The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) has announced the launch of its new associate and bachelor degree programmes in Information Technology.

The courses are specifically tailored to the industry in Qatar and aligned with international standards and requirements.

The 2 + 2 degree programme, which consists of two concentrations in Cyber and Network Security and Network and Systems Administration, were developed by the CCQ in collaboration with the Supreme Education Council, Qatar University, the College of the North Atlantic-Qatar and many local stakeholders.

Market research and extensive interaction with the external business community have emphasised the need for IT graduates in Qatar and specifically expertise in cyber security and network administration.

The new degrees are designed in accordance with international accreditation standards such as ABET and went through an extensive review by a team of international experts.

The first two years of the programme is designed to provide the student with broad academic knowledge through the core educational requirements. In addition, students will take additional elective and major courses in IT.

The final two years build upon the knowledge acquired in the first two years while focusing more on applied technical knowledge and skills specifically in Cyber and Network Security, and Network and Systems Administration.

The Associate of Science (AS) degree in Information Technology will prepare students for entry level employment in the IT field. After completing year two of the programme, students will be required to do a summer internship/practical training course. The course covers 180 Internship/Fieldwork hours during an 8-week semester.

The required major courses in the associate degree programme will introduce students to both the Network and Systems Administration as well as Cyber and Network Security fields. The Major Elective requirement allows students to choose the concentration that interests them - Network and Systems Administration courses or Cyber and Network Security courses.

Students who complete the AS in Information Technology or any associate degree from an accredited institution and meet the minimum programme admission requirements will be eligible to complete the final two years of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology in Cyber and Network Security concentration or Network and Systems Administration.

The Cyber and Network Security concentration will prepare students for entry level positions as Information Security Analyst, Network Security Support Specialist, Security Auditor, Ethical Hacker and other related careers in Cyber and Network Security.

Students who complete the Network and Systems Administration concentration shall have knowledge and skills to work as Network and Systems Administrators, Systems and Computer Support Specialists, Network Systems Analysts, IT Infrastructure Planner, Server Room Co-ordinators and other related careers.

In both concentrations at the baccalaureate level, students will be expected to complete an internship course before they graduate. Applicants must first attend a programme information session during February.

More information could be had from Dana Abualsaud at 5054-8132 or e-mail at dana.abualsaud@ccq.edu.qa