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Degree Info

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FAQs

Can I get Financial Aid at Hallmark University?

Yes. Hallmark University is approved for federal financial aid, scholarships, and U.S. veterans benefits.

Are you accredited?

Yes, Hallmark is accredited through the ACCSC(Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

How long are your class semesters/terms?

Our terms are 8 weeks long. This allows us to have 6 terms a year so there is no need to wait to apply.

Is Hallmark a 2 year or 4 year University?

We offer associate, bachelor, and master level degrees. We are not a trade school and we offer degrees which are found at both 2 year and 4 year colleges/universities. The biggest difference is that our degrees can be completed in nearly half the time of traditional universities.

Start A CareerIn Information Technology

An associate’s degree in Information Technology provides students with a fundamental understanding of the role technology plays in the workplace. Students are introduced to computer programming, cybersecurity, networking, and more to prepare them for a variety of entry-level IT roles.

An associate’s degree in Information Technology from Hallmark University equips students with a foundational understanding of the industry and instills critical thinking skills needed to advance in the field. Students learn to troubleshoot common IT problems and gain a firm grasp on the fundamentals of information security.

Upon receiving their associate’s degree in Information Technology, graduates find themselves capable of problem-solving an organization’s IT issues, utilizing theories and technologies commonly found throughout the industry, and on a new pathway to a career in IT.

Cisco Server
15
Month Program

Day
and Evening
Classes

Comptia Partner Logo

Earn Multiple Industry Certifications

Earn Industry Certifications With Your Degree

As students approach the final stages of the information technology associate degree program, they can test for industry certifications. Courses within the program offer training for several high-profile certifications, so new graduates can showcase their expertise to employers. Graduate with certifications in networking, security, and more to prove your skills to the hiring manager.

View Certifications

ENGAGING SCENARIOSAND HANDS-ON TRAINING

Our Hardware and Software Lab immerses students in the fundamentals of computing. Students learn by doing, testing these computers, loading them with software, updating, and configuring them. Having the opportunity to troubleshoot components that fail and learning how to diagnose symptoms of errors, allows our graduates to have a fuller understanding of computers; and prepares them for certifications. All students who pass through this lab exit with a richer foundation of computers and technology.

Next Class Start:
Career Outlook

Woman working on laptop in front of server roomCOMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS HAVE AN ESTIMATED JOB GROWTH OF 10% FROM 2018 TO 2028 AND A MEDIAN SALARY OF $54,760.

– Bureau of Labor Statistics

JOB GROWTH
Computer Support Specialists’ positions are growing faster than all occupations combined.

The outlook is promising for those entering the Computer Support job market as computer support specialists’ growth is projected at 10% for 2018-28, which is greater than the 5% average of all occupations combined.

Data gathered from BLS.gov

job outlook graph
Salary Outlook
Salaries for Computer Support Specialists are nearly 1.5x the average of all occupations combined.

The BLS reports that Computer Support Specialists’ median annual wages are $54,760 which is better than the total of all occupations at $39,810. The highest 10 percent earned more than $88,470 highlighting the promising future these specialists have.

Data gathered from BLS.gov

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annual salary graph
Earn ValuableIndustry Certifications

Certifications speak to your capabilities in IT, which is why our degree program actively prepares students to test for certifications before graduation. Our Information Technology associate’s degree specifically includes courses that prepare students for specific certifications that employers look for. By the end of their degree, students can receive the most sought-after certifications focused in:

  • Networking
  • Security
  • Operating Systems

Several certifications in the program are even covered by tuition, making it even easier for students to stand out to employers.

Certifications covered by tuition:

  • Comptia Network+
  • Comptia Security+
Cisco Server Room Employee
Changing Education by Making It Affordable

Our commitment to changing education does not end at innovative programs and student experience. We are committed to making education affordable by offering programs at a competitive tuition cost with a unique value proposition – spend less time in school, and more time making money.

Less Time, More Money

Our fast-paced model allows students to go through our associate-level programs in just 15 months. This is almost three times faster than the national average for associate degree completions in 43 months. Studies have shown that on average, every year spent at a university can cost over $50,000 in lost wages and tuition – that’s just over $123,000 in savings at Hallmark University.

-The 4-Year Myth, completecollege.org

Hallmark University

15
Month Associate’s Degree

vs

National Average

43
Month Associate’s Degree

=

Earn an Associates’s

Almost 3x
Faster at Hallmark
Tuition Costs

Cost Per Credit HourTotal Credit HoursTechnology Fee Per Term
$53060$175

*Tuition does not include any additional fees

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial aid is available.

Hallmark University is approved for federal financial aid, scholarships, and U.S. veterans benefits.

Learn more about financial options at Hallmark University.

A.A.S. Information Technology Admissions Requirements

Hallmark University is a nationally accredited, co-educational facility with two campuses, both located in San Antonio, Texas. Both schools are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Texas Veterans Commission approves Hallmark University to train veterans. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves Hallmark University, College of Aeronautics. Hallmark University does not deny admission to or participation in programs and activities or discriminate against students enrolled at the university on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, disability (including students who have Hepatitis B in medical, nursing, and any health-related programs), national origin, or religion.
Hallmark uses college-level placement exams containing reading, writing, and algebra skills to schedule students in the appropriate courses. The assessment can be completed at the student’s pace. All exams are computer-based and will be scored upon completion.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A.A.S. Information Technology applicants are required to submit one of the following for verification of high school or equivalency completion:

  • An official high school diploma
  • An official high school transcript indicating high school graduation
  • Official GED scores or certificate
  • A certificate of release or discharge from active military duty (DD Form 214) indicating high school graduation or equivalent
  • A certificate of Record of Military Processing, U.S. DD Form 1966/1 indicating high school graduation or equivalent
  • An official college transcript that indicates the applicant has graduated from high school

The applicant is notified of acceptance once he/she has and has been approved by the Acceptance Committee. Applicants denied entrance by the Acceptance Committee, will have all application fees paid refunded.

ADMISSION OF NON-TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

A non-traditional high school student is a person enrolled in home school programs or a student from a high school that is non-accredited or not recognized by the Texas Education Agency. An applicant applying for admission based on the completion of an independent study equivalent to the high school level in a non-traditional setting (rather than through a public high school, accredited private high school or state equivalency exam) will be considered for individual approval for admission provided is he/she complies with Hallmark University’s entrance testing requirements and presents an official transcript for homeschool education that states the student’s name, date of graduation, and is signed by the person who is responsible for the homeschooling.

  • Associate and Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

    In addition to the general admission requirements (see General Requirements), in order to be considered for admission into the Bachelor of Science and/or Associate of Science programs, an applicant must meet one of following requirements:

    • Completed the Hallmark University Prep Program.
    • Graduated from high school within the top 25 percentile of their graduating class.
    • Taken the ACT or SAT within 12 years of submitting their admission application and met one of the minimum standards listed below:
    High School RankACTOld SAT*New SAT*
    Top 25%No MinimumNo MinimumNo Minimum
    Second 25%17 or above800 or above880 or above
    Third 25%19 or above900 or above980 or above
    Forth 25%21 or above1000 or above1080 or above
    Home school or GED StudentsThere is no minimum SAT/ACT score, but scores must be submitted from the testing agency.
    • Taken and passed at least one area and no less than 20% from passing in any area not passed on any of the following exams: THEA, ASSET, Compass, Accuplacer or TASP. Test scores must be submitted for review by the Academic Review Committee to determine college readiness in Texas and/or placement in the Hallmark University Readiness Program.
      Texas Ready Passing Scores:
    AssessmentMathReadingSentence Skills/WritingWriting Sample
    THEA2302302206
    ASSET3841406
    Compass3981596
    Accuplacer6378****6+
    TASP2302302205
    • Verification of completion of a minimum of 9 college credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on an official transcript from an accredited college or university and determined to be college ready in Texas.
    • Verification of completion of an Associate’s degree program on an official transcript from an accredited college or university.

    Applicants are required to submit a typed essay stating personal goals as a student in the program and as a future graduate. If the student feels it is necessary, they may explain any limitations to their acceptance such as low scores on tests or transcripts.

  • A.A.S. Information Technology

    In addition to the general admission requirements, a qualifying score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam published by Wonderlic Personnel Test, Inc., is required for entrance into the Information Technology, Cisco and/or Microsoft programs. A minimum score of 15 must be achieved on the admission’s assessment for each program. An applicant who has earned a degree or who has earned 9 college credit hours and meets the standard definition of “College Ready” may be exempt from the Wonderlic entrance requirement.

    If an applicant does not initially pass the first assessment, the applicant may take a second assessment on the same day. An applicant may take a third assessment on a different day using a Careers Programs Assessment (CPAt) assessment, published by American University Testing, Inc. The applicant must achieve a minimum score of 120 on the CPAt. An applicant may complete the assessment process for admission to Hallmark University once per start date and a maximum of three times in a one-year period.

Program Outline

While earning an IT industry certification is not a requirement of the A.A.S. Information Technology program, students will be actively encouraged to do so. It is expected that students will complete at least one major IT certification, many of which require passing several industry administered exams at about the same time they graduate from the program. Throughout, the program offers an unusual and exciting mix of theory and application. Although traditional academic work dominates, about 40% of the curriculum is devoted to hands-on activities.

IT School Students working with computer components in class lab
Courses
  • A.A.S. Information Technology
    Course #Course Title
    HUMA 1347

    Introduction to Character and Ethics

    This course is critical in introducing students to Hallmark University’s Character Education Program (HCEP) and Hallmark’s Seven Character traits that serve as the foundation of a student’s personal and professional journey at Hallmark. Students will be introduced to Kohlberg/Rest’s Stages of Moral Development and how this model impacts their beliefs, judgments, and decision-making framework. Students will complete the Defining Issues Test, Version 2 (DIT2) at the beginning of the course. Students will weigh their values, morals, and ethical foundations, considering their own character development and understanding based Kohlberg/Rest’s framework. They will connect how their character informs and moral development influences judgments and decision-making processes. Students will also be introduced to the Career Services Policy. This is a required course and transfer credits will not be accepted as a substitute.

    CPMT 1351

    IT Essentials: PC Hardware & Software

    This course is part of a series of Core IT courses essential to every degree path at Hallmark. This hands-on course is designed to introduce students to the hardware and software components of the modern personal computer workstation. Lectures, lab projects, and assignments reinforce skills as they are learned. Specific topic coverage includes introduction to the personal computer, safe lab procedures and tool use, step-by-step computer assembly, basics of preventative maintenance and troubleshooting, fundamental operating systems, fundamental laptops and portable devices, fundamental printers and scanners, fundamental networks, fundamental security, communication skills, advanced personal computers, advanced operating systems, advanced laptops and portable devices, advanced printers and scanners, advanced networks and advanced security.

    MATH 1314

    College Algebra

    This course shall include a study of quadratics; polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.

    MATH 2305

    Math for IT

    The MATH2305 course provides information technology students a deeper understanding of base 2 (binary), base 8 (octal), and base 16 (hexadecimal) numbering systems to be able to have a better understanding of conversions for network and security to include hashing and cryptography.

    GOVT 2304

    Introduction to Political Science

    This course shall include an introductory survey of the discipline of political science. Topics include the Constitution, Federalism, Civil Liberties, politics and the media, Congress, and the Presidency. Students will develop vital collaborative and individual written communication skills through regular activities that involve group analysis, discussion, and synthesis of purpose.

    ITSC 1309

    Integrated Software Applications

    This course is designed to aid students in the development of critical-thinking skills needed to diagnose, troubleshoot, and solve typical issues encountered by end-users of workstations. These skills will prepare students to complete tasks associated with helpdesk and technical customer service. Also, this course will include an introduction to Microsoft Excel, a popular and complex business application.

    CIST 1310

    Introduction to Computer Programming

    This course is part of a series of Core IT courses essential to every degree path at Hallmark. In Introduction to Programming, students will study the three major types of programming languages: assembled, compiled, and interpreted. Most of the focus of the course, however, and all of the hands-on exercises, are aimed at developing, debugging, and successfully testing partial and complete programs in Python. Other topics include the history of various programming languages including Python, programming techniques used by industry today. Students will have to solve a problem by writing, debugging and finally completing a fully functional program written in Python.

    SPCH 1311

    Introduction to Speech Communication

    This course shall include theories and practices of communication including the verbal and nonverbal components of communication. Topics include listening and communication in interpersonal relationships. In this course, students will also learn the components of delivering a speech and how to construct and present informative and persuasive speeches.

    CPMT 1352

    Networking Essentials

    This course is part of a series of Core IT courses essential to every degree path at Hallmark. In this course, students are introduced to basic networking concepts, terminology and essential tasks involved in network support and administration. Other topics include a detailed nomenclature of terms and concepts used in networking systems, an introduction to the OSI model, basic subnetting, and other related topics. Students who complete this course will be prepared to successfully take and pass the CompTIA Network+ certification test.
    Prerequisite: CPMT 1347 and CPMT 1348, or CPMT 1351

    ITCC 1314

    CCENT: Routing and Switching Essentials

    This course is part two in a series of four courses in the Cisco Networking Academy program CCNA Track. This hands-on course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. Students will also learn to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with virtual LANs and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. This course will also cover the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network.
    Prerequisite: ITCC 1311

    ITSY 1300

    Fundamentals of Information Security

    This course is an introduction to information security including vocabulary and terminology, ethics, the legal environment, and risk management. Other topics include identification of exposures and vulnerabilities and appropriate countermeasures, as well as the importance of appropriate planning, policies, and controls. This course will prepare students to successfully take and pass CompTIA’s Security+ Certification Exam.
    Prerequisite: CPMT 1352

    ITNW 1313

    Computer Virtualization

    Implement and support virtualization of clients of servers in a networked computing environment. This course explores installation, configuration, and management of computer virtualization workstation and servers. This course will prepare you for the VMware Certified Professional Certification Exam.

    ITCC 2318

    CCNA: Scaling Networks

    This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in larger and more complex networks. Students learn how to configure routers and switches for advanced functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with OSPF, EIGRP, and STP in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement a WLAN in a small-to-medium network.
    Prerequisite: ITCC 1311 and ITCC 1314

    ITCC 2320

    CCNA: Connecting Networks

    This course is part four of the four-part series of courses in the Cisco Networking Academy program CCNA Track. In this hands-on course discusses the WAN technologies and network services required by converged applications in a complex network. The course enables students to understand the selection criteria of network devices and WAN technologies to meet network requirements. Students learn how to configure and troubleshoot network devices and resolve common issues with data link protocols. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement virtual private network (VPN) operations in a complex network.
    Prerequisite: ITCC 1311, ITCC 1314, and ITCC 2318

    ITNW 1393

    Introduction to the Linux Operating System

    This course is part of a series of Core IT courses essential to every degree path at Hallmark. In this course, students will learn how to use the Command Line Interface (CLI) using the Linux operating system. Students will learn the various kinds of Linux distros, how to download, install, and access the Linux command line interface, and various other system administration tasks. Students will take weekly exams to reinforce their mixed media learning experiences. They will also take an experience-based final examination that emphasizes skills demonstration rather than concept memorization.
    Prerequisite: CPMT 1351

    CPMT 2398

    Introductory Certifications

    The introductory certifications course provides the students the opportunity to select and complete one of the many certifications that fall into the introductory category to meet industry requirements and needs. Certifications include but are not limited to CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+. This goal of this course is to provide students with at least one introductory certification in a comprehensive class devoted to the certification proves.

    CYSEC 2305

    Introduction to Cybersecurity

    Introduction to Cybersecurity provides an introductory study of cybersecurity terminology, principles, and technologies. Fundamental topics covered include cyber threats and vulnerabilities, information security frameworks, network infrastructure security, wireless network security, cryptography, defense in depth security strategy, information security policy, and security management. The goal is to develop a foundation for further study in cybersecurity.

    ITNW 2394

    Advanced Linux for Security Professionals

    This course prepares students to become advanced penetration testers and security auditors using an optimized Linux distribution built for security researchers. Students will use a variety of tools designed for a wide array of information security tasks including information gathering, vulnerability analysis, password attacks, stress and penetration testing, digital forensics and malware analysis. The course is intended to train future security professionals and IT administrators by using an all-in-one solution to test the security of networks and systems. The course also teaches risk mitigation strategies, penetration testing standards, and Linux configuration details.
    Prerequisite: ITNW 1393

    ENGL 1301

    Composition I

    The course shall include an introductory study of the writing process. Topics include research, drafting, revising, peer editing, and proper citation. There will be an emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Additionally, this course will introduce effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions.

    CPMT 2399

    Intermediate Certifications

    The intermediate certifications course provides the students the opportunity to select and complete one of the many certifications that fall into the intermediate category to meet industry requirements and needs. Certifications currently include but are not limited Cisco CCNA and other needed certifications as determined by industry. This goal of this course is to provide students with at least one introductory certification in a comprehensive class devoted to the certification proves.

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FAQs

Can I get Financial Aid at Hallmark University?

Yes. Hallmark University is approved for federal financial aid, scholarships, and U.S. veterans benefits.

Are you accredited?

Yes, Hallmark is accredited through the ACCSC(Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

How long are your class semesters/terms?

Our terms are 8 weeks long. This allows us to have 6 terms a year so there is no need to wait to apply.

Is Hallmark a 2 year or 4 year University?

We offer associate, bachelor, and master level degrees. We are not a trade school and we offer degrees which are found at both 2 year and 4 year colleges/universities. The biggest difference is that our degrees can be completed in nearly half the time of traditional universities.

Less Money. More Results.
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