Information Technology

The Associate Degree in Information Technology (CIS IT) and Certificate of Achievement in Information Technology prepares students to either enter the workforce as a Computer User SupportSpecialists, Computer Network Support Specialists, or pursue a bachelor's degree in managing information systems. Majority of thecourses are based on IT Model Curriculum eligible to be transferrable to highereducation depending on the accepting college.

 Computer User Support Specialists provide technicalassistance to computer users.  They mayanswer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or viatelephone or electronically. They may provide assistance concerning the use ofcomputer hardware and software, including printing, installation, wordprocessing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Computer Network SupportSpecialists analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems,such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systemsor a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensurenetworks operate correctly with minimal interruption. This course also requiresstudents to complete 2 units or 180 hours of occupational work experience topractice what they have learned in an industry environment.

 While taking required courses in this degree, students are eligible to receive stackable certificates in Information Technology, Computer User Support Specialist and Network and Security Administration.

Graduates of the A.S. Information Technology and Certificate of Achievement in Information Technology are preparedand eligible to sit for CompTIA's A+ and Network+ certification, CompTIA'sServer+ and Security+ exams. This program will allow students to take advance courses in information technology such as Cyber Security, Cloud Computing and IoTSecurity and other emerging technology in information technology.  

Number of sections of core courses to be offered annually:  23 Headcount of student annual enrollment in core courses: 700 Estimated completers at the end of the second year: 25 Estimated completers at the end of the fifth year: 40

Employment of computer support specialists is projected togrow 10 percent from 2020 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computerequipment and software. Computer support staff will be needed to respond to theinstallation and repair requirements of increasingly complex computer equipmentand software. However, a rise in cloud computing could increase theproductivity of computer support specialists, slowing their growth at manyfirms. Smaller businesses that do not have information technology (IT)departments will contract services from IT consulting firms and increase thedemand for computer support specialists in those firms. Employment of supportspecialists in computer systems design and related services firms is projectedto grow 24 percent from 2020 to 2028.

Employmentgrowth also may come from increasing demand for IT support services fromhealthcare industries. This field is expected to greatly 

The AS degree and Certificate of Achievement in Information Technology will prepare students to acquire the following basic core Information Technology competencies:

•           Applyfundamental computing knowledge and current technology techniques, skills and tools.

•           Locate,critically evaluate and solve business problems with technology solutions usingqualitative and quantitative information.

•           Design, implementand evaluate computer-based systems, processes, components or programs to meetdesired needs.

•           Understand the professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues andresponsibilities in the information technology domain.

•           Communicateand function effectively with a range of audiences to accomplish a common goal.

•           Analyze theimpact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.

•           Understandthe relevance of continuing professional development in the information technologydomain.

•           Identifyand analyze user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation andadministration of computer-based systems.

•           Explain theuse of best practices and technology standards, and their application in anorganizational context.

•           Increaseone’s professional net worth and start on a path toward career advancement.

•           Prepare to pursue a bachelor’s degreein information technology to further your knowledge and marketability

IT Program Course list and Student Learning Outcomes

1.       CIS135 - Introduction to Computers (4 units)

 Course Description:

This course will familiarize the businessperson,first-time computer user, and transfer student with the skills needed tosuccessfully operate a personal computer using commercially available software.Computer history, hardware, software and social issues are discussed, and studentswill be able to demonstrate computer literacy upon successful completion ofthis course. Students are introduced to general Windows operations, variousGoogle Suite application, the Internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,Microsoft Access and BASIC programming.,

Student LearningOutcomes

a.       Studentswill be able to demonstrate knowledge of computer literacy, history, industryenvironment and use of the Internet.

b.       Studentswill be able to demonstrate the ability to use standard features of the MicrosoftWindows operating system. 

C.       Studentswill be able to demonstrate the ability create an appropriate document forMicrosoft Word, Excel, Access and BASIC

 

2.       CIS101 - IT Essentials (4 units)

Course Description:

This course will introduce the studentto computer hardware and software, as well as operating systems, networkingconcepts, mobile devices, IT security, and troubleshooting.

Student Learning Outcomes

a.       Studentswill be able to install components to build, repair, or upgrade personal computers

b.       Studentswill be able to explain the roles and responsibilities of the IT professional

c.       Studentswill be able to demonstrate and explain how to perform preventive maintenanceand troubleshooting on personal computers.

 

3.       CCT275 - Computer Network Fundamentals (4 units)

Course/Catalog Description:

This course introduces thearchitecture, structure, functions, component, and models of the Internet andother computer networks. The course uses the OSI and TCP layered models to examinethe nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, datalink, and physical layers. The principles and structure of IP addressing, andthe fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced toprovide a foundation for the curriculum. At the end of the course, studentsbuild simple LAN topologies by applying

basic principles of cabling;performing basic configurations of network devices, including routers andswitches and implementing IP addressing schemes.

Student Learning Outcomes

a.       Describethe devices and services used to support communications in data networks andthe Internet.

b.       Usethe appropriate addressing and naming schemes at various layers of datanetworks in IPv4 and IPv6 environments.

c.       Builda simple Ethernet network using routers and switches.

d.       UseCisco command-line interface (CLI) commands to perform basic router and switchconfigurations.

4.       COMP-110Introduction to Computational Science (2 units)

Course/Catalog Description:

This course provides an overview of scientific computing.Its goal is to help students become comfortable using computers to do scienceand to provide them the computational framework they can use throughout theirscientific career. Students will be introduced to topics such as data types andmethods, visualization techniques, and numerical integration.

 

5.       CCT155 - Systems and Network Administration (3 units)

Course/Catalog Description:

This course will provide a studentwith the knowledge and skills required to build, maintain, troubleshoot and supportserver hardware and software technologies. The student will be able to identifyenvironmental issues; understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical/ software security procedures; become familiar with industry terminology andconcepts; understand server roles / specializations and interaction within the overallcomputing environment.

Student Learning Outcomes

a.       Describethe features of server software.

b.       Configureservers.

c.       Describedisaster recovery concepts and techniques

 

1.       CCT160 - Introduction to Information Systems Security (3 units)

Course/Catalog Description:

This course will introduce thefundamental principles and topics of Information Technology Security and Risk Managementat the organizational level. It addresses hardware, software, processes,communications, applications, and policies and procedures with respect toorganizational Cybersecurity and Risk Management. Preparation for the CompTIASecurity+ certification exams.

Student Learning Outcomes:

a.       Describethe fundamental principles of information systems security.

b.       Applysecurity technologies.

c.       Definebasic cryptography, its implementation considerations, and key management.

2.       CIS-099- Occupational Work Experience      

Course/Catalog Description:

This course offers on-the-joblearning experiences for employed students, whether paid or volunteer, incooperation with their employers. If students’ career goals are directlyrelated to their work they can earn credit for jobs they hold during the term.Students must be enrolled in at least seven units, including their cooperativeeducation units (proportionately fewer in summer session). Students whovolunteer for this assignment will earn 1 unit for every 60 hours of volunteerwork experience and1 unit per 90 hours of paid work experience. May be repeatedthree times.

Student Learning Outcomes:

a.       Demonstratecognitive and/or performance objectives agreed upon at a satisfactory level.

b.       Identifynew skill sets for the career path associated to this work experience.

c.       Communicatewith worksite supervisors concerning their work performance

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
CIS135	Introduction to Computers	4	S1
CIS101	IT Essentials	4	S1
CCT275	Computer Network Fundamentals	4	S2
COMP110	Introduction to Computational Science	2	S2
CCT155	Systems and Network Administration	3	S3
CCT160	Introduction to Information Systems Security	3	S3
CIS099	Occupational Work Experience	2	S4

This program has taken two years to put together with the work of Professor Reyes and the Regional Coordinator Richard Grotegut. It is a great opportunity for people in our community.

Professor Reyes has spoken with Richard Grotegut Regional Coordinator for IT, Moh Daoud at Las Positas and Bijan houshiar at DVC. All three of them have great support for the program.