Information Systems Technology (IST)

The Information Systems Technology Program at Virginia Western paves the way for student success in fields such as cyber security, networking, software design, data mastery, web application development, programming and database management. Throughout the program coursework, you will have the opportunity to earn valuable industry certifications, bolstering your professional credentials. Whether you prefer to learn fully online, or in our new, on-campus cyber security and network labs, experienced faculty take a hands-on approach to teaching, offering practical exercises that allow you to learn through real-world experiences. 

What Associate of Applied Science degrees are offered? 

• Information Systems Technology (IST) Employment opportunities include entry level information technology positions such as entry level programmer, network technician and desktop support technician. 
• IST: Cyber Security & Network Administration: Opportunities in the computer networking field include systems administration, network technician and security analyst. 
• IST: Data Analytics and Programming Solutions: Roles in the computer networking field include application developer, database administrator or software engineer. 

What do information technology (IT) professionals do? 

• Software development: Design, develop, test and maintain software applications; you will work on anything from web and mobile applications to desktop software and operating systems. 
• Network administration: Perform setup,maintenance and security for an organization’s computer networks including LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks) and cloud-based systems. 
• System administration: Manage and maintain an organization’s servers and infrastructure; ensure that servers are functioning, perform regular updates and backups and troubleshoot any issues. 
• Cyber security: Work to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats; set up security measures, monitor for security breaches and respond to incidents. 
• Helpdesk and technical support: Provide assistance to end-users who encounter technical issues including troubleshooting hardware and software problems, setting up new devices and resolving user issues. 

Why choose Virginia Western’s Information Systems Technology Program? 

• A 20-year Tech Talent grant provides equipment and online tutoring for all students. 
• Industry certifications are strongly encouraged, and costs of certifications may be reimbursed for eligible students. 
• The Virginia Western Education Foundation has scholarships available to aid in tuition, books, living expenses and costs of certification for eligible students. 
• Programs are offered totally online. 
• New cyber security and network labs are open on campus.  
• Outside learning opportunities. 
• A student computer club provides activities for learning and networking with other students in the field. 
• Virginia residents may qualify for G3 tuition assistance. 

This program is available completely online.

Related Programs

• IST: Cyber Security & Network Administration Specialization (Associate of Applied Science)
• IST: Data Analytics and Programming Solutions Specialization (Associate of Applied Science)
• Computer Science (Associate of Science)
• Engineering: Computer Science (Associate of Science)
• IST: Cisco™ CCNA™ Networking (Career Studies Certificate)
• IST: Cyber Security (Career Studies Certificate)
• IST: Data Analytics and Programming Solutions (Career Studies Certificate)
• IST: Information Technology Support Analyst (Career Studies Certificate)
• IST: Network & Security Administration (Career Studies Certificate)

Transferring

If you’re considering an AAS program and interested in transferring to a four-year college or university, contact a program advisor upon entry to the program to discuss your plans.  

Virginia Western has entered into the following agreements specific to the Information Systems Technology program. This list is subject to change, and the most current agreements can be found on our Transfer Agreements page. 

• Old Dominion University: Information Systems Technology to BS in Occupational & Technical Studies (PDF)

User Groups & Professional Societies

Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) is a non-profit, member-driven association of businesses and organizations working together to promote the growth of the region's technology sector. With over 200 member companies and 24,000 employee members, RBTC hosts a very active list of events including TechNite, Tech and Toast, Security Forums, and Peer Roundtables. https://rbtc.tech/

Roanoke Infosec Exchange (RISE) brings together IT professionals in the Roanoke area to discuss cutting edge topics and applications in the Cyber Security world.  Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month at various companies around town.  https://roanokeinfosec.com

The Oracle Academy mission is to advance computer science education globally to drive knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields. As a member, Virginia Western receives expertly developed learning resources and world-class industry technologies for both the Java and Oracle database world.  Students receive discounts on industry tests. https://academy.oracle.com

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession. ACM provides the computing field's premier Digital Library and serves its members and the computing profession with leading-edge publications, conferences, and career resources. http://www.acm.org.

The Cisco Networking Academy is an IT skills and career building program for learning institutions and individuals worldwide. More than 5.5 million people have joined the Networking Academy and become a force for change in the global economy since 1997. Virginia Western is a part of the Cisco academy and teaches the Cisco curriculum in both the Networking and the Security programs. https://www.netacad.com