Information Technology Degree

The information technology degree program at Northwest Florida State College teaches students the design of technological systems such as computing systems for the solution of business and research data and communications support needs. Students who graduate from the information technology degree program may pursue careers in IT technology, including IT network administrator, engineer, program manager, and more. Courses include principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, and more. Get more details below including other Florida colleges that offer information technology degrees.

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Northwest Florida State College

Also known as Okaloosa-Walton College

3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL

About
Northwest Florida State College, located in Niceville, Florida, was founded in 1963 and originally known as Okaloosa-Walton Junior College. Originally located in Valparaiso, the school relocated to Niceville in 1969. By 1988 The school renamed itself to Okaloosa-Walton Community College to better reflect its role and service to the community. In 2003 the school gained its status as a four year institution as part of a Florida's program to allow certain 2 year institutions to become four year state colleges. This change resulted in the expansion of the schools four year programs and a name change to Northwest Florida State College. The school experienced steady growth over the course of its operation, increasing enrollment and the adding facilities to accommodate students and in anticipation of future needs.

Academics
Northwest Florida State College offers a variety of programs, allowing students to choose the one that best suits their career or academic goals. Career training programs are typically offered in high demand fields and provide students with training and skill development to enter the workforce as qualified professionals. Programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in an associate degree or certificate and allowing for the immediate pursuit of employment at the entry level.

Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, after which transfer to college or university is applied for to pursue a bachelor's degree. Individuals seeking transfer to a Florida College System school will have an easier time than those pursuing transfer to out of state or private schools due to the transfer requirements that vary by school. As such it is recommended students meet with an academic advisor to plan for and best determine what curriculum will meet the requirements for transfer to one's desired school or schools.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Paralegal
• Early Childhood Education
• Nursing
• Dental Assistant

Bachelor degree programs at the school have a separate admissions requirements and offer limited. Individuals wishing to enroll a one of the programs offered must submit an application and transcripts to be reviewed and considered.

Admissions and Financial Aid
Northwest Florida State College is primarily an open enrollment institution, admitting any applicant that meets the minimum requirements for admission and submits an application for admission. Students wishing to enroll must supply their previous educational transcripts, standardized test scores, and may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration. Students are also encouraged to  participate in orientation to familiarize themselves with student life and to meet with a counselor to choose a program of study and develop a curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine a student's financial need and aid program eligibility Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year due to the changing financial circumstances of a given student from year to year.

Students Enrolled in the Information Technology Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Okaloosa-Walton College has offered the following degree levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Description

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Computer Systems Analysts

Description

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Information Security Analysts

Description

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Software Developers, Applications

Description

Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.

Software Developers, Systems Software

Description

Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.

Computer Network Architects

Description

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).