Information Technology Program

Program Overview

The Information Technology program is career-laddered and competency-based. The program focuses on strong programming fundamentals, network connectivity, hands-on type projects, front-end graphical user interface (GUI) programming with strong connectivity to databases such as Microsoft ACCESS, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle in a stand-alone as well as web environment. It provides training in the use and support of business-related computer systems, data communication networks (including local area networks), World Wide Web and its importance to businesses, and the development of business information technology systems programs using procedural and object-oriented programming techniques. The program includes a combination of business, computer, and information technology courses. Campus-based computer and networking projects, faculty-supervised laboratories, and workplace internships provide a hands-on experience designed to prepare students for positions in computer support, programming, network hardware setup and configuration, or systems development in a business information technology system. The program focuses on computers, the Internet and the World Wide Web, and information technology as tools to solve business problems.

The program trains students in the management of storage and the use of client-server environments in the accessing, processing, storing, and networking of information on computer-based business systems. Today’s modern computing environment is a network of interrelated computer systems with connections via a local area network, a wide area network, and the Internet. These computer systems provide access to a variety of information to facilitate the operation of a business. The Information Technology program at Kapiʻolani Community College ensures student currency in these areas through courses in information technology.

The AS program also is designed to articulate with a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree with a concentration in Information Technology at the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu. To accomplish this articulation, the Information Technology program has created this third-year Advanced Professional Certificate that will build a bridge from the AS degree at Kapiʻolani Community College to the BAS degree at University of Hawaiʻi -West Oʻahu. The Information Technology program becomes more career-laddered, providing multiple entry and exit points for students to continue their studies and enter the world of work

Contact Information

  • Counselors/Advisors: Flo Abara, (808) 734-9107
  • Information Technology Program Coordinator: Dale Nakasone, (808) 734-9294

Degree & Certificates

Associate in Science – Information Technology (60-62 credits)

The Information Technology program is career-oriented, career-laddered, and competency-based. The program focuses on cyber security, programming fundamentals, network connectivity, hands-on type projects, front-end graphical user interface (GUI) programming with strong connectivity to databases on standalone computers and server platforms including the web environment. This is all done within the context of supporting business activities. Upon satisfactory completion of the required 60 credits, the student earns an Associate in Science degree. The AS degree student can also earn Certificates of Competence in Help Desk, Programming, Database Administration and Cyber Security. Graduates are prepared to perform services as a cyber-security professional, computer support specialist, technical support specialist, help desk technician, database administrator, network administrator to set up and configure a local area network, front-end GUI interface programmer, or web developer using rapid prototyping tools to produce the front-end GUI interface with connectivity to appropriate databases at the back-end. The AS program also is designed to articulate with a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree with a concentration in Information Technology at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu. To accomplish this articulation, the Information Technology program has created the third-year Advanced Professional Certificate, 18 credits of Information Technology courses that build a bridge from the AS degree at Kapi‘olani Community College to the BAS degree at University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu. The Information Technology program is career-laddered, providing multiple entry and exit points for students to continue their studies and/or enter the world of work. The AS program includes a combination of business, computer, and information technology (including cyber security) courses and selected general education courses that emphasize business concepts, business writing, or communications. Campus-based computer and networking projects, faculty-supervised laboratories, and workplace internships provide hands-on experience designed to prepare students for positions in the field. Students gain a perspective of the role that information technology plays in a business environment. The program also places an emphasis on teamwork, written and oral communication skills, and presentation skills within the context of a business environment. The current Associate in Science Information Technology degree articulates to the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu (UHWO) towards the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), Information Technology (effective fall 2010).

Degree Curriculum
First Semester
ENG 100 (3) or ESL 100 (3)
ICS 101 (3) or ICS 102 (3)
ITS 124 (3)
ITS 128 (3)
ITS 129 (3)

Second Semester
BUS 250 (3) or MATH 103 or MATH 115 or MATH 135 or MATH 140 or higher-level mathematics (3-4)
ITS 122 (3)
ITS 144 (3)
ITS 148 (3)
ITS 149 (3) or ITS 149AD (3)

Third Semester
ACC 201 (3) or ACC 202 (3)
ECON 130 (3) or ECON 131 (3)
SP 151 (3) or SP 251 (3)
ITS 227 (3)
ITS 142 (3)

Fourth Semester
At least 3 credits from AS Arts & Humanities Elective
At least 3 credits from AS Natural Science Elective ITS 293 (3)
At least 6 credits from BUS 195 (Alpha), ITS 222 (3), ITS 224 (3), ITS 228 (3), ITS 229AD (3)

The issuance of an AS degree requires that the student must earn a cumulative grade point ratio (GPR) of 2.0 or higher for all courses applicable toward the degree. Please note: A grade of “C” or higher is required in all applicable Information Technology (ITS and ICS) courses in order to fulfill the requirements for the Information Technology degree. Lists of KCC AS/AH, AS/NS, AS/SS courses are in the college catalog under “Associate in Science Degree Courses.”

Advanced Professional Certificate – Information Technology (18 credits)

The Information Technology Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) program is career-oriented and competency/outcomes-based. The program focuses on strong programming fundamentals, network connectivity, hands-on type projects, front-end graphical user interface (GUI) programming with strong connectivity to databases such as Microsoft ACCESS, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle in a stand-alone as well as a web environment. This is all done within the context of supporting business activities. After satisfactory completion of 18 ITS credits at the 300 level, the student earns an Advanced Professional Certificate in Information Technology. Graduates are prepared to perform services as a network administrator to set up and configure a server or local area network, front-end GUI interface programmer, or web developer using rapid prototyping tools to produce the front-end GUI interface with connectivity to appropriate databases at the back-end. Students can take highly technical courses in Information Technology that build on the foundation and pillars they have constructed in their AS degree. These ITS courses at Kapi‘olani Community College build up the already existing pillars of Networking/Cyber Security, Databases, and Programming, and develop a pillar in Web Development, a rapidly growing niche in Information Technology. Students may elect to continue their studies and have their three years of study at Kapi‘olani Community College transfer to University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu via an articulation agreement between Kapi‘olani Community College and University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu (UHWO), take a few more courses in business and management and earn their Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) with a Concentration in Information Technology. Additional classes in general education could be taken outside of the APC at Kapi‘olani Community College to provide a rounded educational experience as well as ease the transfer to the BAS at University of Hawai‘i–West O`ahu.

Degree Curriculum
First Semester
ITS 381 (any alpha) (3)
ITS 382 (any alpha) (3)
ITS 389 (any alpha) (3)

Second Semester
ITS 387 (any alpha) (3)
ITS 388 (any alpha) (3)
ITS 38x (any alpha) (3); Note: Any course topic not previously taken.

Please note: A grade of “C” or higher is required in all applicable Information Technology courses in order to fulfill the requirements for the Advanced Professional Certificate in Information Technology. Courses may be taken in any order.

Certificate of Achievement – Information Technology (30-31 credits)

The Certificate of Achievement in Information Technology program is a competency-based program that is designed to prepare students for information technology and non-information technology entry-level positions in a business environment involving computer support: help desk, cabling and basic networking, minor office application support, and training. The certificate will enhance the information technology skills of the small business owner, non-IT account clerk, office administrator, office manager, and health, legal, hospitality, or other professional to become the key information technology support users in their respective areas.

Degree Curriculum
First Semester
BUS 120 (3)
ENG 100 (3) ESL 100 or ENG 209 (3)
ICS 100 (3) or ICS 101 ICS 102 (3)
ITS 124 (3)
ITS 128 (3)

Second Semester
BUS 100 (3) or BUS 250 (3) or MATH 103 or higher-level mathematics (3-4)
ACC 201 (3)
ITS 129 (3)
ITS 144 (3)
ITS 224 (3)

The issuance of a Certificate of Achievement requires that the student must earn a grade point ratio (GPR) of 2.0 or higher for all courses applicable toward the certificate. Please note: In order to receive the certificate, a grade of “C” or higher is required in all Information Technology courses. ITS courses may be offered in 8 or 16-week sessions.

Certificate of Achievement – Information Security and Assurance (30-31 credits)

The Certificate of Achievement in Information Security and Assurance program is a competency-based program that is designed to prepare students for information technology cyber security entry-level positions in a business or government environment involving computer hardware or software, or network cybersecurity. The certificate will enhance the information technology cyber security skills of the small business owner, non-information technology account clerk, office administrator, office manager, and health, legal, hospitality, or other professional to become the key information technology security support users in their respective areas.

Degree Curriculum
First Semester
ENG 100 (3)
ICS 100 (3) or ICS 101 or ICS 102 (3)
ITS 122 (3)
ITS 124 (3)
ITS 128 (3)

Second Semester
BUS 250 (3) or ICS 141 (3) or MATH 103 or higher-level mathematics (3-4)
ACC 201 (3) or BUS 120 (3)
ITS 129 (3)
ITS 142 (3)
ITS 222 (3)

The issuance of a Certificate of Achievement requires that the student must earn a grade point ratio (GPR) of 2.0 or higher for all courses applicable toward the certificate. Please note: In order to receive the certificate, a grade of “C” or higher is required in all Information Technology courses. ITS courses may be offered in 8 or 16-week sessions.

Certificate of Competence – Information Security and Assurance (15 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Information Security and Assurance is an outcomes-based program designed for the novice or professional information technology worker who has little to no experience in cybersecurity. This certificate is appropriate for upgrading the cyber security skills of industry members or for a focus for information technology AS students. Certificate topics include current cyber security issues, concepts, threats, and mitigation strategies.

Degree Curriculum
First Semester
ITS 122 (3)
ITS 124 (3)

Second Semester
ITS 142 (3)
ITS 144 (3)
ITS 222 (3)

The issuance of a Certificate of Competence requires that the student must earn a grade point ratio (GPR) of 2.0 or higher for all courses required in the certificate. Please note: A grade of “C” or higher is required in all applicable Information Technology courses in order to fulfill the requirements for the certificate. ITS courses may also be offered in 8 or 16-week sessions.

Certificate of Competence – Database Administration (18 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Database Administration is an outcomes-based program designed for the novice or professional information technology worker who has little to no experience in database administration. This certificate is appropriate for upgrading the database administration skills of industry members or for a focus for information technology AS students. The certificate includes current cyber security issues, concepts, threats, and mitigation strategies.

Degree Curriculum
First Semester
ICS 100 (3) or ICS 101 (3)
ITS 124 (3)
ITS 129 (3)

Second Semester
ITS 122 (3)
ITS 149AD (3)
ITS 229AD (3)

The issuance of a Certificate of Competence requires that the student must earn a grade point ratio (GPR) of 2.0 or higher for all courses required in the certificate. Please note: A grade of “C” or higher is required in all applicable Information Technology courses in order to fulfill the requirements for the certificate. ITS courses may be offered as 8 or 16-week sessions.

Certificate of Competence – Help Desk Services (15 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Help Desk Services is an outcomes-based program designed for the novice or professional information technology worker who has little to no experience in providing information technology help desk support. This certificate is appropriate for upgrading the support skills of industry members or for an entry-level position in a larger organization. The certificate includes current cyber security issues, concepts, threats, and mitigation strategies.

Degree Curriculum
First Semester
ICS 100 (3) or ICS 101 or ICS 102 (3)
ITS 122 (3)
ITS 124 (3)

Second Semester
ITS 144 (3)
ITS 224 (3)

The issuance of a Certificate of Competence requires that the student must earn a grade point ratio (GPR) of 2.0 or higher for all courses required in the certificate. Please note: A grade of “C” or higher is required in all applicable Information Technology courses in order to fulfill the requirements for the certificate. ITS courses may be offered in 8 or 16-week sessions.

Certificate of Competence – Programming (18 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Programming is a competency-based program designed for the novice or professional information technology worker who has little to no experience in programming. This certificate is appropriate for upgrading the programming skills of industry members or for a focus for Information Technology AS students. The certificate includes current cyber security issues, concepts, threats, and mitigation strategies.

Degree Curriculum
First Semester
ICS 100 (3) or ICS 101 (3)
ITS 124 (3)
ITS 128 (3)

Second Semester
ITS 122 (3)
ITS 148 (3)
ITS 228 (3)

The issuance of a Certificate of Competence requires that the student must earn a grade point ratio (GPR) or 2.0 or higher for all courses required in the certificate. Please note A grade of “C” or higher is required in all applicable Information Technology courses in order to fulfill the requirements for the certificate. ITS courses may be offered in 8 or 16-week sessions.

Program Information

Potential Career & Employers
  • Careers: Computer support specialist, technical support specialist, help desk technician, database developer or administrator to set-up a local area network, front-end GUI interface programmer, or Web developer using rapid prototyping tools to produce the front-end GUI interface with connectivity to appropriate databases at the back-end.
  • Potential Employers: Servco, State of Hawaii, City and County of Hawai‘i, University of Hawai‘i, Partners in Development, Starwood Hotels, Hawaiian Telephone, AT&T, Oceanic Time Warner. The United States Department of Labor publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook with additional information about careers in information technology.
Program Outcomes
Associate in Science – Information Technology

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Associate in Science degree in Information Technology, the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Design and develop software solutions for contemporary business environments by employing appropriate problem solving strategies.
  • Configure and administer database servers to support contemporary business environments.
  • Comprehend and resolve common desktop and network issues.
  • Analyze common business functions and identify, design, and develop appropriate information technology solutions (in web, desktop, network, and/or database applications)
  • Learn future technologies through acquired foundational skills and knowledge and employ them in new business environments.
  • Practice communication, problem solving and decision-making skills through the use of appropriate technology and with the understanding of the business environment.
Advanced Professional Certificate – Information Technology

Program Competencies: Upon successful completion of the Advanced Professional Certificate in Information Technology, the student should be able to:

  • Design and implement an application in VB.Net that connects to and draws from a contemporary database.
  • Design, implement, and schedule reasonable personal computer and network security measures.
  • Setup and Administer Windows Computer Server to provide business support services as needed.
  • Code Web pages that are interactive, responsive to user input and environmental variables, and provide information and services in an attractive and timely manner.
  • Code Web pages whose content and design are determined by database data.

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Advanced Professional Certificate in Information Technology, the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Design and develop software solutions for contemporary business environments by employing appropriate problem solving strategies.
  • Comprehend and resolve common desktop and network issues.
  • Analyze common business functions and identify, design, and develop appropriate information technology solutions (in web, desktop, network, and/or database applications).
  • Learn future technologies through acquired foundational skills and knowledge and employ them in new business environments.
  • Practice communication, problem solving and decision-making skills through the use of appropriate technology and with the understanding of the business environment.
Certificate of Achievement – Information Technology

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Information Technology, the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Comprehend and resolve common desktop and network issues, including:
    • Take and categorize help desk requests.
    • Analyze help desk requests and locate possible solution resources.
    • Resolve help desk issues and/or talk the requester through the resolutions.
    • Document incidents for inclusion in updated database.
  • Learn future technologies through acquired foundational skills and knowledge and employ them in new business environments.
  • Practice communication, problem solving and decision-making skills through the use of appropriate technology and with the understanding of the business environment.
Certificate of Competence – Database Administration

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in Database Administration, the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Configure and administer database servers to support contemporary business environments, including:
    • Use a relational database: query, report, data input.
    • Administer or manage a relational database for a small to medium size company.
    • Document administrative work performed.
  • Learn future technologies through acquired foundational skills and knowledge and employ them in new business environments.
Certificate of Competence – Help Desk Services

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in Help Desk Services, the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Comprehend and resolve common desktop and network issues, including:
    • Take and categorize help desk requests.
    • Analyze help desk requests and locate possible solution resources.
    • Resolve help desk issues and/or talk the requester through the resolutions.
    • Document incidents for inclusion in updated database.
  • Learn future technologies through acquired foundational skills and knowledge and employ them in new business environments.
Certificate of Competence – Programming

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in Programming, the student should have met the following:

  • Design and develop software solutions for contemporary business environments by employing appropriate problem solving strategies, including:
    • Logically think through business information technology programming needs.
    • Create a user interface in a contemporary object-oriented language to allow users to access business data.
    • Write code to connect a frontend user interface with a backend database using a contemporary object-oriented language.
    • Document program written.
  • Learn future technologies through acquired foundational skills and knowledge and employ them in new business environments.

“Anyone who is planning on starting their own business in any computer area should strongly consider going to Kapi‘olani CC. The programs there are designed so that you can start working right away and the teachers are experienced professionals who can help with advice and encouragement.​”

Naomi Midori Stafford​, Information Technology Alumni, Midori Designs Online