Computer Technology and Information Systems

The Computer Technology and Information Systems AS degree prepares student to enter the fields of IT Support Specialist, Cybersecurity, System Administration or Networking Professional. Classes are focused on computer technology used to collect, record, organize and access data. Many career paths are available in this broad field.

The enrollment for Computer Science has been on a steady growth, and we foresee this growth to keep on at this pace for the next few years. Wehave had great success; which we attribute to our Community of Practice with CAHSI and our local HS CS teachers. Also, our projectbased learning and innovative teaching practices. Read more about what we are doing on our cs success website: http://cspathways.us/

There is a strong need for CTIS Professionals in the Central Valley Region, and jobs waiting for students who achieve the CTIS AS Degree.  As will be described in the evidence below technology has revolutionized our society, and jobs to support this change are abundant.  Jobs for both 2 year AS degree students, and those pursuing a Bachelors or even Doctorate degree.

In a report from the Centers of Excellence on our region comes this excerpt:

“With a focus on middle-skill jobs, which are anticipated to undergo strong growth in the state and region over the next decade, the Central Valley/Mother Lode Center of Excellence has conducted a labor market analysis targeting three geographic regions in and around the Central Valley: a four-county region comprising Fresno, Merced, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties; Merced County; and Santa Clara County. 

The study collected data on workforce needs for middle-skill occupations, those requiring either a high school diploma, some college education or an associate degree, but less than a bachelor’s degree. Job posting data were analyzed to determine which occupations, skills and certifications are most in demand in the three regions of focus. Wages for occupations with the most projected job openings for each region were also determined. Data related to community college supply, occupational outlooks and educational attainment typically required by employers also were analyzed. 

The study determined that a large number of Merced county workers are commuting from the Los Banos area in Merced County to the San Francisco Bay Area. Commuters are primarily traveling to Santa Clara County, followed by Stanislaus, Fresno and San Joaquin counties. “

Merced college has a unique opportunity to educate workers that commute to the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Clara County.  Because of this we are using the job employment data for the Santa Clara County area. This data was gathered by the Centers for Excellence and is the same data that is being used in the Merced College 2018-2023 Educational Master Plan:

The enrollment and completer projects are to have at least 8 students complete this degree the first year, and increasing this number for the next 5 years. So topping out at having a total 40 students per year completing the certificate.

Statement of Program Goals and ObjectivesThis program provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level CTIS professionals. In the process of taking the needed courses for this degree the student will be able to gain standardized certificates and local Merced College Certificates. This is one of those certificates, the Systems Administrator Certificate. This certificate will validate a students fundamental knowledge of Systems Administration and allow them to get a job being a Systems Administrator Professional. The goal of this certificate is:

1. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer hardware and software and the advanced concepts of computer security, networking, and the responsibilities of a Systems Administrator professional.
2. Demonstrate competency in client computing and user support including the ability to configure, install, diagnose, and support hardware and software issues.
3. Demonstrate competency in networking and convergence including the ability to design, analyze, and support computer networks.
4. Demonstrate competency in working with servers, storage, and virtualization including implementing and evaluating network security solutions.
5. Demonstrate an ability to read and interpret technical information, as well as communicate with and write clearly for a wide ranges of audiences.
6. Demonstrate competency in utilizing Math skills to assist in the solving of complex business, security, and networking problems.

All of the classes for this degree are degree-applicable credit. These classes are meant as entry-level classes, meaning that many ofthem have no prerequisites for the beginning class in the series. Theprogram includes the rigor of Business Calculus, Single Variable Calculus and Statistics and the essentials needed tobecome a qualified IT Specialist. Threeof the classes also have standardizedCompTIA Certifications that go with them, which give the classes a nationally recognized success when thestudents achieve these Certifications. Thestudents also benefit because employers recognize these Certifications and value theseskills.

 It also goes along with building pathways for Computational Sciencemajors. It gives students who want to work as a Computer Professionala way to do so, with a degree that they can achievein 2 years. If they wish to continuetheir education they could go on to study other Computer Science, or Technology classes. These classes are transferable to a 4 year school and the studenthas the option to go on to earn their Bachelors in Information and Communication Technologies, or specialize in Networking, Security,or another Technology.

 These classes can also be taught in a standardized way, using learningmodules to learn these concepts. With qualified Instructors some of theearly classes could be offered at High School,as Dual Enrollment or 2+2 Agreement articulated courses. This could create a pathway for a studentcoming from High School to enter into the growing IT Field, and become anIT Professional.