Overview
The Information Technology Specialist Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program offers students a robust foundation in IT principles and hands-on technical skills, preparing them for diverse roles in the rapidly growing field of information technology. The program begins with foundational courses that cover critical topics such as hardware and software support, operating systems, networking, and cybersecurity. After completing the foundational courses, students will choose one of three specialization areas to tailor their education to specific career goals:
- Systems Administration: Focuses on managing and maintaining IT systems, servers, and virtualization technologies to ensure operational efficiency and reliability.
- Cloud Administration: Emphasizes deploying, configuring, and managing cloud-based infrastructures and services, preparing students for roles in the dynamic world of cloud computing.
- Cisco Networking and Security: Provides in-depth knowledge of network design, implementation, and security, with a focus on Cisco technologies and certifications.
This flexible structure allows students to gain broad IT expertise while also specializing in a field that aligns with their interests and career aspirations. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for immediate entry into the workforce or for transfer into advanced programs, such as the Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity or related fields.
Industry Certifications
Students in the Information Technology Specialist AAS program are prepared to pursue a variety of industry-recognized certifications that validate their skills and enhance their employability. Certifications may include:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Server+
- CompTIA Linux+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
These certifications are widely recognized in the IT industry and are highly valued by employers.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Information Technology Specialist AAS program are prepared to pursue a variety of roles depending on their chosen specialization:
-
Systems Administration Specialization:
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Administrator
- Server Support Technician
- Network Server Administrator
-
Cloud Administration Specialization:
- Cloud Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Specialist
- Cloud Operations Technician
- Cloud Security Specialist
- Junior Cloud Architect
- Cisco Networking and Security Specialization:
- Network Security Analyst
- Cisco Network Administrator
These roles span a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, education, and government, where IT expertise is essential for operational success.
Earning Potential
Cloud Systems Administrator: $130,530 per year1
Computer Network Support Specialist: $123,135 per year1
Cloud Security Specialist: $70,561 per year1
IT Support Specialist: $137,584 per year1
Systems Administrator: $116,340 per year1
Network Server Administrator: $111,289 per year1
1 Source: salary.com, average salary for Houston, Tx as of May 1, 2025
For more information, students may contact Central Campus, 281-991-2608; North Campus, 281-998-6350, x7242; or South Campus, 281-922-3424.
Campuses
Central Campus
North Campus
South Campus
Information
The Information Technology Specialist Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program is designed for students seeking comprehensive skills to build, support, and manage IT systems in today’s dynamic technology landscape. This degree program can typically be completed in four semesters, and for students who already hold industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Server+, it may be possible to finish even sooner. It is generally recommended that students complete the 27 semester credit hour Computer Information Technology (CIT) Foundations Certificate of Technology before enrolling in this program, as many of those courses provide essential groundwork and apply toward this degree, as well as other CIT certificates and advanced programs like the Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT).
The Information Technology Specialist AAS program equips students with advanced technical knowledge and practical experience in IT, preparing them for specialized roles depending on their chosen area of focus. After completing foundational courses, students can choose one of three specializations to tailor their education to their career goals:
- Systems Administration: Focused on managing IT systems, servers, and virtualization technologies to ensure operational efficiency and reliability.
- Cloud Administration: Emphasizing cloud-based infrastructure deployment, management, and optimization, with platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure.
- Cisco Networking and Security: Specializing in network design, implementation, and security using Cisco technologies and certifications.
This program places special emphasis on:
- Configuring and maintaining IT systems, servers, and networks to ensure security and reliability.
- Supporting advanced IT environments, including virtualization and cloud computing platforms.
- Gaining experience in IT project management and incident response to address real-world challenges effectively.
- Preparing for industry-recognized certifications, including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ and more.
The Information Technology Specialist AAS degree provides a direct pathway to a variety of IT careers. Upon completion, students may qualify for positions such as:
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Specialist
- Cisco Network Administrator
Graduates will find opportunities in industries that require robust IT systems and infrastructure management, including healthcare, finance, education, government, and technology.
If your selected courses or program of study include clinical, practicum, externship, or cooperative learning components at external sites, you must meet all immunization or policy requirements outlined by the host facility. These requirements are determined by the external site’s independent authority rather than by San Jacinto College. Failure to comply with these requirements can prevent you from completing your required external learning experiences and may delay graduation. Students seeking exemptions must address these directly with the external facility, as San Jacinto College does not process immunization exemptions.
By choosing the Information Technology Specialist Associate of Applied Science, you gain a versatile and comprehensive education that prepares you to succeed in a variety of IT roles. Whether you are looking to launch a new career or build on existing skills, this program positions you for success in the evolving world of information technology.
Plan of Study
3IT-ITSPEC
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Term | Credits | |
| ITSC 1325 | Personal Computer Hardware | 3 |
| ITSC 1305 | Introduction to PC Operating Systems | 3 |
| ITNW 1309 | Fundamentals of Cloud Computing | 3 |
| ITNW 1325 or ITCC 1314 | Fundamentals of Networking Technologies or CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks | 3 |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ITSY 1342 | Information Technology Security | 3 |
| ITSE 1329 | Programming Logic and Design | 3 |
| ITSC 1309 | Integrated Software Applications I | 3 |
| ITNW 1313 | Computer Virtualization | 3 |
| ITSE 1359 | Introduction to Scripting Languages | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Term | ||
| Choose a Specialization below 1 | 15 | |
Cisco Specialization | ||
Systems Administration Specialization | ||
Cloud Specialization | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ENGL 1302 or ENGL 2311 | Composition II or Technical and Business Writing | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences or Government/Political Science or American History | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture (Humanities) or Creative Arts (Fine Arts) | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Speech Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Business and Professional Speech | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Cisco Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ITCC 1444 | CCNA 2: Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials | 4 |
| ITCC 2420 | CCNA 3: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation | 4 |
| ITCC 2441 | CCNA Security | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Practicum - Computer and Information Sciences, General | ||
| Network Defense and Countermeasures | ||
| Firewalls and Network Security | ||
| IT Project Management | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Capstone Experience: ITCC 2441 CCNA Security
Systems Administration Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ITSC 1321 | Intermediate PC Operating Systems | 3 |
| ITNW 1354 | Implementing and Supporting Servers | 3 |
| ITNW 1353 | Supporting Network Server Infrastructure | 3 |
| ITSY 2300 | Operating System Security | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Practicum - Computer and Information Sciences, General | ||
| Security Management Practices | ||
| Incident Response and Handling | ||
| Introduction to Database | ||
| IT Project Management | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Capstone Experience: ITNW 1353 Supporting Network Server Infrastructure
Cloud Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ITNW 1336 | Cloud Deployment & Infrastructure Management | 3 |
| ITNW 2327 | Advanced Cloud Concepts | 3 |
| ITNW 1354 | Implementing and Supporting Servers | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Practicum - Computer and Information Sciences, General | ||
| IT Project Management | ||
| Linux Installation and Configuration | ||
| Operating System Security | ||
| Security Management Practices | ||
| Incident Response and Handling | ||
| Supporting Network Server Infrastructure | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Capstone Experience: ITNW 2327 Advanced Cloud Concepts
- 1
For the 15 semester credit hours of the third term, students follow one of the three specializations: Cisco or Systems Administration or Cloud.