Information Technology programs at Northeast Community College offer exceptional flexibility, allowing students to choose between earning one of the following award types based on their career aspirations:
- Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Associate of Arts Degree
With a broad range of concentrations available, students can tailor their education to suit their interests and the demands of the fast-paced tech industry. The programs provide hands-on experience and industry certifications that help ensure students are ready for the workforce.
For the Associate of Applied degree options, students pair two* of the following concentrations to create a degree that aligns with their goals:
- Cisco Networking Academy
- Information Security
- System Administration
- Technical Services Support
- Web and Visual Application Development
This flexible approach to selecting areas of emphasis equips graduates with the skills and knowledge specific to their career goals and gives them skills necessary for a variety of IT careers, whether in cybersecurity, network management, or software development.
*System Administration and Web and Visual Application Development do not combine for an AAS degree.
*System Administration and Web and Visual Application Development do not combine for an AAS degree.
Why Students Choose This Program
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security have recognized Northeast as a CAE-2Y - National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2-Year Education institution, reflecting the program's commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in cybersecurity. Additionally, Northeast is a certified Cisco Networking Academy, providing students with access to cutting-edge training and certifications from one of the leading networking companies in the world. These designations ensure that students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and credentials necessary to excel in the competitive tech industry.
Students have the flexibility to choose from a variety of programs that best fit their career objectives. They can select short-term certificate programs for quick entry into the workforce, pursue associate degrees that provide a solid foundation for immediate employment, or choose pathways designed for seamless transfer to a four-year institution. Certificates can even be a starting point and help students into an associate’s program later. Additionally, students can customize their education by selecting key areas of study that align with their specific career goals, ensuring they gain the relevant skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields.
Learn from passionate, experienced instructors who are dedicated to your growth, both in the classroom and as you launch your successful career in the IT field. Faculty all have years of teaching and industry experience.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
Northeast’s IT concentrations incorporate the latest software and hardware technologies used in the industry today, providing students with hands-on experience and up-to-date knowledge in areas like cybersecurity, programming, system administration, project management, Python, data analysis, reporting, Cisco networking, and more. This exposure ensures that students develop a strong skill set in these high-demand fields, giving them a competitive edge when they transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce. The combination of strong academic pathways and industry-relevant skills prepares students for success in both continuing education and professional environments.
Students also have opportunities to tour large companies, to participate in events in the cyber security community, and compete in SkillsUSA.
Key courses include:
- Cisco Networking
- PC System Maintenance and Repair
- Programming
Program Details
Students seeking to transfer should pursue the Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree or Computer Science (CS) Associate of Arts degrees.
Computer Information Systems
Focuses on the practical application of technology in organizational settings. The emphasis is on solving business problems using technology.
Key Courses: HTML, CSS, and JAVA Script, Microcomputer Applications
Computer Science
Focuses on the fundamentals of computing, programming, algorithms, and software development. The emphasis is on the creation and innovation of technology
Key Courses: Database concepts, Programming in JAVA and Cisco Networking
This certificate provides students with entry-level skills to assess the security needs of computer and networks systems; recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures.
Key Courses: Operating Systems, Network Servers, Information Security
Certifications: This certificate is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the CompTIA Security+ Certification.
Take individually for a certificate or combine two* for an associate degree.
Information Security
This concentration prepares students with the skills to assess the security needs of computer and networks systems; recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures.
Key Courses: Network Servers, CompTIA Security+ Certification, Operating Systems
Certifications: The curriculum is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the CompTIA Security+ Certification.
Cisco Networking Academy
This concentration focuses on concepts related to networking terminology and protocols, LANs and WANs, the OSI model layers, network cabling, routers, network topologies, IP addressing, switching, and network management practices.
Key Courses: Cisco Networking and Business Communications
Certifications: The curriculum is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam. The exam may be taken at an official testing site upon completion of the required courses.
System Administration
Become proficient in IT infrastructure, network and internetworking operating systems software and hardware, local area network administration and management, the use of troubleshooting techniques.
Key Courses: PC Systems and Maintenance, Information Security, Network Servers and Infrastructure Management.
Technical Services Support
This concentration prepares students for essential roles working in computer hardware and operating system support. Graduates have the skills necessary to problem-solve for a variety of end users and are prepared for entry-level support and help desk positions.
Key Courses: Routing and Switching, Network Security, Troubleshooting
Certifications: Designed to prepare students to successfully pass the CompTIA A+ Certification
Web and Visual Application Development
Build a strong foundation in the latest GUI and web application development by mastering the programming languages essential in today’s business environment. Students gain hands-on experience in system design, HTML, and programming, equipping them with the practical skills needed to create modern, user-friendly applications.
Key Courses: HTML, CSS and JavaScript, Advanced Programming, Systems Analysis and Design
*System Administration and Web and Visual Application Development do not combine for an AAS degree.
AAS and AA programs 2 years, 60-75 credit hours
Certificate programs: one or two semesters, 18-22 credit hours
All of the programs have an in-person component, but individual courses may be offered in-person, online, or in a hybrid format.
The application for admission at Northeast is free. Apply for admission, and learn more about your next steps.
Associate of Arts (AA)
Computer Information Systems (CIS), AA- Transfer Program
Computer Science, AA- Transfer Program
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
CISCO Networking Academy and Information Security, AAS
CISCO Networking Academy and System Administration, AAS
CISCO Networking Academy and Technical Services Support, AAS
Information Security and System Administration, AAS
Information Security and Technical Services Support, AAS
System Administration and Technical Services Support, AAS
Web and Visual Application Development and CISCO Networking Academy, AAS
Web and Visual Application Development and Information Security, AAS
Web and Visual Application Development and Technical Services Support, AAS
Certificate
CISCO Networking Academy Certificate
Information Security Certificate
Information Technology Certificate
System Administration Certificate
Technical Services Support Certificate
Web and Visual Application Development Certificate
Based on area of concentration, students also have opportunities to complete Comptia A+, Comptia Security+ certification after they earn the degree. Or, be prepared to successfully pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security has designated Northeast Community College as an institution for CAE-2Y - National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2-Year Education. The purpose of the National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) program is to promote higher education in Cyber Defense (CD), prepare a growing number of cybersecurity professionals, and to reduce vulnerabilities in the Nation’s networks.
The following programs feature CAE-CD curriculum content:
- Cisco Networking Academy & Information Security, AAS
- Information Security & Technical Services Support, AAS
- Web and Visual Application Development & Information Security, AAS
- Information Security, Certificate
Ryan DeVall, Duncan aviation
Rick Colwell, Continental Tech
Trevor Doyle, Midwest Bank
John Mandel, Vulcraft
Tim Miller, West Point Hospital
Ron Pilcher, Crete Carrier
Jarod Dendiger, Applied Connective
James, My Precision IT
Dan, My Precision IT
Andrew Nilges, North Sioux City Economic Development Director
Melissa Garcia, Daycos
Shonna Dorsey, NTC (Nebraska Tech Collaborative) Paul Feilmeier, Bank First
Wieser, Mitchell (NBT), Nucor
Nic Miller, Daycos
Curtis Scheer, Weiland Doors
Dan Spray, Connecting Point
