders.

100% Online Classes

Earn your degree around your schedule.

Program Overview

Determine your IT path

Franklin’s transfer-friendly A.S. Information Technology associate degree program covers the fundamentals of technology-based problem solving, including programming, configuring computer networks, cyber security and administering database systems.

With our program, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a wide variety of technology challenges, including troubleshooting network performance, using algorithms to solve problems, and resolving database and distributed data performance and capacity issues.

Through 64 core, major and elective credit hours, you’ll be introduced to the concepts and technologies that enable businesses to leverage information technology to profitable advantage.

You’ll also be exposed to several different IT career pathways, from help desk and support to analyst and technician to better prepare you to make entry into the fast-growing career segment of information technology. In fact, EMSI predicts that jobs in the information technology sector will increase a whopping 24 percent through 2025. 

Once you complete your associate degree, aside from a variety of career options, you’ll have a multitude of next-step education options too. If programming and web development are your thing, then your IT associate degree can prepare you to transfer to our Web Development bachelor’s degree program. If you’d like to make a career of protecting data from security threats and hackers, then consider your IT associate degree a good springboard to the Cyber Security bachelor’s degree program. If you’d rather become an IT generalist and continue with your bachelor’s degree, all your associate degree courses are directly applicable to the Information Technology bachelor’s degree program at Franklin.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online or pursue available coursework at our Main Campus. Regionally accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family, and life. Get started on your future today.

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Future Start Date

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Fall 2023
August
14
Recommended Register By:
Aug 4
Fall 2023
September
25
Recommended Register By:
Sep 15
Fall 2023
November
6
Recommended Register By:
Oct 27

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

64 Semester Hours
Fundamental General Education
English Composition
ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competence necessary for conducting and presenting research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all of their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of good writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of a documented research paper.

Mathematics
MATH 160 - College Algebra (4)

This course is designed to prepare students for Applied Calculus and Discrete Mathematics and to provide the mathematical background needed for the analytic reasoning used in other courses. Topics include functions and their graphs, including exponential and logarithmic functions; complex numbers; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; basic principles of counting and probability; and other selected topics. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Choose MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite. Course can count as a University elective.

Science

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Two courses from the Science discipline. One course must have a lab component.

社会和行为科学

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology disciplines. Choose courses from two different disciplines to meet degree requirements.

Arts & Humanities
HUMN 211 - Introduction to Critical Ethics (2)

Critical Ethics uses critical thinking to get around the limitations of personal belief and indoctrination to get to what ought to be done and why to improve the human condition. Accordingly, the goal of this course is to help the student improve his/her ethical analysis and evaluation skills to help the student do the thing that must be done, when it ought to be done, using critical thinking.

4 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education
PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course introduces students to the Franklin University community and provides strategies for successful transition to and participation in that community. Topics include University resources and procedures, strategies for advancing communication skills, the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments, and the development of an academic and career plan.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and public speaking.

OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This public-speaking course emphasizes the fundamentals of extemporaneous speaking. Skill-building activities and assignments focus on research, organization, reasoning, style and delivery of presentations as well as listening and audience engagement.

COMM 315 - Communication Ethics (4)

This course examines the strategies involved in effective, ethical communication in professional contexts. Students examine principles of ethical organizational communication and the temporal/cultural/social forces behind those principles, as well as apply reasoning and critical thinking in individual and group assignments. Comparing values and perspectives from diverse cultures, students will respond to cases in an intercultural professional environment.

2 credits from the following types of courses:
Any General Education course at the 100 or 200 level

Major Area Required
COMP 101 - Problem Solving With Computing (2)

Many organizations today utilize computers and 信息系统 to store, organize, analyze, and summarize data to solve problems. As a result, computing is a tool that can benefit students in many different fields. At the heart of solving problems with computers is the study of structured thinking using algorithms. This course is designed for students with no prior programming experience and teaches the building blocks of algorithms, including variables, expressions, selection and repetition structures, functions and parameters, and array processing. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

COMP 204 - Principles of Computer Networks (2)

This course serves as an introduction to the function, design, administration, and implementation of computer networks. Topics include network infrastructure, architecture, protocols, applications, and the OSI networking model. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

COMP 281 - Database Management Systems (4)

This course covers fundamental concepts necessary for the design, use, implementation and administration of database systems. The course will stress the fundamentals of database modeling and design, the languages and facilities provided by database management systems, and some techniques for implementing and administering database systems. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

ISEC 200 - Cyber Security Fundamentals (2)

The Internet has changed dramatically; so have the activities that are dependent on it in some shape or form. Understanding the need for security, it's influence on people, businesses and society, as well as business drivers is critical. The course also covers malicious attacks, threats and vulnerabilities common to the world of security, as well as access controls, and methods to assess and respond to risks. Hands-on labs accompany the various concepts that are taught.

ITEC 136 - Principles of Programming (4)

This course covers fundamental programming principles for individuals with at least some programming background. Major themes are structured programming, problem solving, algorithm design, top-down stepwise refinement, and software lifecycle. Topics will include testing, data types, operators, repetition and selection control structures, functions, arrays, and objects. Students will design, code, test, debug, and document programs in a relevant programming language. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

ITEC 275 - Computer Networks: Switching, Routing, & Wans (4)

This course covers both the design and basic configuration of computer networks. Using Cisco Systems CCDA? certification as a guide, students will learn about the OSI model, network topologies, Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies, wireless LAN, IP addressing, routing protocols, and network security mechanisms. This course also utilizes simulation software to create a small virtual network on the student's personal computer running Windows XP or Vista. This provides the student interactive configuration experience with the Cisco Systems Internetworking Operating System (IOS) in an isolated environment. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

MIS 200 - Management Information Systems (4)

The purpose of this course is to provide the fundamentals associated with the management of information technology in a business enterprise. These fundamentals are business concepts in which the influence of information technology has caused change or brought about new concepts. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the managerial issues that are relevant to usage of computers. The student will be given problems isolating these issues and will be asked to propose solutions with alternatives.

WEBD 101 - Introduction to Web Page Construction (2)

This course covers the fundamental concepts necessary for the construction of web pages using the basic building blocks of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (css). HTML and XHTML are covered in detail for building web pages using a web page development environment. The use of styling using css is introduced.

University Electives

2 credits from the following types of courses:
Any undergraduate courses offered by the University except developmental education courses.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement.

Program Details

Career Opportunities

IT Specialist

IT specialists help support the execution and monitoring of technology-related projects, such as software development, installations, upgrades and migrations.

Security Specialist

Security specialists assist in identifying, analyzing, managing and mitigating information technology risks, threats and vulnerabilities.
 

Technical Support Specialist

Technical support specialists provide computer equipment support, ranging from installing and testing hardware and software to training end users.

Help Desk Specialist

Help desk specialists log, track and respond to information technology support requests, especially hardware- and/or software-related issues.

Network Specialist

Network specialists assist in troubleshooting and mitigating network problems, as well as resolving operational issues and restoring services.

Get College Credit for What You Already Know

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