About the Program

  • At the Center for Information Technology Excellence (CITE) lab, you will participating in hands-on lab activities designed to simulate the real-world, IT work environments of large data centers such as Microsoft and Hewlett Packard.

  • You will have opportunities to gain several in-demand skills including: Hardware Repair, Security, Networking, Installing and Configuring Operating Systems, Managing Storage, and Cable Termination and Testing.

  • In this program, you’ll be able to train as an IT technician while earning college credit. Plus, you can earn CompTIA certifications to further strengthen your skills and resume.

  • This program is designed to meet the needs of every student. Whether you’re a working adult or a busy high-school student, CITE has a program just for you. The lab offers an evening program to accommodate the busy schedules of working students and a dual-enrollment program that is perfect for high-school students who want to explore a career in IT while earning college credit.

Información en español

Reasons to Consider a Career in IT:

↠ IT jobs will increase 17% by 2026 (greater than the national average of 13%) Virginia Department of Education, 2017

↠ Computer Support Specialists earn an average of $55,510/yr or $26.69/hr (U.S. Census Bureau)

↠ Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, NC has the nation's 7th highest concentration of Computer User Support Specialist jobs

(US Bureau of Labor Statics, May 2020) (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151232.htm#st)

Flowchart titled “Suggested Order of Classes” showing the recommended sequence for IT courses. The order is: ITE 100 – Intro to Information Systems ITN 107 – PC Hardware and Troubleshooting ITN 106 – Operating Systems ITN 101 – Intro to Networking ITN 111 – Server Administration ITN 260 – Security ITN 257 – Cloud Computing Text below explains: All students should take ITE 100 first. Students usually wait to take ITN 111, 101, 260, or 257 until completing ITE 100, 107, and 106. ITN 257 is required for the Advanced Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing CSC and can count as an elective in the associate degree program.

“What courses are included in the Cybersecurity and Networking Foundations Career Studies Certificate (CITE)?”

ITN 100 – Introduction to Information Systems

Covers the fundamentals of computers and computing and topics which include impact of computers on society, ethical issues, and terminology. Provides discussion about available hardware and software as well as their application. Prepares students for CompTIA ITTech+.

ITN 107 – Personal Computer Hardware and Troubleshooting

Includes specially designed instruction to give a student a basic knowledge of hardware and software configurations. Includes the installation of various peripheral devices as well as basic system hardware components. Prepares students for CompTIA A+ Core 1.

ITN 106 – Microcomputer Operating Systems

Provides instruction in networking media, physical and logical topologies, common networking standards and popular networking protocols. Emphasizes the TCP/IP protocol suite and related IP addressing schemes, including CIDR. Includes selected topics in network implementation, support and LAN/WAN connectivity. Prepares students for CompTIA A+ Core 2.

ITN 111 – Server Administration

Covers installation, configuration, administration, management, maintenance, and troubleshooting of a server in a networked environment. Prepares students for CompTIA Server+.

ITN 101 – Introduction to Network Concepts

Provides instruction in networking media, physical and logical topologies, common networking standards and popular networking protocols. Emphasizes the TCP/IP protocol suite and related IP addressing schemes, including CIDR. Includes selected topics in network implementation, support and LAN/WAN connectivity. Prepares students for CompTIA Network+.

ITN 260 – Network Security Basics

Provides instruction in the basics of network security in depth. Includes security objectives, security architecture, security models and security layers; risk management, network security policy, and security training. Includes the give security keys, confidentiality integrity, availability, accountability and auditability. Prepares students for CompTIA Security+.

SDV 106 – Preparation for Employment

Provides experience in resume writing, preparation of applications, letters of application, and successfully preparing for and completing the job interview. Assists students in identifying their marketable skills and aptitudes. Develops strategies for successful employment search. Assists students in understanding effective human relations techniques and communication skills in job search