Computer Information Sciences: Information Technology - Associate in Science (A.S.)

The Information Technology degree and certificate program at Lake Tahoe Community College is designed to prepare students for entry- to mid-level positions in computer retail, help desk, desktop support, system administration, computer application installation, cybersecurity and technically-oriented administrative roles. Courses also help prepare students for industry-recognized certification exams from CompTIA and Microsoft. The curriculum provides hands-on experience working with networking concepts, operating system configuration, and information security practices.

A conservative estimate would be five annually beginning in 2020-21, with future projected increases.

The proposed Information Technology (IT) AS Degree and Certificate of Achievement are directly aligned with the IT Technician Pathway outlined on the Doing What MATTERS website.

“The California Community College IT Pathways program describes an effective balance of training, certifications and experience to develop IT Professionals without a 4year degree.” https://ict-dm.net/ittp

Through directed learning and hands-on experience while coupled with industry-recognized certifications through CompTIA and Microsoft, students will gain marketable skills for entry- and mid-level positions within the technology support field. According to LaunchBoard public data in 2015/16, only 134 students got degrees in Computer Infrastructure and Support (0708) yet tens of thousands of jobs in California are currently unfilled. The need for a well-trained IT workforce crosses all industries as computers and networks support the rapidly-increasing demands of every business and industry sector.

Current job openings in the Lake Tahoe basin and surrounding area that students would qualify for include Computer Support Specialist, IT Support Technician, Information Security Technician, Service Desk Technician, and IT Implementation Specialist.

The IT Technician Pathway has 4 stages, Stage 1 prepares students forjobs in the Computer Retail Sales/  Supportmarket, Stage 2 prepares students for jobs in the Help Desk / User Supportmarket, Stage 3 prepares students for careers in the IT Technician field and Stage 4 provides further specialization areas.

Students may need to enter or wish to exit at various points along this pathway given their prior experience or desired outcomes. There area few ways to approach stage three that will all lead to different industry certifications. Some of these certifications are more generalized and may benefit students in more rural areas due to that generalized nature. CompTIA provides a strong set of well recognized certifications and are an important part of the Statewide Pathway.

The program can be completely fully online in 5 academic quarters (16 months). See courses below.

CourseTitle
UnitsYear/Semester
(Y1 or S1)BSN 102
Business Information Processing and Systems
4
Q1
CIS 104
Information & Communications Technology Essentials CompTIA A+
4.5
Q1
CIS 105
Network Fundamentals CompTIA Network+
4.5
Q2

CIS 106
Microsoft Client OS Administration - MCSA Windows 10
4.5
Q3

CIS 107



CIS 108




BOT 122

Microsoft Server OS Administration MCSA Server 2016

Introduction to Information Security Systems- CompTIA Security +

Project Management Concepts and Software
4.5



4.5




4.5
Q4



Y2 Q1




Y2 Q1