Information Technology Careers at Inver Hills offering new courses for fall semester 2025
The Information Technology Careers (ITC) department at Inver Hills Community College is heading into fall semester 2025 with all-new, state-of-the art lab spaces in the newly renovated Technology & Business Building. ITC has also upgraded two associate degrees with new, updated courses that are replacing previously offered courses.
Ben Franske, PhD, joined the ITC faculty at Inver Hills in 2009. Ben completed his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Minnesota that same year. He is a Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate and Cisco Certified DevNet Associate. He understands that IT is a continuously evolving field that presents educators and students with plenty of challenges and opportunities.
“Our new lab spaces in the Technology & Business Building are some of the best in the state,” Ben said. “We have upgraded our Network Technology and Security A.A.S. and IT Support Specialist A.A.S. degree programs with new courses. Existing second-year ITC students should know that this fall semester the new courses are replacing the old courses, which will no longer be offered.”
More about the new ITC lab spaces
Business 210: New Datacenter Lab Space
Ben: “This is probably the most exciting space for students because all the equipment is located here. All three of our other labs are connected back to the equipment in this room by 6–8 ports per student seat, depending on the lab room purpose, allowing student to work on this centrally located equipment from any lab space.
“We also have dedicated fiber optic connections from this space out to the campus internet connection providing IPv4 and IPv6 internet connectivity for students in our programs. From this room we also operate a large amount of remotely accessible lab equipment for students working from home or other locations.
“Also, the new Datacenter Lab Space much more accurately represents, on a small scale, how equipment is operated in the business world, which allows us to better keep equipment up to date with industry.”
B210 gallery
Business 225: New PC Hardware & Software Lab Space
Ben: “This lab space features larger tables for assembling and disassembling computers along with setting up printers and small-office networks.”
B225 gallery
Business 205 and Business 220: New Enterprise Networking, Security, Operating Systems, and Computer Science Lab Spaces
Ben: “All the new lab spaces are bright, airy, comfortable, and well-designed for lab partner work, which is a critical component of our courses.”
B205 gallery
B220 gallery
More about the updated/upgraded ITC associate degrees…
Ben reported that the new courses for fall semester 2025 and spring semester 2026 will better prepare graduates for the ever-changing information technology workplace.
“The updated courses, which introduce skills that are in demand by employers, are replacing legacy courses that have been discontinued or de-emphasized by our partners at Cisco and Microsoft,” he said. “We will no longer be offering the old courses—and students currently in our ITC programs who have not yet taken the old courses should contact an ITC department faculty member for guidance on what courses to take as replacements.”
Network Technology and Security A.A.S.
New courses for fall semester 2025 and spring semester 2026
NEW: ITC 2350 Cloud Computing Architecture, Implementation, and Security (aligns with Amazon AWS certification credentials) • Replaces ITC 2410 Windows 10 Client
Credits: 3
Begins with an overview of cloud computing, cloud services, and cloud technologies before focusing on the design of cost and performance optimized solutions in cloud environments. This course will provide hands-on experience with designing and implementing cloud services. Topics will also include understanding cloud services, cloud architecture principles, and considerations for secure, resilient, high-performing, and cost optimized designs. This course will help prepare you for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate industry certifications.
Prerequisites: ITC 2430 Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure
Corequisites: None
Future offering: Fall semester 2025
Course Outline (PDF)
NEW: ITC 2850 Network Security, Identity, and Authentication • Replaces ITC 2611 CCNP 1
Credits: 3
Learn to use and configure network defense technologies including firewalls, virtual private networks, secure overlay networks, and intrusion detection and prevention on unified threat management platforms. This course also covers network and system authentication methods and protocols such as passwords, passkeys, certificates, multi-factor authentication, LDAP, SAML, OpenID, OAuth, Kerberos, and RADIUS.
Prerequisites: ITC 2530 Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
ITC 2536 Enterprise Networking, Security, Automation, and Cybersecurity Foundations
ITC 2800 Cybersecurity Foundations
Corequisites: None
Future offering: Fall semester 2025
Course Outline (PDF)
NEW: ITC 2310 Network Programmability and IT Infrastructure Automation • Replaces ITC 2621 CCNP 2
Credits: 3
Prepare for more complex next-generation networks and information technology infrastructure which is increasingly being configured, monitored, and managed using automation tools. This course helps students transition from traditional network and system administration to management over both API and legacy interfaces using Python scripting and automation tools and frameworks.
Prerequisites: ITC 2530 Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
ITC 2536 Enterprise Networking, Security, Automation, and Cybersecurity Foundations
Corequisites: None
Future offering: Spring semester 2026
Course Outline (PDF)
IT Support Specialist A.A.S.
New course for fall semester 2025
NEW: ITC 2350 Cloud Computing Architecture, Implementation, and Security (aligns with Amazon AWS certification credentials) • Replaces ITC 2420 Modern Desktops
Credits: 3
Begins with an overview of cloud computing, cloud services, and cloud technologies before focusing on the design of cost and performance optimized solutions in cloud environments. This course will provide hands-on experience with designing and implementing cloud services.
Topics will also include understanding cloud services, cloud architecture principles, and considerations for secure, resilient, high-performing, and cost optimized designs. This course will help prepare you for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate industry certifications.
Prerequisites: ITC 2430 Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure
Corequisites: None
Future offering: Fall semester 2025
Course Outline (PDF)
Great courses for students interested in pursuing an IT career
ITC 1400 IT Fundamentals
Credits: 3
Examines the foundational concepts of information technology including identifying and explaining computer components, installing software, establishing network connectivity and preventing security risks. This course assists students determine if information technology is the right career path and in preparing for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ certification.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future offering: Fall semester 2025
Course Outline (PDF)
ITC 2000 PC Hardware and Software (A+)
Credits: 3
Presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues. Students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems.
This course helps students prepare for CompTIA’s A+ certification exam, which covers the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a successful computer technician. Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 1108 or completion of both ENG 0099 and READ 0093/0094 with a grade of C or higher.
Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see prerequisites for this course
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: Fall semester 2025; Spring semester 2026
Course Outline (PDF)
ITC 1480 Linux Essentials
Credits: 3
Covers the fundamentals of the Linux operating system, command line interface, and essential open source software concepts. This course is designed for students new to Linux and takes a hands-on approach to exploring the day-to-day operation of a command line Linux system and is aligned to the LPIC Linux Essentials industry certification.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future offering: Spring semester 2026
Course Outline (PDF)
ITC 2516 Intro to Networks and Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (CCNA1/2)
Credits: 6
Introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks as well as the implementation of basic enterprise routing, switching, and wireless technologies. The fundamentals of IP addressing, Ethernet, router, switch, and wireless configuration are practiced through hands-on lab work. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with VLANs, Spanning-Tree, EtherChannel, Wireless LANs, DHCP, SLAAC, static IP routes, and first-hop redundancy protocols. Course Note: The prerequisite for this course can be waived upon proof of passing an IT fundamentals examination administered by the department. Contact the instructor or department for more information.
Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see prerequisites for this course
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: Fall semester 2025
Course Outline (PDF)
More about Information Technology Careers (ITC) at Inver Hills…
Information technology (IT) is a constantly changing field that covers every aspect of information management and processing, including implementing and maintaining numerous related technologies. IT professionals design, develop, support, and manage computer hardware and software, information networks, and the internet. The newly renovated Technology & Business Building now houses some of the best IT training labs in Minnesota.
Awards
Information Technology Support A.A.S. — 60 credits
Network Technology and Security A.A.S. — 60 credits
Advanced Cybersecurity Infrastructure certificate — 18–21 credits
Advanced Network Technology certificate — 18–21 credits
Enterprise Networking and Security certificate — 18 credits
IT Helpdesk and Cybersecurity Operations certificate — 18 credits
IT System Administrator Certificate certificate — 18 credits
Networking and Cybersecurity Operations certificate — 18 credits
>>> Information Technology Careers Program Planning Guide
Why Study Information Technology at Inver Hills?
Open new horizons in an expanding career field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports: “Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 356,700 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently. The median annual wage for this group was $105,990 in May 2024.” The median annual wage for all occupations is $49,500.
Top tech talent is in huge demand.
CIO, an IT-focused magazine, reports that companies are scrambling to adapt to a tight IT job market. The most in-demand occupations include security professionals, cloud architects, database administrators, mobile app developers, programmer analysts, and software developers. The median salary for all these roles exceeds $100,000 a year.
The internet is pretty big.
Cisco reported that annual global web traffic surpassed one zettabyte (ZB) in 2015—one zetabyte is roughly a trillion gigabytes (or one sextillion measly megabytes). By 2025, that total is expected to reach 175 ZB. Weird fact: Downloading 175 ZB would take nearly 2 billion years at current average download speeds. As of 2025, the global internet community houses around 5.65 billion people, or more than two-thirds of the planet’s population.
What are the three Vs of big data?
According to Oracle, big data contains greater variety arriving in increasing volumes with more velocity. The call for big data solutions creates amazing career opportunities. The top seven big data jobs are data scientist, data engineer, data analyst, security engineer, database manager, data architect, and technical recruiter. The national shortage of professionals with data science skills tops 150,000.
Cyber crimefighters are few and far between.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures: “Cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $10.5 trillion USD in 2025. If it were measured as a country, then cybercrime would be the world’s third largest economy after the U.S. and China. That means the demand for first-class cybersecurity experts is climbing off the charts. Approximately, 3.5 million cybersecurity positions are currently unfilled worldwide—that shortage translates into a zero percent unemployment rate. Average annual salary: $90,000.
Name your own industry.
The mounting demand for IT professionals spans innumerable businesses, companies, organizations, factories, plants, institutions, and agencies across the public and private sector. You can bring your IT skill set to the world of work that best suits your interests and preferred locale.
Certificates, certificates, certificates.
Are you already employed in the IT workforce? Inver Hills delivers six 18-credit certificates designed to increase your know-how and advance your career.
Join the IT workforce with blazing speed.
Our A.A.S. degree programs are designed to get you upskilled, knowledgeable, tech-competent, and ready to kick-start your IT career. Your education at Inver Hills will be the fiberoptic connection to your career success.
Security pros, developers, and analysts are in high demand.
A CompTIA report notes that in 2024 nearly 6 million people make up U.S. tech workforce, which includes a full range of tech-related positions across an assortment of sectors and industries. Demand for highly trained IT workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, big data collection and storage, and cybersecurity.
Information Security Analysts
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. 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.
Information Security Analysts is a Bright Outlook Occupation.
Reported job titles
- Information Security Officer
- Information Security Specialist
- Information Systems Security Analyst
- Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
- Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst)
- Network Security Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Systems Analyst
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings. See all 96 Hot Technologies for this occupation.
In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation. See all 11 In Demand skills for this occupation.
WAGES
Minnesota
Workers on average earn $128,830.
10 percent of workers earn $79,300 or less.
10 percent of workers earn $168,960 or more.United States
Workers on average earn $124,910.
10 percent of workers earn $69,660 or less.
10 percent of workers earn $186,420 or more.2024 Wage Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Trends: Minnesota
Employment (2022): 2,910 employees
Projected employment (2032): 3,730 employees
Projected growth (2022–2032): 28 percent
Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 280Occupational Trends: United States
Employment (2023): 180,700 employees
Projected employment (2033): 239,800 employees
Projected growth (2023–2033): 33 percent — much faster than average
Projected annual job openings (2023–2033): 17,300Visit O*NET OnLine for comprehensive information about the occupation:
Information Security AnalystsSOURCE: O*NET OnLine: Information Security Analysts
