Computer Information Technology - Associate Degree
Build the technical and problem-solving skills needed to support the computer systems, applications, and digital tools used by today’s organizations with EFSC’s Computer Information Technology Associate in Science degree.
Whether you’re interested in artificial intelligence, database administration, or technical support, this flexible program provides hands-on training for technology-focused careers in business, government, and other professional settings.
Choose Your Specialization
Develop skills used to operate and maintain artificial intelligence systems and projects. Topics include programming languages, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and AI application solutions.
This specialization can prepare students to support organizations as they introduce AI-powered tools, automate processes, analyze information, and develop new technology solutions.
Build a foundation in database design, management, SQL, and related technologies used to organize and protect business information. The curriculum helps prepare students to pursue an industry-recognized Oracle certification and work as part of a database administration team.
Graduates may pursue opportunities with corporations, government agencies, and other organizations that depend on reliable access to structured data.
Prepare to assist computer users with hardware, software, connectivity, and other technical problems. Students develop troubleshooting, customer service, communication, and technical-support skills for help desk and user-support environments.
This specialization can provide a pathway into entry-level IT support while building experience that may lead to more advanced technical positions.
Computer Information Technology - Associate Degree
Program Overview
- Degree Type
- Associate in Science (A.S.)
- Delivery Methods
- On-Campus, Hybrid
- Locations
- Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville
- Total Credit Hours
- 60
- Academic Community
- Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
- Contact Information
Why Choose this Program?
- Choose from three career-focused specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Database Administrator, or Help Desk.
- Complete courses on campus or through a combination of in-person and online instruction.
- Gain hands-on experience with computer hardware, programming, databases, networking, and technical troubleshooting.
- Prepare for industry certification exams, with select students potentially eligible to test at no charge after completing qualifying courses.
- Begin with a related College Credit Certificate and apply eligible certificate courses toward the associate degree.
- Benefit from shared core courses that provide flexibility if you decide to change specializations or explore another computer-related associate degree.
- Continue your education through one of the career-focused tracks in EFSC’s Computer Information Systems Technology Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
What You'll Learn
Students develop a broad foundation in computer information technology and professional problem-solving, including:
- Computer hardware maintenance and repair
- Technical troubleshooting and customer support
- Programming logic and software fundamentals
- Relational database concepts and data modeling
- Structured Query Language, or SQL
- Computer networking protocols and standards
- Network implementation and support
- Artificial intelligence concepts and applications
- Machine learning and natural language processing
- Computer vision and AI application solutions
- Technical communication and documentation
- Business-focused information technology practices
Curriculum Snapshot
The Computer Information Technology curriculum combines a shared group of foundational computer courses with specialization classes and technical electives. This structure allows students to develop broad technology skills before concentrating on a specific career area.
All students choose one of three specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Database Administrator, or Help Desk. Technical electives allow students to explore additional subjects based on their professional interests.
Here are some examples of courses that are part of the shared curriculum:
This class familiarizes students with the logical architecture of computing devices via hands-on experience w/troubleshooting, repair, & maintenance.
Teaches essentials of logical computer programming design techniques. A current programming language will be used as a platform to demonstrate the language independent algorithms (LIAs).
Introduces Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) data modeling concepts, database normalization, entity relationship concepts, intermediate Structured Query Language (SQL) programming, and more.
Teaches skills & knowledge measured by the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. Covers networking information, protocols and standards, network implementation and support.
Choose the pathway that best fits the type of technology work you want to pursue:
- Artificial Intelligence may be a good fit if you’re interested in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, programming, and AI applications.
- Database Administrator may fit students interested in organizing data, working with SQL, maintaining database systems, and pursuing an Oracle certification.
- Help Desk may be a good choice if you enjoy troubleshooting technology, solving user problems, and explaining technical information.
An academic advisor can help you compare the curricula and select a pathway based on your goals.
Full-time students can typically complete the 60-credit-hour degree in approximately two years. Part-time students may take longer depending on the number of courses they complete each term.
Depending on the specialization selected, graduates may pursue entry-level opportunities such as:
- Help desk technician
- Computer support specialist
- Technical support specialist
- IT support technician
- Database support technician
- Junior database administrator
- Computer maintenance technician
- AI support or implementation technician.
The current program emphasizes employment in computer-focused, business-centered settings, including corporations, government agencies, and organizations that rely on technology to support daily operations.
The curriculum includes coursework aligned with technical areas represented by industry certifications, including CompTIA Network+ and Oracle database credentials.
After completing select courses, eligible EFSC students may be able to take certain industry certification exams at no charge. Certification boot camps may also be available to help students prepare. Eligibility, available exams, and testing policies should be confirmed through EFSC’s Industry Certification Center.
Industry certifications allow technology professionals to demonstrate knowledge in specific technical areas and can strengthen a résumé when pursuing internships, entry-level employment, or career advancement.
Select courses in the Computer Information Technology curriculum help students prepare for certification topics, including networking and database administration. Eligible students may also have access to no-cost certification testing and preparation boot camps through EFSC.
Students should speak with an advisor early in the program to identify certifications that align with their specialization and career plans.
Yes. Students may begin with a related College Credit Certificate, such as Help Desk Support Technician or Oracle Certified Database Administrator, and apply eligible certificate credits toward the associate degree.
This option can help students develop job-ready skills and potentially begin working in the field while continuing toward the A.S. degree.
Yes. Graduates can explore EFSC’s Computer Information Systems Technology Bachelor of Applied Science degree, which is designed for students who have earned an Associate in Science degree.
The bachelor's program offers five career-focused specializations:
- Cybersecurity
- AI-Enhanced Data Science
- Networking Systems
- Program and Software Development
- Computer Project Management
Students planning to transfer to another college or university should review that institution’s general education, prerequisite, and transfer-credit requirements with an academic advisor.
Estimated tuition for students who qualify for in-state rates is approximately $6,240. This estimate does not include course materials, laboratory fees, certification exams, or other educational expenses.
Yes. Eligible students may qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and veterans education benefits that can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Financial aid specialists can help students review available funding options and eligibility requirements.
The program follows Eastern Florida’s general admissions process, and students may begin during any academic term.
Related Computer Degrees and Certificates
Explore other computer information technology degree programs, plus related College Credit Certificates, as you consider applying for one of the three specializations in the Computer Information Systems Technology Associate in Science degree.