Associate of Science in Information Technology (Competency-Based)

The focus of a competency-based program is on the mastery of student learning outcomes rather than on how many hours, semesters, or years a student spends in school.  A competency-based program allows students to demonstrate through assessments that they have acquired the set of competencies (levels of knowledge, skill, or ability) required for a particular degree. University of Massachusetts Global’s competency-based Associate of Science in Information Technology program allows students to prove their competency through assessments thereby reducing the time needed to earn a degree.

This competency-based program of study is designed to introduce students to a broad range of subjects including oral and written communication, quantitative literacy, creative and critical thinking. Fundamentals of information technology, computer systems architecture, security, and networking are also integrated into the requirements of this degree, giving students a solid preparation for further undergraduate study in information technology at the bachelor’s level.

This degree program requires students to demonstrate mastery of all competencies required for the competency-based Associate of Science in Information Technology degree program. Students with experience in the information technology field who are self-motivated, goal oriented, and excel at working independently are ideal candidates for this competency-based degree program.

This program is pending U.S. Department of Education approval.

Mission

The Associate of Science in Information Technology prepares students with a holistic view of Information Technology concepts applicable to career opportunities, advancement, participation and service in diverse IT specializations.

Program Learning Outcomes
  • Written Fluency: Compose written arguments that are coherent, grammatically correct, and rhetorically aware.
  • Quantitative Literacy: Explain how calculations and symbolic operations are used in interpreting social and economic trends.
  • Communication Fluency: Deliver an effective presentation for a given audience.
  • Information Literacy: Cite appropriate and scholarly resources to address a research question.
  • Technology: Understand technology to effectively support decision making in business.
  • Infrastructure Solutions: Identify current IT tools and techniques to troubleshoot storage and operating system needs.
  • IT Integration: Describe the tools needed to support organizational growth including performance, security, and complex network environments.
Degree Requirements
  1. LBSC 100 Student Success Strategies: Develop a personalized student success plan by applying relevant resources and strategies.

Completion of LBSC 100 is required prior to the seventh month of competency coursework for students admitted without a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for courses from regionally accredited institutions, and/or without twelve (12) or more transferable credits. Completion of LBSC 100 is required prior to graduation for all other students. In addition, all students are encouraged to complete the optional ORIC 100 orientation competency prior to their seventh month of competency coursework.

2. The AS in Information Technology consists of three major domains:

I.  Foundation Knowledge and Skills

II.  Information Technology Core

III. Information Technology General Electives

I. Domain: Foundation Knowledge and Skills

The Foundation Knowledge and Skills Domain provides the liberal arts tradition and the intellectual foundation that enables students to expand their perspectives beyond the focus of a major. University of Massachusetts Global graduates will be flexible, creative, articulate, and prepared for active and life-long participation in the knowledge-based world of 21st century.

Subdomain: Communications

COMC 410 Interpersonal Communication

Understand the skills required to interact effectively with others.

COMC 101 Oral Communications

Deliver a well-organized oral presentation using delivery techniques and supporting materials appropriate for the audience.

ENGC 103 Written Communications, Level A

Identify and apply key components of effective writing skills and APA.

ENGC 104 Written Communications, Level B

Compose written arguments that are coherent, grammatically correct, and rhetorically aware.

Subdomain: Quantitative Reasoning

MATC 103 Quantitative Literacy, Level A

Explain accurate calculations and symbolic operations used to interpret social and economic trends.

Subdomain: Information Literacy

LBSC 320 Information Literacy, Level A (Cannot be satisfied in transfer)

Evaluate and cite various information resources to understand ethical research practices.

LBSC 321 Information Literacy, Level B (Cannot be satisfied in transfer)

Apply academic research practices to complete an academic research project.

Subdomain: Humanities

PHLC 110 Creative and Critical Thinking

Develop a creative solution to a historical, social, ethnic, economic, technological, and/or geographic problem.

HUMC 110 Disciplinary Relationships

Analyze relationships between disciplines such as history, literature, religion, philosophy, and the fine arts.

HUMC 115 Human Experience

Analyze the ways in which the human experience is influenced by historical social, ethnic, economic, technological, and/or geographic contexts.

Subdomain: Natural Sciences

NSCC 111 Principles and Concepts, Level A

Understand the Scientific Method as a process and master the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of biology.

NSCC 112 Principles and Concepts, Level B

Master the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of chemistry and environmental science.

NSCC 115 Methods and Applications

Apply the principles, concepts, and methods of the natural sciences.

Subdomain: Social Sciences

SOSC 110 Behavior and Cognition

Evaluate individual, organizational, and social behavior.

SOSC 115 Social Systems

Using a social systems perspective, investigate global problems and develop possible solutions.

II. Domain: Information Technology Core

The Information Technology Core Requirements at University of Massachusetts Global provides a program of study that enables students to expand their knowledge across various information technology areas.

CSCC 200 Fundamentals of Information Technology

Develop an understanding of information technology fundamentals.

CSCC 251 Computer Systems Architecture

Demonstrate an understanding of computer systems architecture.

CSCC 270 Security

Demonstrate an understanding of information systems security, applications, and the tools used.

CSCC 353 Networking

Demonstrate an understanding of networks and create a network.

III. Domain: Information Technology General Electives

The Information Technology General Elective component of this Associate of Science degree program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to take coursework in multiple information technology related disciplines.  Students must take nine equivalent credits in this domain.