Academics

Information Technology

The Information Technology (IT) division at Ranken Technical College offers students an unparalleled education and intensive hands-on experience to prepare them for successful, fast-track careers.

Ranken’s IT programs offer flexibility in designing a career that’s right for you. All IT students begin in a common first semester that focuses on desktop operating systems and teaches students how to use the computer and networks as a resource. Students spend time learning the unique features and benefits of each career field available to them and may choose between four track options offering specialized training in:

Internet and Web-based Technology

Focusing on Internet design with experience in Internet and Web-based programming, students will utilize industry-standard applications such as Adobe® Flash® and DreamWeaver®; and learn hand-coded HTML, JavaScripting and the Microsoft® .NET framework. Students will use a variety of programming languages to design and maintain software applications and Web services in order to help businesses communicate with customers, partners and employees via Web-based technology.

Network Architecture and Design Technology

In this hardware-centered course, students will work with Cisco® equipment, program and configure routers and switches, study wireless LAN configurations and security and firewall issues, Voice Over IP technology and virtual LANs. Students will be prepared for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA™) certification test.

Network and Database Administration

Software-centered, this track focuses on Microsoft Server 2008 for network services, network infrastructure & Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange Server for e-mail services and Microsoft SQL for database configuration and services. Students will be prepared to achieve Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification status as well as being well on the way to Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification status.

Network Systems Management Technology

Featuring elements of network and database administration and network architecture technology, this track will focus on configuring Cisco routers.

Students will also study Microsoft Server 2008, including Active Directory Services and network infrastructure. Students will be prepared for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification test.

Associate of Technology or Associate of Science

The various track options offer students the opportunity to design and build networks and Web sites. Students receive intense hands-on lab time, spending three hours in the lab working with equipment and technology to one hour in classroom theory. Class sizes are small, usually with no more than two students to every piece of equipment. Lab exercises focus on troubleshooting and working through real-world situations and problems, so students can be confident they are prepared to work in the fast-paced IT field.

Leading industry Cisco and Microsoft testing and certifications are also integrated into the course curriculum. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of Ranken’s IT program is that students learn to think and solve problems. We teach students how to be continual learners — a “must-have” in today’s rapidly changing IT field. Based on our strong industry relationships and advisory board input, our programs are flexible enough to quickly incorporate cutting edge technology.

Graduates of Ranken’s IT programs work at companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Emerson, Enterprise, BJC Healthcare, Charter Communications, AT&T, IBM and the Lindbergh School District. Upon completion of the associate degree program, students are eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Applied Management (BSAM) program — and could graduate with a bachelor’s degree in as little as two short years.