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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 Networking

Cisco is an industry leader in Information Technology providing networking systems for companies around the globe. The A.A.S. in Information Technology, Cisco degree is designed to produce a graduate that goes beyond networking essentials and can build, connect, and scale networks. Graduates will know the ins-and-outs of routing and switching, as well as have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of information security.

Earn Industry Certifications With Your Degree

Students earning their A.A.S. in Information Technology, Cisco degree have the chance to earn industry certifications that showcase the knowledge each student has gained and their ability to apply it.

View Certifications

Cisco Server
14
Month Program

Day, Evening, and Online classes

Cisco Academy Partner Logo

Earn Multiple Industry Certifications

Next Class Start:
Career Outlook

Woman working on laptop in front of server roomCOMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS HAVE AN ESTIMATED JOB GROWTH OF 11% FROM 2016 TO 2026 AND A MEDIAN SALARY OF $52,810.

– 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 11% for 2016-26, which is greater than the 7% average of all occupations combined.

Data gathered from BLS.gov

Employment growth chart for Computer Support Specialists 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 $52,810 which is better than the total of all occupations at $37,690. The highest 10 percent earned more than $105,230 highlighting the promising future these specialists have.

Data gathered from BLS.gov

FIND OUT MORE

Computer Support Specialists Salary Graph
Earn ValuableIndustry Certifications

The A.A.S. in Information Technology, Cisco degree gives the students multiple opportunities to earn industry certifications in networking and systems.

Certifications covered by tuition:

  • A+
  • Security+
  • CCENT

Additional certifications students can train for:

  • Network+
  • 70-697: Configuring Windows Devices (Windows 10)
  • CCNA: Routing and Switching
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 14 months. This is over 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

14
Month Associate’s Degree

vs

National Average

43
Month Associate’s Degree

=

Earn an Associates’s

Over 3x
Faster at Hallmark
Tuition Costs

Cost Per Credit HourTotal Credit HoursTechnology Fee Per Term
$49560$150

*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.

Information Technology - Cisco 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 – Cisco 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.

  • Information Technology - Cisco

    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 – Cisco 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. Courses are scheduled to permit students to sit for Cisco certification exams at the end of each semester. 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.

Students working with computer components in class lab
Courses
  • Information Technology - Cisco
    Academic Success
    Course #Course Title
    BCIS 1305

    Business Computer 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.

    HSAS 1301

    Hallmark Strategies for Academic Success

    This course shall include topics in emotional intelligence, campus resources, leadership, stress management, teamwork, self-motivation, self- management, goal-setting, study skills, learning styles, and time management.

    General Education
    Course #Course Title
    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.

    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.

    PHIL 2321

    Contemporary Moral Issues

    This course provides an examination of major ethical and moral theories and how they afford a rational approach to specific moral issues and a rational basis for resolving moral conflicts. An emphasis on the application of philosophical theories to cases will be placed on medical, information technology, and business ethics.

    MATH 1314

    College Algebra

    This course shall include a study of linear and quadratics; algebraic operations and equations; polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; conic sections; area and volume of geometric shapes; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.

    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.

    Core Courses
    Course #Course Title
    MGMT 2330

    Introduction to Project Management

    This course is intended to introduce broad concepts in project management as applied in modern information technology operations. The course will start with the definition of a project and the triple constraints of scope, schedule, and cost concerning the quality of outcomes. Students will also learn how to plan, scope, schedule, cost, and manage a project from beginning to end.

    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.

    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.

    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

    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

    ITMT 1382

    Microsoft Systems: Client Operating Systems

    Microsoft Windows 10 Certification 70-697: Configuring Windows Devices. Students master configuration or support for Windows 10 computers, devices, users and associated network and security resources. Those in this IT Professional career field are prepared to work with networks configured as a domain-based or peer-to-peer environment with access to the Internet and cloud services. Also, these IT Professionals will have mastered the skills required to be a consultant, full-time desktop support technician, or IT generalist who administers Windows 10-based computers and devices as a portion of their broader technical responsibilities. Additional skills addressed in this course are the following: install and upgrade to Windows 10, configure hardware and applications, configure network connectivity, configure access to resources, configure remote access and mobility, monitor and maintain Windows clients, and configure backup and recovery options.

    MGMT 3317

    Management Information Systems

    The course examines the use of technology in organizational settings by providing a basic understanding of information systems and the management decision making involved. Topics include use and control of information; acquiring and maintaining a competitive edge and how technology impacts individuals, organizations, and society. Students will also register and join the SAP Community Network (SCN), navigate the various SAP applications used in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

    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

    CPMT 2360

    Information Technology Capstone

    In this course, students demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts presented in the entire program of study. This course provides students with a significant experience by integrating knowledge from several courses with the opportunity to study and take professional certification exams. The certifications of focus will be upon the ones that are aligned with their Associate’s IT Program. Note: credit for this course may be earned by externship if approved by the Dean of the IT program or the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
    CompTIA A+ Certification
    CompTIA Security+ Certification
    Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) Certification
    Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Certification
    Prerequisite: All AAS Information Technology technical courses or approval of Program Dean.

    Cisco
    Course #Course Title
    ITCC 1311

    CCENT: Introduction to Networks

    This course is part one in a series of four courses in the Cisco Networking Academy program CCNA Track. In this hands-on course, students will learn the basics of networking including architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. Students will examine human versus network communication and note the parallels between them; survey the two major models used to plan and implement networks: OSI and TCP/IP, and learn the “layered” approach to networks. Other topics will include the OSI and TCP/IP layers, an overview of the various network devices and network addressing schemes, and the types of media used to carry data across the network.

    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

    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

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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.
Making Education More Affordable
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