aab-information-technology.jpeg
College of Applied and Technical Studies

Information Technology (Associates)

Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
63
Completion Time
Graduate in as little as 4 semesters
Available Concentrations
Choose from 4 concentrations
*Based on the Tuition Guarantee Program for a full-time student taking 12-18 semester hours, if completing program in 4 semesters.

The online Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology from Kent State provides a strong foundation in IT fundamentals. Covering key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, and software development, this program prepares students for entry-level roles in the fast-evolving tech industry. Graduates emerge with practical skills that are in high demand across diverse business and technology sectors.

Information Technology Associate of Applied Business Degree Program Overview

The Associate of Applied Business degree in Information Technology provides students with a core curriculum of programming, operating systems and networks, website development, hardware, security fundamentals, and workgroup productivity technologies.

The degree program articulates to the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree and the certificate in Computer Forensics and Information Security.

The Information Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The Application Development Technology concentration prepares students for various professional certifications and positions such as computer programmer/application developer using industry-standard languages and technologies.
  • The General Technology concentration prepares students for various professional certifications and entry-level positions in which the computer staff are expected to perform a wide variety of technical duties.
  • The Network Technology concentration prepares students for various professional certifications and positions in tech support and networking including the design, installation, and improvement of computer networks and related hardware/software.
  • The Web Development concentration prepares students for various professional certifications and positions in web development, social media and digital media.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate core IT competency in networking and convergence; servers, storage and virtualization; client computing and user support; digital media and immersive technology; database and information management; and programming and application development.
  2. Function effectively as a member of a diverse team to accomplish common goals.
  3. Read and interpret technical information, as well as listen effectively to, communicate orally with, and write clearly for a wide range of audiences.
  4. Engage in continuous learning as well as research and assess new ideas and information to provide the capabilities for lifelong learning.
  5. Exhibit professional, legal and ethical behavior.
  6. Demonstrate business awareness and workplace effectiveness.

Program Structure

62-63 minimum total credit hours: 25 credits (8) IT major requirement courses, 10 credits (4) additional requirement courses, 3-4 credits (1) business elective course, 15 credits (5) Kent Core courses, 9-10 credits (3-4) concentration courses

Application Development Technology
The Application Development Technology concentration prepares students for various professional certifications and positions such as computer programmer/application developer using industry-standard languages and technologies.
General Technology
The General Technology concentration prepares students for various professional certifications and entry-level positions in which the computer staff are expected to perform a wide variety of technical duties.
Internet/Multimedia Technology
The Internet/Multimedia Technology concentration prepares students for various professional certifications and positions in Web development, social media and digital media.
Network Technology
The Network Technology concentration prepares students for various professional certifications and positions in tech support and networking including the design, installation, and improvement of computer networks and related hardware/software.

Program Structure

  • 63 to 64 minimum total credits
  • 21 to 22 courses

Information Technology Associate of Applied Business Degree Program Admissions Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Important Dates

Oct
05
Fall Break
Fall Break
Aug
19
Classes Begin
Fall 2024 Semester
Oct
03
Fall Break
Fall Break

Program Courses

Program Requirements

Major Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
IT 11004 SURVEY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 3
IT 11005 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS AND NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY 3
IT 11006 INTRODUCTION TO WEB SITE TECHNOLOGY 3
IT 11009 COMPUTER ASSEMBLY AND CONFIGURATION 3
IT 12000 INTERMEDIATE OFFICE PRODUCTIVITY APPS 3
IT 13000 APPLIED SECURITY ESSENTIALS 3
IT 15000 FUNDAMENTALS OF PROGRAMMING FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 3
IT 21002 NETWORK SETUP AND CONFIGURATION 3
IT 21003 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS 3
IT 21007 CYBER ETHICS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 3
IT 21009 SEMINAR IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 3
IT 21010 WORKGROUP PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE 3
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition 3
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning 3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts 3
Kent Core Social Sciences 3
Kent Core Basic Sciences 3
Concentrations
Choose from the following: 9
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 61
Application Development Technology Concentration Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
IT 20030 VISUAL AND OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 3
IT 21006 DATABASE PROGRAMMING 3
IT 21036 WEB SCRIPTING I 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 9
General Technology Concentration Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Information Technology (IT) Electives 9
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 9
Network Technology Concentration Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Information Technology (IT) Elective 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following: 6
IT 21100
LOCAL AREA NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING
IT 21110
NETWORK ROUTING AND SWITCHING
IT 21200
ETHICAL HACKING
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 9
Web Development Concentration Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
IT 21006 DATABASE PROGRAMMING 3
IT 21011 TECHNIQUES OF MULTIMEDIA WEB DESIGN 3
IT 21037 WEB SCRIPTING 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 9

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000

Information Technology Associate of Applied Business Degree Program Tuition and Fees

Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost

$335.57 Lower Division Courses

$393.35 Upper Division Courses

$1,006.71 Lower Division Courses

$1,180.05 Upper Division Courses

$15,800 full-time1

Non-Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost

$345.57 Lower Division Courses

$403.35 Upper Division Courses

$1,036.71 Lower Division Courses

$1,210.05 Upper Division Courses

$16,400 full-time2

1The flat-rate semester fee of $3,692.65 for LOWER division courses applies to full-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester. The approximate tuition for Associate degrees is calculated at 4 semesters using the lower division course flat rate $14,770.60, and 3 additional credits $1,006.71 ($15,777.31).

2The flat-rate semester fee of $3,692.65 for LOWER division courses applies to full-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credit hours taken (between 12-18 semester credits or $120-$180). The approximate tuition for Associate degrees is calculated at 4 semesters using the lower division flat rate $14,770.60, 3 additional credits $1,006.71, plus the surcharge ($150 x 4 = $600).

For part-time semesters: The $335.57 per-credit-hour tuition rate for LOWER division courses and $393.35 for UPPER division courses applies to part-time Ohio resident undergraduate students, PLUS a $10 per-credit-hour surcharge for non-Ohio resident undergraduate students, taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.

An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.

Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.

The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken.  Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person.  Program costs are subject to change without notice.

Careers

Examples of Possible Careers

Computer user support specialists

  • 8.0% much faster than the average
  • 687,200 number of jobs
  • $52,690 potential earnings

Computer network support specialists

  • 6.4% faster than the average
  • 195,100 number of jobs
  • $65,450 potential earnings

Web developers and digital interface designers

  • 8.0% much faster than the average
  • 174,300 number of jobs
  • $77,200 potential earnings

Additional careers

  • Database support technician
  • IT support specialist

Concentration-specific careers

  • Application Development Technology
    • Application support analyst
    • Junior software developer
  • Network Technology
    • Network support specialist
    • Systems administrator
  • Web Development
    • Front-end developer
    • Web content manager

* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Notice: Career Information Source

* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Other Programs You Might Like
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree provides students with an applied approach that focuses on supporting end users in a variety of workplace settings by utilizing a range of computing technologies. The degree program gives students the tools to support computing and networking infrastructures and the needs of individuals and organizations.
The Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies degree is a completer program designed for students with an associate degree or some college-level coursework who wish to matriculate into a bachelor’s degree. The B.T.A.S degree integrates the practical application of technical skills and knowledge with the professional skills instilled in a bachelor’s degree program.

Related Reading from the Kent State Online Blog

Check out one of our featured blog posts below
Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking, and other physical devices, infrastructure, and processes to create, process, store, secure, and exchange all forms of electronic data.1 Basically, IT ensures that computers work well for people.
The world of tech can seem daunting. What jobs are there? And what’s the right job for me? Consider a degree in information technology (IT).

Advance Your Career With Kent State

Explore Our Online Programs
Find a Program
Online Minors
Online Non-Degree Graduate Licensure Programs
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Center for Adult Veteran Services
Approximately 1,500 international students from 100 countries are enrolled at Kent State University. We’re excited to have you join us, and our international admission team is here to help you every step of the way.
About Kent State Online
Contact Us
Tuition and Costs
Meet Our Faculty
Contact Us