Academics

Information Technology

Welcome to our Information Technology (IT) program. We offer degree options in IT Database Specialist and IT Security Specialist programs, as well as our certificates. Let us prepare you for a rewarding career in IT! Explore our site to discover how we can help you achieve your goals.

associate in applied science degree

IT Database Specialist

The IT Database Specialist is a two-year program designed to provide students with the necessary information and skills to become an IT technician with emphasis on databases. Courses contain a balance of classroom and laboratory activities with modern hardware and up-to-date software. Students who successfully complete this program qualify for a variety of entry-level positions in the computer industry. The program provides a foundation for those who are seeking Cisco, Microsoft, and ComptiaTIA certifications. National competency requirements have been used to develop the curriculum. The knowledge gained from these courses may enable students who are pursuing a four-year degree to capstone into programs at senior-level institutions.

plan your aas degree in it database specialist

Courses

Total = 64 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1210 - Intro to Networks	5 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 1102 - Intro to Computers w/Business Applications	3 Cr. Hrs.
ENGL 1101 - Rhetoric and Composition I	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	16 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1234 - Linux Networking	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1231 - Windows Professional	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 2260 - Windows LAN/WAN	4 Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 1255 - Microsoft Access Database	3 Cr. Hrs.
MATH 1201 - Technical Mathematics or MATH 1107 - Contemporary College Mathematics	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	16 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester
CNS 1232 - Windows Server	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1235 - Linux Server	4 Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 1257 - SQL Server Database Design	3 Cr. Hrs.
PSYC 2101 - Introduction to Psychology	3 Cr. Hrs.
OFTC 1234 - Communication In Tech Service	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	16 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 2200 - Emerging Technologies	5 Cr. Hrs.
COMM 1101 - Principles of Effective Speaking	3 Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 1280 - Advanced Database Systems	3 Cr. Hrs.
COOP 1101 - Cooperative Education	2 Cr. Hrs.
Elective	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	16 Cr. Hrs.
Recommended Electives
CNS 1207 - Fundamentals of Information Security	4 Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 2100 - Discrete Structures	3 Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 2209 - System Analysis and Design	3 Cr. Hrs.

Costs & How To Pay

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.

Fall: July 15
Spring: December 15
Summer: May 15

Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.

More about paying for college

Program Outcomes

IT Database Specialist

1. Demonstrate the ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot various desktop and server operating systems.

2. Demonstrate the ability to install, configure, troubleshoot and repair PC hardware.

3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and meet customer needs.

4. Demonstrate the ability to design Local Area Networks (LANs) including router configurations.

5. Demonstrate the ability to design Wide Area Networks (WANs) including router configurations.

6. Demonstrate the ability to design a customer database.

associate in applied science degree

IT Security Specialist

The IT Security Specialist is a two-year program designed to provide students with the necessary information and skills to become an IT technician with an emphasis on security. Courses contain a balance of classroom and laboratory activities with modern hardware and up-to-date software. Students who successfully complete this program qualify for a variety of entry-level positions in the computer industry. The program provides a foundation for those who are seeking Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA certifications. National competency requirements have been used to develop the curriculum. The knowledge gained from these courses may enable students who are pursuing a four-year degree to capstone into programs at senior-level institutions.

plan your aas degree in it security specialist

Courses

Total = 64 Hours
A criminal history background check is required.
Fall Semester
CNS 1210 - Intro to Networks	5 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 1102 - Intro to Computers w/Business Applications	3 Cr. Hrs.
ENGL 1101 - Rhetoric and Composition I	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	16 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1207 - Fundamentals of Information Security	4 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1231 - Wireless Professional	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 2260 - Wireless LAN/WAN	4 Cr. Hrs.
MATH 1201 - Technical Mathematics or MATH 1107 - Contemporary College Mathematics	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1234 - Linux Networking	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	17 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester
CNS 1232 - Windows Server	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1235 - Linux Server	4 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 2228 - Hacking Techniques and Tools	4 Cr. Hrs.
PSYC 2101 - Introduction to Psychology	3 Cr. Hrs.
OFTC 1234 - Communications In Tech Service	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	17 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 2200 - Emerging Technologies	5 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 2231 - Network Security Firewalls and VPNs	3 Cr. Hrs.
COOP 1101 - Cooperative Education	3 Cr. Hrs.
COMM 1101 - Principles of Effective Speaking	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	14 Cr. Hrs.

Costs & How To Pay

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.

Fall: July 15
Spring: December 15
Summer: May 15

Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.

More about paying for college

Program Outcomes

IT Security Specialist

1. Demonstrate the ability to install, configure and troubleshoot various desktop and server operating systems.

2. Demonstrate the ability to install, configure, troubleshoot and repair PC hardware.

3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and meet customer needs.

4. Demonstrate the ability to design Local Area Networks (LANs) Wide Area Networks (WANs) including router configurations.

5. Demonstrate the ability to harden network and operating systems.

Computer Networking

The Computer Networking certificate provides students with the necessary information and skills to network computers on both wired and wireless networks. Course objectives will follow CompTIA Network+ certification guidelines. Courses offer a balance of classroom and laboratory activities.

Plan Your Computer Networking Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 14 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1210 - Intro to Networks	5 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	10 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 2260 - Wireless LAN / WAN	4 Cr. Hrs.
Total	4 Cr. Hrs.

Cyber Security Specialist

The Cyber Security Specialist certificate provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to detect and mitigate cyber attacks. Students are taught how to understand cyber attack vectors and investigate cyber intrusions, as well as proactive defense methods. Courses offer a balance of classroom and laboratory activities.

Plan Your Cyber Security Certificate

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 25 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	5 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1231 - Windows Professional	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1234 - Linux Networking	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1207 - Fundamentals of Information Security	4 Cr. Hrs.
Total	10 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester
CNS 2228 - Hacking Techniques and Tools	4 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1232 - Windows Server	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	7 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 2231 - Network Security Firewalls and VPN	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.

Linux Networking

The Linux Networking certificate provides students with the necessary information and skills to be able to configure and install Linux-based desktops and servers. Courses offer a balance of classroom and laboratory exercises using Linux virtual machines. Competency requirements identified on a national level have been used to develop the curriculum.

Plan Your Linux Networking Certificate

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 12 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	5 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1234 - Linux Networking	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester
CNS 1235 - Linux Server	4 Cr. Hrs.
Total	4 Cr. Hrs.

PC Maintenance

The PC Maintenance Certificate is designed to provide students with the necessary information and skills to become a computer and network technician and to take the CompTIA A+ certification test. Courses contain a balance of classroom and laboratory activities with modern hardware and up-to-date software. Students completing this program should be qualified for a variety of entry-level positions as a technician and provide a foundation for those seeking to expand their knowledge of networks. Competency requirements identified on a national level have been used to develop the curriculum.

Plan Your PC Maintenance Certificate

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 8 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	5 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1231 - Windows Professional	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.

Windows

The Windows Certificate provides students with the necessary information and skills to become a Microsoft Certified Professional. The courses contain a balance of classroom and laboratory activities with modern hardware and up-to-date software. Competency requirements identified on a national level by the Microsoft Corporation are used to direct the curriculum.

Plan Your Windows Certificate

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 11 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1210 - Intro to Networks	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	5 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1231 - Windows Professional	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester
CNS 1232 - Windows Server	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.

Computer Networking

Plan Your Computer Networking Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 14 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1210 - Intro to Networks	5 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	10 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 2260 - Wireless LAN / WAN	4 Cr. Hrs.
Total	4 Cr. Hrs.

Cyber Security Specialist

Plan Your Cyber Security Certificate

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 25 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	5 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1231 - Windows Professional	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1234 - Linux Networking	3 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1207 - Fundamentals of Information Security	4 Cr. Hrs.
Total	10 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester
CNS 2228 - Hacking Techniques and Tools	4 Cr. Hrs.
CNS 1232 - Windows Server	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	7 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 2231 - Network Security Firewalls and VPN	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.

Linux Networking

Plan Your Linux Networking Certificate

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 12 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	5 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1234 - Linux Networking	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester
CNS 1235 - Linux Server	4 Cr. Hrs.
Total	4 Cr. Hrs.

PC Maintenance

Plan Your PC Maintenance Certificate

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 8 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1212 - Hardware and Operating Systems	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	5 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1231 - Windows Professional	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.

Windows

Plan Your Windows Certificate

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Total = 11 Hours
Fall Semester
CNS 1210 - Intro to Networks	5 Cr. Hrs.
Total	5 Cr. Hrs.
Spring Semester
CNS 1231 - Windows Professional	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester
CNS 1232 - Windows Server	3 Cr. Hrs.
Total	3 Cr. Hrs.

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Transfer Information

Students who graduate with an Associate Degree can transfer their credits to a university and pursue a Bachelor's degree and beyond.

Articulation agreements - also known as Transfer Guides - document the pathway between RLC and the university. Historically, RLC has built articulation agreements with midwestern universities. However, students have worked with both institutions to build a pathway.

View our transfer guides and more about articulation agreements

classof22-grads--alternating-content-image-1260x1012

Transfer Guides

We have guides that document a pathway between your degree at RLC and many universities.

Accreditation

Quality Education. Guaranteed.

Since 1969, Rend Lake College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

More about accreditation

Popular Searches

Academics

Information Technology

associate in applied science degree

IT Database Specialist

program details

Program Outcomes

associate in applied science degree

IT Security Specialist

program details

Program Outcomes

Short-Term

Certificates

Computer Networking

Cyber Security Specialist

Linux Networking

PC Maintenance

Windows

Computer Networking

Cyber Security Specialist

Linux Networking

PC Maintenance

Windows

Key Information for Applying

Become Familiar with RLC Admission Requiremements

Apply for Admission

Speak with an Academic Advisor

Apply for Financial Aid

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Transfer Information

Transfer Guides

Accreditation

Quality Education. Guaranteed.

Faculty & Staff

Emily VanDeveer

Shari Carpenter

Chris Edwards

Visit Us