Computer Infromation Technology

Computer Information Technology is the use and study of computers, networks, computer languages, and computer systems within an organization to solve real problems. The major prepares students for application programming, networking, systems administration, system security, computer hardware and software, and operating systems.

In this major, students learn about the theory, organization and process of information collection, transmission and utilization through computers. Students learn how to analyze user needs and how to plan, design, develop, implement, and manage networks and computer systems.

The pathway is designed as a 3 semester program for core courses but can also be completed in 4 semesters including general education requirements. It is anticipated that 13-20 students will annually complete the program. Enrollment is estimated to be higher as we move sections of core courses into morning blocks and reduce the credit amount of each course to allow for students to take courses in successive time blocks.

Computer Information Technology is a growing field that can be utilized by every industry in the world. There is no industry that does not utilize a form of computer related technology. Along with the growing demand of computer systems and data comes those who are able to identify, fix, secure and understand those computer systems. This program will provide the students with the knowledge and skills to obtain computer related positions in the industry including help desk technicians, network technicians, programmers, system support specialist, computer analysts, and network and systems administrators. The program will focus on the following objectives:

• Closing the skills gap for business and industry by teaching in-demand skills needed by industry.

• Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network and computer systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems.

• Provide technical assistance to computer users.

This will be a new program to Imperial Valley College and will target those who want to pursue an education in hands on Information Technology. Currently, Imperial Valley College offers a Computer Information Systems degree that resembles a Business Information Systems degree. Aside from that option, students can major in Computer Science which is Math intensive. The new Computer Information Technology will fill a gap for those students who want to study computers and the technology associated with computers without the programming and math coursework that is required in other majors. This program will allow those students to pursue careers in Information Technology.