Information Technology (IT)
Information technology (IT) is an important part of any business plan. As a result, IT jobs are among the most in-demand in the country. Industries such as businesses, educational systems, and governmental agencies across the globe rely on knowledgeable, skilled information technology professionals to address their data management needs. Central Piedmont's Information Technology degree or certificate programs will prepare you for these highly competitive positions, teaching you how to think creatively, problem solve efficiently, and process information quickly to attract today's leading employers.
What You Will Learn
Our IT degree and certificate programs focus on helping you develop the ability to create, store, communicate, exchange, and use information to solve technical issues related to information support and services, interactive media, network systems, programming and software development, information security, and other emerging technologies.
Upon completing the program, you'll be prepared for entry-level employment in businesses, educational systems, and government agencies as a designer, tester, support technician, system administrator, developer, or programmer where you can expect to use computer software and/or hardware to design, process, implement, and manage information systems in specialties such as database services, security, business intelligence, and others.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
Our program content is current — that's why we should be your first choice. Our curriculum evolves to respond to the changes taking place in today's business and industry. In the classroom you'll learn about the latest technologies, while outside the classroom you will be connected to real-world industry partners through employer visits and work-based, real-world projects. Our programs incorporate the competencies of many industry-recognized certification exams.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.
IT Careers
Completing an information technology degree at Central Piedmont will prepare you for entry-level information technology jobs in the businesses, educational systems, and government agencies as a designer, tester, support technician, system administrator, developer, or programmer. You will have more opportunities for advancement as you gain more experience and training. Visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach for detailed information technology career opportunities, salary information, and job openings.
Career CoachThe Details
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Program Options
The college catalog lists the information technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements currently available at Central Piedmont. If you would like information on opportunities to transfer associate degree credit to a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Resource Center.
Visiting Students
If you wish to transfer information technology course credit back to your home institution, explore how to enroll at Central Piedmont as a visiting student.
Continuing Education
Central Piedmont's continuing education provides non-degree courses and programs, including job skills, industry-focused career training, certificates, certifications, professional licensure, and personal enrichment. Day, evening, weekend, and online opportunities are available.
College and Career Readiness
If you are looking for programs to gain the knowledge or skills necessary to finish a high school degree or to get a job, visit Central Piedmont's College and Career Readiness.
College Credit for High School Students
Visit Career and College Promise to learn about opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at Central Piedmont.
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Information Technology Program Requirements and Suggested Course Sequences
The associate degree requires the completion of 70 credit hours; a minimum of 21 credit hours must be earned at Central Piedmont. For detailed information on information technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements, visit the Central Piedmont Community College catalog.
Several courses may be substituted with other courses that offer related content. Our technology courses are continually updated and replaced by newer courses as the core subject material of IT is continually changing and evolving. Because your situation will vary based on your enrollment year and projected graduation date, you may need to seek approval for some course substitutions to be reflected in your program evaluation. Contact your advisor regarding course substitutions. Due to the inherent rapid and continual changes in information technology, course substitutions and/or transfer credit for technology courses will only be considered for courses that are fewer than five years old.
If you feel that you already have the skills needed for a required course, some classes have standardized test-out procedures. Others do not, or are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. You'll need to consult with your advisor to determine the policy for that course. Central Piedmont does not award credit for prior experience. If you already have a recognized industry certification, several nationally recognized industry certifications may be substituted for classes. Ask your advisor for more information if you hold an industry certification. Note that due to the inherent rapid and continual changes in information technology, certifications will only be considered for course substitutions that are fewer than five years old, regardless of expiration date.
Suggested Course Sequences
- course sequences
- previous catalogs
Contact your advisor for help planning your courses.
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Locations and Course Delivery Methods
Classes for the information technology program are delivered in several ways:
- Central Campus
- combined (classroom/lab and online)
- online (certain certificates)
Courses available and their schedules can change each semester. Check the information technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements each semester.
You will also have the opportunity to make use of the information technology student labs.
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Information Technology Industry Certifications
In addition to the information technology degrees offered at Central Piedmont, many of the companies and professional organizations who are responsible for the development of industry-leading technologies and programming languages offer certification exams in a specific area of expertise. If you plan to work in one of these industries or professional fields, you should note that many potential employers view industry certifications as being (often equally) as important as a college degree. In order to give yourself every possible edge in a competitive job market, you should plan to sit for industry certification exams that apply to your professional field. Industry certifications require a passing score on an exam administered by the company or organization responsible for a proprietary technology; these are external certifications that Central Piedmont does not administer. Visit Central Piedmont's continuing education to explore industry certification preparation courses. Our information technology certificates are also excellent tools to prepare to take industry certifications.
- CompTIA A+ certification (two exams)
CTI 130 Operating Systems and Device Foundations
Information Technology (IT) Certifications & Training | CompTIA
- CompTIA Network+ certification (one exams):
CTI 120 Network and Security Foundations
Information Technology (IT) Certifications & Training | CompTIA
- Virtualization Admin II - Wmware VCP (one exam):
CTI 240 Virtualization Admin I:
CTI 241 Virtualization Admin II:
VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2024 (VCP-DCV 2024)
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner (one exam)
CTI 260 Data Center Troubleshooting
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification | AWS Certification | AWS
- CompTIA Server+ (one exam)
CTI 270 Data Center Design and Problem Resolution
CompTIA Server+ Data Center
- CompTIA Security+ certification (one exam)
SEC 110 Security Concepts
Information Technology (IT) Certifications & Training | CompTIA
- CompTIA Linux+ certification (two exams)
NOS 120 Linux/UNIX Single User
Linux Essentials - Linux Professional Institute (LPI)
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator
NOS 220 Linux Admin I
Red Hat Certified System Administrator
- Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
NOS 130 Windows Single User
Exam AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure - Certifications | Microsoft Learn
NOS 230 Windows Admin I
Microsoft Window Administration 1
NOS 231 Windows Admin II
Microsoft Window Administration 1
- MOS Microsoft Office Specialist certification (three exams. MO-100, MO-200, MO-300)
CTS 110 Introduction to Computers
Browse Credentials | Microsoft Learn
- CCNA v7 Cisco Certified Networking Associate certification (three exams)
NET 125 Networking Basics
NET 126 Routing Basics
NET 225 Routing & Switching I
Certifications - Cisco
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (EC-Council - one exam)
CCT 240 Data Recovery Techniques
CCT 241 Advanced Data Recovery
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Course | CHFI Certification
- CompTIA A+ certification (two exams)
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Costs and Aid
Central Piedmont provides real-world, affordable, hands-on education and career training. Learn how much it costs to attend Central Piedmont. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Information Technology Scholarships
In particular, students who plan to enroll in an information technology degree program are eligible to apply for the following Central Piedmont scholarships:
- Opportunity Scholars Program
- Merancas Scholarship
- Accelerated Career Training IT Fundamentals program
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Related Programs
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Admitted Students: Find Your Advisor
If you are currently enrolled and taking classes, log in to MyConnect to find your assigned academic advisor.
If you do not have an advisor, you can:
- visit the advising office at the campus nearest you, or
- send an email to the advising office