Information Technology Academy
The Information Technology Academy gives you the chance to explore a career in the information technology field while earning college credit before you graduate from high school! In this academy, you can take hands-on technical classes in database and spreadsheets, A+ certification prep, network, routing, and switches.
Career Opportunities
Your career opportunities may include, but are not limited to:
- Computer user support specialists
- Help desk technician
- Network administrator
- Network technician
- Network support specialists
- Systems administrator
Starting wages for these careers range from $28,400–$38,400* per year.
*Source: 2016 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development
Program Costs
- Your school district pays for your courses and provides the textbooks.
- You are responsible for any field trips and activities out of the classroom.
Who can participate?
Any 9th–12th grade student who meets the requirements.
What can you do after you graduate from high school?
As a part of the Information Technology Academy, you may receive up to 27 credits (approximately a $4,500 value) toward your college degree!
You can continue your education at Hawkeye in programs such as:
Where are courses located?
Courses for the Information Technology Academy are located at your high school and the Western Outreach Center.
Course locations may vary; contact your guidance counselor for availability.
Information Technology Academy Courses
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Course has a prerequisite and/or corequisite. |
Course Descriptions: Show All | Hide All
Information Technology Academy Courses |
BUS-102 |
Introduction to Business
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3 |
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An introductory survey course which provides an overview of the major functions in business with relation to current social, economic, global, and environmental concerns.
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CIS-303 |
Introduction to Database
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3 |
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This course will introduce students to data management using databases. Multiple DBMS’s will be discussed and utilized to experience similarities and differences. SQL language will be used to create databases, populate tables and query data.
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ENG-105 |
Composition I
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3 |
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Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.
Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores or equivalent.
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MAT-110 |
Math for Liberal Arts
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3 |
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This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D- in MAT-063 or appropriate placement score.
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NET-109 |
A+ Certification Prep Course
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4 |
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This course will teach basic knowledge of desktop and laptop operating systems. This course will teach the important knowledge and skills necessary to competently install, build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and repair personal computers, including troubleshooting basic network and internet connectivity. Additionally, this course will also cover the latest memory, bus, peripherals, and wireless technologies.
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NET-213 |
Cisco Networking
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4 |
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This course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. It uses the OSI and TCP layered models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers. The principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum. Labs use a “model Internet” to allow students to analyze real data without affecting production networks. Packet Tracer (PT) activities help students analyze protocol and network operation and build small networks in a simulated environment. At the end of the course, students build simple LAN topologies by applying basic principles of cabling, performing basic configurations of network devices such as routers and switches, and implementing IP addressing schemes.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in MAT-063 or equivalent test score: ACT 19 Math, COMPASS 42 Algebra.
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NET-225 |
Routing and Switching Essentials
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4 |
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This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1, RIPv2, single area and multi-area OSPF, virtual LANS, and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in NET-213.
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PSY-111 |
Introduction to Psychology
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3 |
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This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior.
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SOC-110 |
Introduction to Sociology
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3 |
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This course surveys the basic principles, concepts, and research findings of social life from small groups to societies. The course examines a range of sociological explanations for the various forms of social behaviors and establishes a basis for reflection and further study in the field.
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