Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture

The Associate of Science and the Certificate of Achievement in Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture prepares students for high-demand roles in the architectural design and autonomous oversight of hybrid IT environments. Moving beyond traditional networking, this program focuses on the intentional engineering of intelligent infrastructure where on-premise networks and cloud platforms converge into a unified, self-managing ecosystem. Students master Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) to build self-healing infrastructures and utilize automated infrastructure techniques to deploy complex, global-scale environments via code. A core pillar of the curriculum is intelligence-driven governance, ensuring that engineered systems are not only secure but fully compliant with modern data sovereignty and regulatory laws. Additionally, students explore the ethical and societal impacts of the development of automation, preparing them to lead the digital transformation with a focus on algorithmic accountability and human oversight. Graduates emerge as highly-skilled infrastructure architects capable of building and supervising the intelligent foundations that power modern AI, ensuring critical systems remain efficient, legal, and secure against evolving global threats.

Analysis of enrollment data and award completions in similar programs indicates an annual projected completion of 20 students.

San Diego City College’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) program offers various areas of study: · The Computer and Information Sciences (CISC) area of study introduces students to essentials of computer programming and software, database, and game development. The associate degree and certificate curriculum prepares students for programming careers, as well as transfer into four-year programs. The goal is for students to exit with the fundamental skills needed to continue undergraduate education and to be successful in a chosen career. · The Information, Network, and Web Technologies (INWT) area of study focuses on technical knowledge and decision-making capabilities regarding computer systems, network administration, infrastructure automation, and foundational cybersecurity. The associate degree and certificate curriculum prepares students for careers in information technology (IT) leadership, technical support, systems security, AI infrastructure specialist, and system security and administration, as well as transfer into four-year programs. Students of all backgrounds and skill levels train for relevance in today's workforce. · The Cyber Defense and Analysis (CYDA) area of study develops advanced skills to interpret business needs, proactively defend computer networks, identify and analyze threats, and maintain cybersecurity resilience. The baccalaureate curriculum prepares students for careers in human-led and autonomous cyber-workforce operations. *Limitation on

Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Cyber Defense and Analysis program. Upon successful program completion, our graduates will: 1. Possess the technical mastery and analytical framework required to secure professional roles in the workforce or to successfully pursue advanced research and graduate-level studies. 2. Be informed, active individuals engaged in the global community, social justice advocacy, and the highest level of professional ethics. 3. Pursue lifelong learning opportunities to improve and expand their technical and professional skills. Graduates of these programs possess an applied knowledge of technical fields, such as web programming, computer network and security architecture, e-business, data center management, security operations, and information assurance.

A.S. DEGREE CATALOG DESCRIPTION 

The Associate of Science in Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture prepares students for high-demand roles in the architectural design and autonomous oversight of hybrid IT environments. Moving beyond traditional networking, this program focuses on the intentional engineering of intelligent infrastructure where on-premise networks and cloud platforms converge into a unified, self-managing ecosystem.  

Students master Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) to build self-healing infrastructures and utilize automated infrastructure techniques to deploy complex, global-scale environments via code. A core pillar of the curriculum is intelligence-driven governance, ensuring that engineered systems are not only secure but fully compliant with modern data sovereignty and regulatory laws. 

Additionally, students explore the ethical and societal impacts of the development of automation, preparing them to lead the digital transformation with a focus on algorithmic accountability and human oversight. Graduates emerge as highly-skilled infrastructure architects capable of building and supervising the intelligent foundations that power modern AI, ensuring critical systems remain efficient, legal, and secure against evolving global threats. 

Program Learning Outcomes 

• Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions. 
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline. 
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts. 
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice, taking into account legal, ethical, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles consistent with the mission of the institution. 
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline. 
• Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

Career Options 

Graduates are prepared for high-demand hybrid roles such as Cloud Engineer, Network Engineer, AI & Platform Engineer, Security and Compliance Analyst (GRC), AI Infrastructure Specialist, and Security Engineer, as well as foundational positions like Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, and Cloud Support Specialist. 

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT CATALOG DESCRIPTION 

The Certificate of Achievement in Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture prepares students for high-demand roles in the architectural design and autonomous oversight of hybrid IT environments. Moving beyond traditional networking, this program focuses on the intentional engineering of intelligent infrastructure where on-premise networks and cloud platforms converge into a unified, self-managing ecosystem.  

Students master Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) to build self-healing infrastructures and utilize automated infrastructure techniques to deploy complex, global-scale environments via code. A core pillar of the curriculum is intelligence-driven governance, ensuring that engineered systems are not only secure but fully compliant with modern data sovereignty and regulatory laws. 

Additionally, students explore the ethical and societal impacts of the development of automation, preparing them to lead the digital transformation with a focus on algorithmic accountability and human oversight. Graduates emerge as highly-skilled infrastructure architects capable of building and supervising the intelligent foundations that power modern AI, ensuring critical systems remain efficient, legal, and secure against evolving global threats. 

Program Learning Outcomes 

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions. 

Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline. 

Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts. 

Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice, taking into account legal, ethical, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles consistent with the mission of the institution.

Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline. 

Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats. 

Career Options

Graduates are prepared for high-demand hybrid roles such as Cloud Engineer, Network Engineer, AI & Platform Engineer, Security and Compliance Analyst (GRC), AI Infrastructure Specialist, and Security Engineer, as well as foundational positions like Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, and Cloud Support Specialist.

Need for Proposals 

Our regional landscape is currently navigating a significant shift as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strict global data laws transform how we handle information. While AI will soon automate routine system monitoring, it cannot replace the specialized engineering required to design and secure the hybrid landscapes that modern industry requires. The Associate of Science in Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture addresses this gap by moving beyond traditional Information Technology (IT) programs focused on reactive maintenance, centered on basic connectivity, or building software applications. Instead, this program focuses on the intentional design of high-performance, intelligent systems that serve as the digital nervous systems of organizations. This curriculum prepares students to engineer the specialized environments that modern AI requires while ensuring those systems remain audit-ready and compliant with federal mandates. By mastering AI for IT Operations (AIOps) to build self-healing networks, graduates develop sophisticated problem-solving and ethical oversight skills that automation cannot replicate, positioning them as essential leaders in the emerging regional workforce. This new program will also serve as a critical alternative pathway to our Bachelor's of Science in Cyber Defense and Analysis. 

Rationale for Proposed Programs 

The proposed Associate of Science and Certificate of Achievement in Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture directly advances SDCC’s mission by expanding access to a high demand, future focused field that supports students’ personal, educational, and professional goals. As automation, AI governance, and data driven decision making reshape the regional economy, this program creates new pathways to economic mobility—particularly for students historically excluded from emerging technology sectors. Its emphasis on ethical oversight, regulatory literacy, and responsible system design aligns with the college’s commitment to social justice and to closing opportunity gaps created by structural inequities in higher education and the workforce. 

The curriculum reinforces SDCC’s values by cultivating informed, active learners who are prepared to engage in a global, technologically complex society. Coursework integrates creative and critical thinking, problem solving, and information technology literacy, supporting the college’s goal of producing graduates who can navigate and shape rapidly evolving digital environments. The program’s focus on AIOps, intelligent infrastructure, and compliance frameworks complements existing general education and career technical education offerings while strengthening transfer and workforce pathways in cybersecurity, information systems, and engineering technology.

From a master planning perspective, the program supports SDCC’s long term vision of meeting the educational and economic needs of San Diego’s urban core. Regional employers increasingly require professionals who can design, maintain, and ethically govern intelligent systems—roles that cannot be fully automated and that demand a diverse, equity minded workforce. By preparing students for these careers, the program enhances SDCC’s role as a community anchor institution, responsive to industry trends, labor market demands, and the technological transformation of public and private sectors. It also aligns with campuswide goals for integrated planning, resource allocation, and sustainable program development by leveraging existing instructional strengths while expanding into a strategically vital discipline. Overall, the Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture program embodies SDCC’s mission, values, and planning priorities by promoting accessibility, equity, innovation, and community impact—ensuring students are prepared not only to participate in the future of intelligent systems, but to lead it. 

Justification for New Programs

Although the labor market analysis recommends “proceed with caution” due to a potential oversupply in cybersecurity and networking awards, replacing the outdated Information Technology Management program is still well‑justified. Traditional IT Management pathways are experiencing declining enrollment and reduced relevance as employers increasingly prioritize hands‑on skills in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, automation, and intelligent systems. Updating the program to an applied, technical pathway is a strategic response to these shifts. 

The COE report also notes persistent hiring challenges for mid‑level and security‑cleared roles, indicating a mismatch between workforce preparation and employer needs rather than an oversupply of appropriately skilled workers. The proposed Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture program directly addresses this gap by focusing on AI‑driven infrastructure, cloud automation, and modernized network intelligence, which are areas not reflected in legacy labor market codes and therefore underestimated in traditional LMI. Because the new program replaces an existing award rather than adding new supply, it mitigates concerns about market saturation.

Demand for cybersecurity and networking occupations in San Diego County remains steady, with approximately 465 annual job openings, strong wages, and continued need for workforce upskilling. Updating the curriculum ensures students are prepared for emerging roles and aligns the program with long‑term regional trends in automated and intelligent infrastructure. Students currently in the deactivated program will receive advising support, and those with catalog rights may complete the existing award.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION MEETING MINUTES 

During Fall 2025, the IT Department at San Diego City College presented proposed curriculum and program modifications to the local Information Technology Advisory Committee. The proposals included deactivating the outdated IT Management program due to declining relevance and shifting workforce demand toward applied technical skills; activating a new Autonomous Infrastructure Design & Architecture program to better align with emerging AI‑driven, cloud‑based, and automated infrastructure needs while also serving as a second pathway into the bachelor’s degree; and implementing minor course revisions across CISC, INWT, and CYDA to improve naming consistency, articulation, and alignment with current industry competencies. Advisory members reviewed the proposed changes, expressed strong support, and raised no objections to moving forward. 

Source: Industry Advisory Consultation