The Early IT program is an innovative initiative that removes barriers to college access. It is an ecosystem of K12 districts, community colleges, the industry, and the University of Cincinnati. The goal of the Early IT initiative is to transform the economic health of individuals and communities through growing the quality, diversity, and number of technology talent.

The basic idea is to deliver the first year of the undergraduate program during high school. The performance of the student in those classes becomes the admission criteria to the undergraduate program. On one hand, the program gives students focus on developing their knowledge, abilities, and skills in the career of their choosing. On the other side, the student no longer needs to worry about college admission and can benefit from completing the courses required for their Bachelor degree during high school, which reduces the overall cost of their college degree.

The courses include 6 college-level IT courses and 3 college-level academic courses as outlined below:

IT 1050 Fundamentals of Information Technology
IT1090C Computer Programming I
IT1080C Computer Networking
IT2040C Fundamentals of Web Development
IT1081C System Administration
IT2060C Database Management I
ENGL1001 English Composition
MATH1021 College Algebra or MATH1026 Pre-Calculus
COMM 1076 Intro to Interpersonal Communication (or History/Social Sciences/Fine Art)

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: CCP Eligibility Requirements & Acceptance in the UC Early IT Program

This course is an introduction to the field of Information Technology including technology concepts, terminology, hardware components and software applications. Students will be introduced to and asked to apply basic skills in the core areas of information technology such as programming, database management, networking, systems administration, and web development and the basic research, problem solving and decision making skills required to be successful in this field. The course emphasizes the role of technical communication, project management, languages, tools, models and application architectures within the IT development process.

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: CCP Eligibility Requirements & Acceptance in the UC Early IT Program

The course introduces learners to computer programming and problem solving. In this course, students will learn about the basic elements of a computer program. Learners will learn and practice using expressions, repetition and decision-making mechanisms and structures. The concept of modularity will be introduced with the implementation of methods (functions). The Java programming language will be used for this course. Topics coverage focuses on console programming and general language syntax and carries through the use of file handling for data processing. It is designed to give general learners enough coding skills to support their day to day work. It is designed to give learners who are interested in pursuing software further a basis for Object Oriented Programming and advanced topics.

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: CCP Eligibility Requirements & Acceptance in the UC Early IT Program    

The Computer Networking course explains, in a theoretical and practical framework, how communication occurs across a network. Students study such topics as computer/network hardware, network media, topologies, protocols, security, network architectures, IP addressing, and the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model. Hands-on, active learning is required.

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: CCP Eligibility Requirements & Acceptance in the UC Early IT Program    

This course enables students to create and manage web sites using modern content management systems (CMS) and web development software tools. Students learn CMS installation and management on hosted web space along with user-centric Web site design, aesthetics, effective web-based visual design. validation of pages to industry standards, and embedding media. The course includes coverage of common software tools for creating and managing Web site content. Active hands-on learning required.

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: IT1050 with a passing grade of at least a C-

This course will provide the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to manage networked computer systems and their resources. Students will learn the process of planning, designing, and implementing a functional and secure server/client environment utilizing heterogeneous operating systems. Topics covered include command line interfaces, graphical user interfaces, server management, user management, network services, and system security. This course requires active hands-on learning.

 

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: CCP Eligibility Requirements & Acceptance in the UC Early IT Program    

This is an introductory course to the technology used for database development. Topics include the key database concepts, writing queries to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data from databases, and additional database features. Enterprise database management systems will be used. Hands-on active learning required

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: ACT EW min score of 18, or ACT WR min score of 18, or ACT ENGL min score of 18, or ACT ELA1 min score of 18, or SAT EBRW min score of 480, or SAT VERB min score of 430, or SAT WR min score of 430

English Composition 1001 is a writing-centered course that emphasizes the careful reading, analytical thinking, and persuasive strategies inherent in researching and writing within an academic community. Students learn that rhetorical knowledge is the basis of composing while learning to write with purpose, audience, context, and conventions in mind. Students develop rigorous academic research practices: how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources relevant to their line of inquiry and position their own ideas in conversation with public writing. Students also engage in regular self-reflection: articulating what they know, what they can do, and how to apply their knowledge and skills in various contexts.

 

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: ACT MATH min score of 25, or ALEKS MATH min score of 44, or SAT MATHS min score of 670, or SAT MATH min score of 650

Study of linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, systems of linear equations, systems of inequalities and modeling with functions.

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: ACT MATH min score of 26, or ALEKS MATH min score of 46, or SAT MATH min score of 670, or SAT MATHS min score of 700

Study of functions, equations and systems of equations, sequences and series, trigonometry, and vectors, and assumes prior exposure to these topics. This course helps prepare students for the 4 credit hour calculus sequence (MATH 1061 and 1062).

1.0 credit — Grades 10, 11 & 12
(1 period per day for 1 semester)
Prerequisites: CCP Eligibility Requirements & Acceptance in the UC Early IT Program    

Introduction to theory and practice in interpersonal communication. Topics include verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, listening, emotions, relationship development, conflict and power. Focus is on the development of an understanding of fundamental interpersonal dynamics and basic skills.