Power the systems behind everything
Launchpad to IT: Technology runs everything—and IT pros keep it running. In San Jacinto College’s Information Technology Specialist AAS, you’ll build real, job-ready skills to set up, support, and secure today’s computer systems, networks, and cloud environments.
You’ll learn through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios—troubleshooting hardware and operating systems, working with virtualization and servers, building networks, and applying cybersecurity basics. Then you’ll choose a focus area to match your goals: Systems Administration, Cloud Administration, or Cisco Networking & Security.
This program is built around industry tools and certification preparation (CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Cisco CCNA) and prepares you for roles like IT Support Specialist, Systems/Network Administrator, or Cloud Support Specialist—with a clear pathway to continue into San Jacinto College’s IT Cybersecurity BAT if you want to keep leveling up.
Career Opportunities and Income
Visit sanjac.edu for information regarding career opportunities and potential earnings in the Greater Houston region.
Learning & Career Pathway
The learning pathway for this career track has a series of related and “stacked” certificates and degrees. You may start at any point on the pathway and earn the certificates on your way to completing the degree.
- CIT, Cloud Administration, Certificate of Technology (1 year)
- CIT, Computer Information Technology Foundations, Certificate of Technology (1 year)
- CIT, Network Administration Cisco Specialty, Certificate of Technology (1 year)
- CIT, Systems Administration, Certificate of Technology (1 year)
- CIT, Information Technology Specialist, Associate of Applied Science (2 years)
Learning Outcomes and Career Skills
A student completing the last award in the pathway will be able to:
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Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware, operating systems, and end-user environments.
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Provision, monitor, and support foundational cloud services using industry tools and platforms.
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Plan, configure, and implement basic network infrastructure to support reliable connectivity and performance.
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Identify common cybersecurity threats and apply security tools and best practices to protect systems and networks.
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Use programming fundamentals and scripting to automate routine tasks and improve operational efficiency.
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Deploy, manage, and maintain physical and virtualized systems, including servers and virtual machines.
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Diagnose and resolve issues across hardware, software, network, and cloud environments using industry-standard troubleshooting methods.
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Communicate effectively with users and teams by documenting work, delivering customer support, and collaborating on IT projects.
External Learning Experiences
Students in San Jacinto College programs with external learning experiences (e.g., clinicals, practicums, externships, cooperatives) must meet the immunization requirements of the host sites. These requirements are set by the facilities, not the College. Failure to comply may limit a student’s ability to complete the program or delay graduation. San Jacinto College does not process exemptions; students must address any exemption requests directly with the host site.
Locations
- Central
- North
- South
- Online
College Admissions
San Jacinto College is an open admission institution. All students are welcome to apply and will be admitted to the College. You may begin the process on the College’s “How to Apply” webpage.
Program Admissions
There are no additional admission requirements for this CIT, Information Technology program; you only need to complete your application to the College and connect with an advisor.
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 Communication | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Cisco Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ITCC 1344 | CCNA 2: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials | 3 |
| ITCC 2320 | CCNA 3: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation | 3 |
| ITCC 2341 | CCNA Security | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Practicum - Computer and Information Sciences, General | ||
| Network Defense and Countermeasures | ||
| Firewalls and Network Security | ||
| IT Project Management | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Capstone Experience: ITCC 2341 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.