Information Systems

The Information Systems diploma program offers students a well-rounded and hands-on learning experience, tailored for those aspiring to excel in a variety of IT roles. It provides a strong entry-level foundation, helping students kick-start their careers in technology. The curriculum follows CompTIA certification standards and covers essential topics such as Microsoft Office applications, computer hardware, operating systems, networking, cybersecurity, and IT project management.

Through practical, real-world activities, students gain valuable experience in troubleshooting, repairing workstations, supporting help desk operations, and managing local area networks. With added focus on business communication and professional development, graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s technology-driven workplace. The Information Systems Department is committed to providing the training necessary to gain employment in entry-level positions in technical computer fields. This curriculum has been established to correspond with the assessed needs within the labor market.

The IS Department centers instruction around CompTIA standards and certification objectives, providing students with hands-on activities to enrich classroom instruction. Course sequences prepare students for the CompTIA Tech+, A+ (Core 1 and Core 2) and Network+ certification tests; program fees include certification test fees of $500 (fall) and $575 (spring).

The department’s objectives are to provide students with the basic knowledge of information technology equipment and software, familiarize them with industry-standard troubleshooting techniques, encourage the habits and attitudes needed in a professional business environment, provide an opportunity to learn leadership and teamwork skills through class projects, and instruct students in entry-level industry certification objectives.

Northwest Technical Institute is open to all persons who have completed high school or its equivalent and meet required entrance test scores. Enrollment is not complete until the following have been received and reviewed by the school:

• Completed Application for Enrollment
• $10.00 Application Fee
• Official transcripts of high school credit and graduation and/or GED scores, and official transcripts of previous post-secondary education
• Accuplacer® or ACT® exam scores (taken within the last three years). A $10.00 fee is assessed before taking the Accuplacer exam at NWTI.
• Immunization records

Federal Student Aid and Northwest Technical Institute reserve the right to evaluate the validity of a student’s high school diploma if the institution or FSA has reason to believe that the diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education. Due to limited space in certain programs, students may be required to complete an admissions interview as part of the selection process.

Minimum entrance scores. Students applying to Automotive Service Technology, Diesel Truck Technology, Electronics and Automation Technology, Information Systems, Industrial Maintenance and Ammonia Refrigeration Technology, and Welding Technology must submit minimum scores from one of the approved exams: ACT® Reading Comprehension 10 and Math 16, or Next Generation Accuplacer® Reading Comprehension 224 and Arithmetic 222 (or Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics 220).

Immunizations. Act 141 of 1987 requires that full-time students born on or after January 1, 1957 provide NWTI with two immunization records dated after the first birthday against measles and rubella, or an authorized waiver (religious or health reasons only) signed by the appropriate official.

Classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 3:00pm. The program runs two semesters and one summer term. Semester I covers introduction to IT, business applications and communications, help desk, hardware and operating systems; Semester II covers professional development, IT project management, Networking I and II, network security and technical mathematics; Directed Study is completed in the summer.

Application enrollment dates. Applications are accepted February 1 – May 31 for a fall 2026 start.

2026-2027 calendar. New Student Orientation is August 10 and the fall semester begins August 17, 2026 (ending December 14). Spring orientation is January 12 and the spring semester begins January 19, 2027 (ending May 17). The summer semester runs May 19 – June 23, 2027, with graduation on June 24. For financial-aid purposes the academic year is two 16-week semesters and a 5-week summer term.

Estimated cost. The estimated cost of the program, including in-state tuition, fees, books and supplies, is $6,785.

Tuition. For 2026-2027, diploma-program tuition is $85.00 per credit hour in-state and $90.00 per credit hour out-of-state. Fees include a $10.00 application fee, and per-semester administrative ($75), facilities ($75), student support ($170) and technology ($140) fees for full-time students. Information Systems program fees are a $200 textbook fee (fall), lab fees of $200 (fall) and $100 (spring), and certification test fees of $500 (fall) and $575 (spring).

Financial aid. The Financial Aid Office administers Title IV funding, the Pell Grant, as well as state aid programs; federal aid may cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, books, and supplies. To determine financial need, complete the FAFSA — NWTI’s school code is 014044. The Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be paid back. NWTI chooses not to take part in the Federal Direct Loan program; students interested in an alternative loan can apply for the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® for Career Training.

Paying your bill. Payments are due the first day of class each semester, but NWTI allows students up to the census date (11th day of class in fall and spring, 5th day in summer) to pay or arrange payment. In extenuating circumstances, a Tuition Installment Plan may be granted for fall and spring, with a 25% down payment. Arkansas citizens aged 60 or older are exempt from tuition for credit courses.

Refunds. Diploma tuition is refunded 100% before the first class meeting, 75% during the first week, 50% during the second week, and not after the second week.

Information Systems careers span almost every industry, and employers are looking for skilled Information Technology (IT) professionals to keep organizations functioning. IT professionals support and manage computer software, hardware, and information networks while installing and maintaining essential equipment.

Career opportunities for graduates of the Information Systems program include:

• Field Technician
• Help Desk Technician
• Help Desk Analyst
• IT Support Specialist
• Systems Support Technician
• Customer Support
• Tier I Support Specialist
• Junior Systems Administrator
• Telecommunications Technician
• Desktop Support Specialist
• Cable Technician
• Associate Network Engineer

Academic requirements. Consistent participation, homework, and attendance enable students to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the classroom as well as in a work environment. Students must maintain a 70% (2.0) grade in each course of the IS curriculum; a student below 70% in any course may be exited from the program and will be encouraged to reapply the following year.

Dress code. The IS Department aims to help students develop the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in the computer field, so reasonable dress and appearance are required. Specific guidelines are distributed during the first week of each semester.

Key responsibilities in the field include troubleshooting technical issues, resolving problems promptly, and delivering excellent customer and technical support — skills practised through help desk operations and the summer Directed Study in the Information Systems labs.