Information Technology
Our online Information Technology program can help up-and-coming professionals land a position in either the public or private sector as a network and computer systems administrator, computer user support specialist, computer network support specialist, and many other entry-level IT jobs.


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Program Details
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Students who enroll in the program will take foundational courses in computer hardware and software and will have the option of completing certificates in Computer Support, Networking, and Security on their path towards the degree. This program is designed to prepare students for industry-specific certifications related to their career path.
COST & FINANCIAL AID
Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Academic Catalog to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Advisor to discuss the costs of your chosen program and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
PROGRAM AVAILABILITY
SJVC’s Information Technology program is available online.
ACCREDITATION & APPROVALS
Institutional Accreditation
San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510)748-9001.
The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
State Approvals
CALIFORNIA
SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.
A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website (www.bppe.ca.gov).
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR GRADUATES
Health Studies
Program Description
SJVC’s Health Studies program may be completed in 25 weeks. The program is designed for healthcare professionals who want to advance their career and who have earned a certificate of completion in Dental Assisting from SJVC. The Health Studies Associate of Science Degree affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development through instruction in general education coursework designed to produce the competencies of higher education that employers expect of college graduates.
What Will I Learn?
Computer Hardware & Software
Fundamentals of Operating Systems
Help Desk Fundamentals
Networking Essentials
Ready to Do This?

Career Opportunities
One prominent role in IT is that of network and computer systems administrators. These professionals work for all types of businesses and organizations, wherever there are computer systems in use. Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require only a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree.
A network and computer systems administrator manages the day-to-day operations of computer networks at various organizations. Network and Computer Systems Administrators typically do the following:1
- Determine an organization’s system needs and install network hardware and software
- Make needed upgrades and repairs to networks and ensure that systems are operating correctly
- Maintain network and computer system security
- Evaluate and optimize network or system performance
- Add users to a network, and assign and update security permissions on the network
- Train users in the proper use of hardware and software
- Interpret and solve problems when a user or an automated monitoring system alerts them that a problem exists
Administrators manage an organization’s servers and desktop and mobile equipment. They ensure that email and data storage networks work properly. They also make sure that employees’ workstations are working efficiently and stay connected to the central computer network. Some Administrators manage telecommunication networks.
Check out our guide on Information Technology
If you enjoy working with computers and have an interest in technology, there’s a variety of career opportunities in the information technology space. There are IT programs online that teach IT skills and provide degree or certificate options. Learn more about how to get into IT.
Successful Grads
Ask one of our 60,000+ graduates about their SJVC experience and they’ll likely describe it as life-changing.
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Our RN to BSN program is a Bachelors degree completion option for Registered Nurses.
Information Technology FAQ
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Can I Attend Information Technology School Online?
Yes. San Joaquin Valley College’s IT Certificate and Associate Degree programs are offered online. The online format is convenient and conducive to preparing students for working with online computer networks and systems.
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How Long is an IT Program?
IT programs vary in length. Some are more robust, so you graduate with a broader IT skill set, while others are more specialized. IT certificate programs can take as few as 31 weeks (or as few as 8 months) to complete, while an Associate Degree program may take as few as 61 weeks (or as few as 15 months) to complete.
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Do You Need a Degree to Work in IT?
That depends on the job requirements. According to the BLS, some jobs may require a Certificate, while others may require an IT degree like an Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree.2
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What is Information Technology?
Information technology is a broad field of study involving systems for storing, retrieving, and sending information. This typically means computers and telecommunications. Because IT is so vast, there are many subsections of the field to pursue, including networking, security, and computer support.
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What can you do with an Information Technology degree?
Graduates of SJVC’s Information Technology program may go on to work as:
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
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What is the difference between Computer Science and Information Technology?
While both IT and Computer Science Professionals work with computers, they are like two sides of a coin. Computer Science workers help develop computers and technology. IT Professionals master and maintain the use of the applications and hardware.
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How long is an Information Technology program?
SJVC’s Information Technology Certificate program can be completed in as few as 31 weeks and provides students with the knowledge and skills for a variety of entry-level careers in the Information Technology industry. Students who enroll in the program will take foundational courses in computer hardware, software, help desk, cloud computing, operating systems, networking, and security.