Information Systems and Technology

  • About the Program
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Information Systems and TechnologyThe Information Systems and Technology program provides students with a strong liberal arts and business foundation, as well as courses in introductory information technology concepts and skills. It is recommended that students expand their computer and business knowledge by using this program as the basis for further studies toward a baccalaureate degree in an area of Information Systems or Technology.

Students pursuing this program should be analytical and have strong communication skills.  They often need to be dedicated detectives searching solutions to technology or system problems. All the positions in this field require attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Students need to be willing to put in the time required to learn new technologies and to be able to generalize from one technology to another. Only those who are excited about being in a field of constant changes should consider this area of study. To succeed in this field you need to be a lifelong learner, constantly adding new tools and techniques to your repertoire.

The Manor College program encourages students to develop a portfolio of projects from various classes to demonstrate the skills they acquire in the program.  Graduates have used these digital portfolios in pursuing positions after graduation.

Transfer Track

The Business Administration, Computer Science concentration Transfer Track curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry level positions as junior programmers, network administrators, or personal computer support staff. This program provides students with a strong liberal arts and business foundation, as well as courses in introductory information technology concepts and skills. It is recommended that students expand their computer and business knowledge by using this program as the basis for further studies toward a baccalaureate degree in an area of Information Systems or Technology.

Course Sequence for IST Transfer Track

 

Design Technology Track

The Design Technology Track curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in desktop publishing or web design and development. This program provides students with a strong liberal arts and business foundation, as well as courses in introductory information technology concepts and skills that focus on e-commerce, web page development and design, and desktop publishing. It is recommended that students expand their computer and business knowledge by using this program as the basis for further studies toward a baccalaureate degree in an area of Information Technology, e-Commerce or Marketing.

Course Sequence for IST Design Technology Track

 

Networking Track

The Networking Track curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry level positions as network administrators, computer technicians or computer support staff. This program provides students with a strong liberal arts and business foundation, as well as courses in introductory information technology concepts and skills with a focus on computer maintenance and networking skills. It is recommended that students expand their computer and business knowledge by using this program as the basis for further studies toward a baccalaureate degree in Computer Networking, or a related area of Information Technology.

Course Sequence for IST Networking Track

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ analysis of job requirements in 2006-2016 states: “Employment in computer systems design and related services will grow by 38.3 percent and add nearly one-fourth of all new jobs in professional, scientific, and technical services. Employment growth will be driven by the increasing reliance of businesses on information technology and the continuing importance of maintaining system and network security. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services also will grow at a staggering 78 percent and account for another third of growth in this supersector. Demand for these services will be spurred by the increased use of new technology and computer software and the growing complexity of business.”

There are a broad range of job opportunities in technology fields.  Below is an overview of some of the areas students can pursue after graduation.

Computer Support

  • Computer technician
    • hardware support for computers, cabling, etc.
    • software support (installation, configuration, upgrades)
  • Hotline support
    • technical assistance for end users
  • Marketing support
    • demo and install software
  • Documentation development
  • Develop and conduct end-user training

Programming

  • Entry-level (junior) programmer
    • maintenance on existing programs
  • Programmer
    • develop and write sections of programs for new applications
  • Senior Programmer
    • oversee programmers and write entire programs
  • Project Leader
    • coordinate development of entire applications (with many interrelated programs)

Systems Analysis

  • Liaison between programmers and end-users
    • Requires strong technical and communication skills
    • Ability to translate end-user needs to technical requirements
    • Ability to translate system limitations and constraints to end-users so they can determine best alternative solution

Database

  • Databases store and retrieve large amounts of data
  • Database programmers
    • SQL  (Structured Query Language) is used to access relational databases
  • Database Administrator
    • responsible for data integrity and validity
    • backup and recovery of data
    • planning for data needs
  • Specialized Database areas
    • Data Warehouses, Data Mining, Object-Oriented Databases (OODB), Web applications
  • Computer Networks
  • Hardware support
    • Servers, Workstations, Printers, Hubs, Switches, Cables
  • Software support
    • Server operating system (Windows 2003 or 2008), Workstation operating systems (Windows, Client software), install applications (Office 2007, Peachtree Accounting, etc.)
  • Network administration
    • add resources to network
    • manage access to resources

Web Applications

  • Technical
    • Network administration for Internet applications
    • Technical support and programming to create and maintain web applications
  • Web-based database applications
    • Web site design and implementation
  • Information steward - site must be effective, affective and navigationally efficient.
  •  Visual arts component
    • Presentation style
  • Webmaster
    • install and configure HTML servers; maintain hyperlinks, etc.

CS200, Computer Science Externship, is recommended for the Networking Track as well as for any student who plans to seek employment when graduating with their Associate Degree. Students are encouraged to find their own externship sites so that they can find a location that is convenient for their location and transportation and with hours that will work with their academic schedules. Students should try to find work in an area that they wish to pursue, such as networking or web technology.

Joe Speziale, '07
A.S. in Computer Science
Sharepoint Engineer at Microsoft

Joe Speziale began his studies at Manor during high school by taking advantage of Manor’s Dual Enrollment program.  While continuing his studies at Manor for college, he became an active member of the Rotaract Club and served as Vice President for the Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society. The Manor Community helped Speziale to become more responsible and goal oriented. “I was able to grow up here,” he said.

Speziale graduated with an A.S. in Computer Science and was the valedictorian for Manor’s class of 2007. He attended the University of South Florida on a scholarship and graduated in the Fall of 2010. While at South Florida, he continued to keep in touch with faculty members at Manor. The day before graduation, Speziale interviewed with Microsoft. Despite barely returning to Florida in time for graduation, he accepted Microsoft’s offer and began working as a sharepoint engineer in their Charlotte, North Carolina office.  

Speziale attributes his success to his time spent at Manor. “Manor had a big influence in my career” he said.  He thanks the faculty and staff, especially Norma Hall and IT Director Paul Van Rijn, for helping him get to where he is today. “When you have people in your corner rooting for you, it helps you succeed.”