60 Credits DIP3278, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
This program prepares the learner with the core skills necessary for a technical support position with a focus on networking services. Training is emphasized in the areas of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting personal computers, computer networks, and peripheral devices utilizing current industry hardware and software products. Learners also receive an orientation on IBM mid-range and mainframe computer systems that are frequently integrated into corporate networks. Hands-on labs are included in the curriculum to give learners exposure to current and upcoming technology.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 60 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $12,867
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $12,867 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (11 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
COMP1120 Foundations of Computing (4 credits)
This course introduces the student to the world of information systems and technology. Students will explore the history of computing, career opportunities in information technology, computer concepts as they apply to a business environment, basic web page development, command-line interfaces, file management principles, computer numbering systems, and database principles. Students will also receive initial exposure to computer programming and algorithms through the use of problem analysis, pseudo-code and entry-level programming. (Prerequisites: None)
COMP1125 Spreadsheet/Database Integration (4 credits)
The focus of this course will be on the core competencies of spreadsheet and database software as the tools for storing and manipulating data. Topics covered in the spreadsheet portion of the course include formatting, creating formulas and using functions, and creating charts and pivot tables to analyze and interpret the data. Topics covered in the database portion include understanding the concepts, design, and construction of a relational database. The student will learn how to design, implement, and maintain a database using entity-relationship models, normalization, and Structured Query Language (SQL). Basic Windows navigation skills will be beneficial. (Prerequisites: None)
COMP1130 Programming Fundamentals (4 credits)
Programming Fundamentals teaches you how to design and develop small programs that solve different problems and implement ideas. In this class, you will discover how applications store and work with data, make decisions, and perform repetitive tasks. You will use and create functions, data structures, and objects, to represent the concepts from real life in your code. You will also use programming language libraries to develop efficient code that is easy to maintain. In the process of learning, we will emphasize testing, debugging, and scalability of your programs. (Prerequisites: COMP 1120 Foundations of Computing)
COMP1140 Web for Business (3 credits)
This course approaches developing web pages from a business point of view. It covers HTML5 and CSS3 markup languages used to create web pages. The course is intended for people wanting to learn how to create and publish web pages. No previous experience with HTML or programming is required. (Prerequisites: None)
COMP1200 PC Hardware and Software Essentials (4 credits)
PC Hardware and Software, presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance, and safety issues. Through hands on activities and labs, students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. In addition, an introduction to networking is included. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA's A+ certification. (Prerequisites: None)
COMP1360 Introduction to Data Communications and Networking (4 credits)
This course serves as a general introduction for students seeking to acquire a foundation in current network technologies for local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet. The course provides an introduction to the hardware, software, terminology, components, design, and connections of a network. Network concepts such as the OSI model, topologies, and major protocols, as well as the basic functions of system administration and operation are also included. The course is operating system independent and provides an introduction to several popular network operating systems. (Prerequisite: COMP 1200 or instructor approval)
COMP2460 Linux Administration (4 credits)
The Linux operating system is extremely popular in the world of servers and the internet and is gaining ground on the desktop. This course takes a student through the Linux operating system from learning how to use the command line and text-based shells through the administration of network services. Major topics include file management, user management, shell scripting and popular programming languages, system administration including print services and telnet, SSH, FTP, HTTP, NFS, and Samba services. (Prerequisites: COMP 1200, 1360)
COMP2462 Microsoft Administration (4 credits)
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Windows Server and prepares them to perform server administration. The class is based on the requirements of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential and teaches the skills to successfully implement, manage, and troubleshoot Microsoft-Windows-based operating environments. Students apply their knowledge through hands-on projects and case study assignments, and learn how to install and administer Active Directory services and manage Active Directory objects. In addition, they learn how to implement and configure core services such as Networking, Storage, Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS), Group Policy, File and Print services, and Hyper-V. Finally, students learn how to install and administer network protocols and services such as virtual private networking, Routing and Remote Access Service, DHCP, and DNS. (Prerequisites: COMP 1360)
COMP2466 Routing & Switching (4 credits)
This course addresses the integration of routing and switching technologies to create efficient enterprise networks. Students will learn to design, build, and configure a network. Students will configure routing protocols and perform LAN, WAN, and VLAN troubleshooting using a structured methodology based on the OSI model. Upon completing this course, the learner will be able to select and implement the appropriate Cisco IOS services required to build a scalable, efficient, and highly available network. This course helps students prepare for the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator) exam. (Prerequisite: COMP 1360)
COMP2475 Security Basics (4 credits)
An introduction to the various technical and administrative aspects of Information Security (INFOSEC), this course provides the foundation for understanding the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining the levels of protection and response to security incidents, and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features. Students will be exposed to a wide spectrum of security activities, methods, methodologies, and procedures. The terminal objectives for this course as defined in NSTISSI Training Standards 4011 are: 1. Understand the threats to and vulnerabilities of information systems. 2. Recognize the need to protect data, information, and the means to process it. 3. Develop a working knowledge of INFOSEC principles and practices. 4. Design, execute, and evaluate INFOSEC security procedures and practices. (Prerequisites: COMP 1360)
COMP2453 Virtualization Technologies (4 credits)
The Virtualization Technologies course is designed to get students up to speed on one of the most important aspects of today's IT environment. This course covers the fundamental concepts, components, infrastructure, as well as security and privacy considerations for virtualization systems. Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and labs, students learn the skills and knowledge necessary to install, configure and manage virtual environments. Students will learn how to effectively plan, implement and manage Cloud Computing in virtual data centers and complete introductory coursework in Virtualization software. Topics will include creating virtualized switches and storage, creating and managing virtual machines, establishing access controls, and performing resource monitoring. With additional effort, students can use this knowledge to pass the VCP Certification Exam. (Prerequisite: COMP 1200)
Technical Electives (2 Courses)
You must complete two courses from the following list:
COMP2456 Cloud Technologies and Services (4 credits)
The Cloud Technologies and Services (CTS) course educates students about cloud deployment and service models, cloud infrastructure, and the key considerations in migrating to cloud computing. The course covers technologies required to build classic (traditional), virtualized, and public / private cloud data center environments. These technologies include storage, networking, desktop and application virtualization. Fundamental models such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) are explored. Additional areas of focus are backup/recovery, business continuity, security, and management. Students will learn about the key considerations and steps involved in transitioning from the current state of a data center to a cloud computing environment. Upon completing this course, students will have the knowledge to make informed decisions about migrating to cloud infrastructure and choosing the best deployment model for an organization. (Prerequisite: COMP 1200)
COMP2452 Information Storage and Management (4 credits)
This course is designed to provide the student with a strong understanding of underlying storage technologies. This course will cover the varied components of modern information storage infrastructure, including virtual environments. Students will learn about the architectures, features, and benefits of Intelligent Storage Systems; storage networking technologies such as FC-SAN, IP-SAN, NAS, Object-based and unified storage; business continuity solutions such as backup, replication, and archive; the increasingly critical area of information security; and the emerging field of cloud computing. It provides comprehensive learning of storage technology, allowing the student to make more informed decisions in an increasingly complex IT environment. (Prerequisite: COMP 1200)
COMP2145 Web Programming (4 credits)
This course teaches you one of the popular server-side programming languages so that you can design and build secure web applications. In this class, you will learn the principles of the client-server architecture and protocols that govern the network communication and data transfer. You will implement a web framework to create dynamic websites that use databases to store and process data. You will design and create user-facing web applications with security and user experience in mind. (Preprequisites: COMP 1130 with a C (2.0) or higher, and COMP 1140 with a C (2.0) or higher OR instructor permission.) It is strongly recommended that you have a minimim typing speed of at least 35 wpm as well as knowledge of database programming (COMP 1125).
COMP2150 Web Services (4 credits)
This course focuses on web services technologies used in person-to-computer and computer-to-computer communications. Students will understand the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and web services concepts. The students will be able to explain and employ Representational state transfer (REST) or RESTful architecture, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and data exchange formats, including eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). Through this course, learners will understand, design and implement scalable and secure RESTful Web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), utilizing chosen server-side scripting language. The class includes the exploration of the Internet of Things (IOT) concept and web services impact on the embedded systems. (Prerequisites: COMP 1130 and COMP 1140 with a C [2.0] or better)
COMP2300 Java (4 credits)
This course covers OOP (Object Oriented Programming) using the Java language. Inheritance, polymorphism, abstract classes, and interfaces are covered. SWING, exceptions, data structures, and I/O streams will also be covered, demonstrating each of the OO concepts. Minimum typing speed of 35 wpm. You can test your typing speed at http://typingtest.com. (Prerequisites: Successful completion of COMP 1130 Programming Fundamentals (with a C grade or higher), or a working knowledge of another programming language.)
COMP2312 Software Development (4 credits)
Software Development covers common programming techniques used in writing applications as well as demonstrating how to use the current leading Integrated Development Environment. Topics include object-oriented programming, control statements, database programming, and producing web-based applications. The capstone project for this course involves creating an application for a real-life business program. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of COMP 1130 Programming Fundamentals with a C or higher, or instructor permission if the student has a working knowledge of at least one programming language.)
Required Arts and Sciences (2 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
OR
ENGL240 Technical Communication (4 credits)
This course will teach the essential skills of technical communication. It is an introduction to written communication, design production, and design evaluation of technical information. The class emphasizes adapting technical material targeted for specific audiences while using a procedural writing style. Students complete rhetorical and audience analyses, document creation, electronic writing, collaborative writing, and usability testing. (Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or instructor permission) MnTC Goal Area 1 - Communication)
COMM110 Public Speaking (3 credits)
Learners in this class develop (or improve) skills in creating, organizing, supporting, and delivering both informative and persuasive messages to peer audiences. Through this course, students will develop arguments and practice academic research skills in order to adequately support their messages and develop credibility and professionalism. Learners will practice critical thinking and listening skills, support fellow students while delivering impromptu and extemporaneous speeches, and provide peer feedback to ideas and speech development. This course stresses building confidence as public communicators so students may speak effectively at work, in their communities, and as citizens in a democracy. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) (MNTC: Goal areas 1 and 9).
OR
COMM120 Small Group Communication (3 credits)
This course helps students develop or improve their participation in small groups and teams using effective communication and critical thinking. Content of the course includes both knowledge and skills components. Students can develop an understanding of communication and group theory while applying their knowledge in small group discussions, cooperative projects, and other activities. The course curriculum emphasizes reflection and growth. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC: Goals 1 and 2).
OR
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
