2025-2026 College Catalog

Information Technology - Software Development A.A.S. Degree [A25590P]

Program Information

The Information Technology (IT) field is very broad. Mitchell offers four focused IT degrees: Cyber Security, Digital Media/Graphic Design, Networking, and Software Development. Several courses are common to all, but each degree has unique required courses. Graduates will be qualified for employment in entry-level positions with any public or private entity in their focus/degree area.

The Cybersecurity curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed in Cybersecurity focused job roles. Students will learn common tools, concepts, and methodologies used to protect individuals and organizations against modern cyber threats. Graduates should qualify for junior/entry-level Cybersecurity positions in many types of organizations including but not limited to: Cybersecurity consultancies, Large retailers, Manufacturing companies, Banks, Hospitals, Schools Systems, Government agencies and Energy providers.

Students that choose the Networking degree will develop an in-depth understanding of computer network operation, administration methods and best business practices through hands-on labs and access to world class curriculum resources developed by networking giant Cisco Systems. In addition, Networking students build familiarity with commonly used server roles installed on enterprise-grade Microsoft Operating Systems.

Students that choose the Software Development degree will learn to program in three of the most popular languages: Java, C++ and Python. Students will gain foundational skills to learn additional languages in the future. Students will learn to program both for PCs and mobile devices. Students will also learn database design and database SQL language.

Semester-by-Semester Plan

First Year

Fall Semester

CIS 115Introduction to Programming and Logic

3

Or

CSC 121Python Programming

3

 

CSC 151JAVA Programming

3

CTI 110IT Foundations

3

CSC 113Artificial Intel. Fundamentals

3

MAT 143Quantitative Literacy

3

Or

MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4

Total Credit Hours:15

Spring Semester

CSC 134C++ Programming

3

CSC 251Advanced JAVA Programming

3

CTI 120Network and Security Foundation

3

CTS 120Hardware/Software Support

3

ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Summer Semester

NOS 110Operating Systems Concepts

3

Social/Behavioral Sciences

3

Total Credit Hours:6

Second Year

Fall Semester

CSC 153C# Programming

3

CSC 234Advanced C++ Programming

3

DBA 110Database Concepts

3

DBA 120Database Programming I

3

WEB 151Mobile Application Development I

3

Humanities/Fine Arts

3

Total Credit Hours:18

Spring Semester

COM 231Public Speaking

3

CSC 249Data Structure & Algorithms

3

CSC 289Programming Capstone Project

3

CTS 115Information Systems Business Concepts

3

SEC 110Security Concepts

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Total Credit Hours: 69

Program Learning Outcomes

 
  • Demonstrate the ability to create Java programs at both a beginning and advanced levels to create industry software.

  • Demonstrate the ability to design and create normalized databases using industry best practices and design tools.

  • Demonstrate the ability to create a multi-screen phone app that keeps data and performs calculation to solve a business situation.

  • Demonstrate the ability to analyze a business situation, create the database and appropriate applications to solve the business problem, and present their software solution.

  • Demonstrate the ability to analyze a business situation they design, and create a mobile application that they design that fills that need.

  • Show knowledge on how to create programmer defined Linked Lists or other similar Advanced Data Structures to handle non-sequential Data.

 

Technical Requirements

All Students in this program are expected to meet certain essential functions/technical standards which are essential for successful completion of all phases of the program and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the students’ ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the following technical standards:

 

Standard

Definition of Standard

Example(s) of Technical Standard

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Analytical and critical thinking ability sufficient for safe and effective practical judgments

  • Ability to transfer theory into practical application.
  • Identify cause/effect relationships in computer problem-solving situations in a specified amount of time.

MOTOR SKILLS

  • Move freely, quickly, and safely in a close environment such as a computer area
  • Work in coordination with other team members
  • Move PC equipment between floors and designated needed areas
  • Safely manipulate PC equipment, networking equipment or controls
  • Move from workstation to workstation near other members or students.
  • Lift PC boxes, printers and other components in coordination with other students.
  • Lift components from floor, pallet or table and place on storage racks.
  • Remove components from storage cabinets or shelves above head.

VISION SKILLS

  • Visual ability sufficient to be able to access printed manuals as well as information handwritten on white boards
  • Review printed documents for computer repair and upgrade of any computer or network environment
  • Read and apply computer repair instructions, perform diagnostics with PC software and properly read output and results.
  • Read and interrupt diagnostic software, operating system updates or new releases.
  • Visually identify worn component needing replacing.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Communicate effectively and professionally when interacting with peers, faculty, staff, and guests using the English language verbally and in written form

Follow directions, describe decisions, demonstrate listening skills, write reports, and follow directions.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

  • Work cooperatively with other students and instructors
  • Follow directions of instructors and fellow students
  • Display characteristics of emotional stability
  • Ability to work in a group or in team environments

 

  • Maintain a cooperative spirit while working in a constant problemsolving environment.
  • Complete duties as assigned.
  • Maintain a positive attitude.
  • Add productive input, assistance and collaboration for specific duties required for a project or within your group.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE

Remain calm in a stressful environment

Maintain calmness within small or tight storage areas where work could be performed.

TECHNOLOGICAL

  • Ability to gather credible information using computer technology
  • Utilize remote access software, diagnostic utilities and network dashboards
  • Remote accessing a client’s computer to correct a problem with that PC.
  • Update system O/S to improve PC security and performance.

ABILITY TO LIFT

Ability to lift, carry and balance up to 40 pounds for a new computer desktop with other necessary devices

Ability to lift, carry and balance a computer, monitor, audio or network equipment for setup.