Information Technology

The Associate in Science in Information Technology prepares students for an entry-level job in information technology. Students develop fundamental computer skills and theory, becoming proficient in computer troubleshooting and repair, networking, programming, security, databases, and cloud computing. The program focuses on hands-on learning and no prior computer experience is required. Graduates develop the skills and confidence to start a rewarding career in information technology. Courses can be taken in person or online to meet the needs of every student. 

The degree is designed to train and educate students to work in the fast-growing information technology field, whether they enter the workforce directly or seek more education at a transfer institution. Students gain skills for information technology occupations such as network and system administrator, computer support specialist, information security analyst, computer network support specialist, and network and computer systems administrator.  

An Associate in Science degree requires 60 units appropriate to your educational goal, including general education and at least 30 units in the major.

General education courses present a broad overview of different academic disciplines. There are different general education patterns available. Please meet with an academic counselor to determine which general education pattern best meets your goals and creates a pathway to completion. Visit the general education page for additional information.

Courses in the major go more in depth into the area of the study. Below are required courses and approved electives for this degree. 

Students planning to transfer should select courses that meet requirements of the intended transfer university. For UC and CSU campuses, these major requirements can be found at www.assist.org.

Meet with an academic counselor to ensure you are taking the best courses given your goal.

The program is expected to have an enrollment of 30 to 50 annually with about 10 to 15 annual completers with the potential for annual growth.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Associate in Science in Information Technology based upon the statewide-approved model curriculum in Information Technology (IT).  The degree is designed to train and educate students to work in the fast growing information technology field, whether they enter the workforce directly or seek more education at a transfer institution. The need for IT workers has been advocated for by local businesses and supported by current, regional labor market information (TOP 0708.00).  The Associate in Science in Information Technology is aligned with Cabrillo’s mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways. Approval of this program will benefit regional employers, fulfill the workforce needs of the local community, augment college enrollment, and support non-traditional and underserved minority students in a viable career and academic path. This program would give our students the knowledge and skills they need to gain acceptance to a four-year institution or excel in the workforce. The goal is for degree completers to be gainfully employed by the 4th Fiscal Quarter, whether they enter the workforce or transfer to a university. Working with employers to identify earning potential is promising, with potential for a starting salary of $55,510-$93,730/yr in jobs such as Information Technology Support Specialist and Computer Systems Analyst.  It is critical to give community college students educational and professional experience that is necessary to be successful when they transfer to earn a degree or certificate in the information technology  profession.

The degree requires 21 units of general education along with 27-31 units of required coursework, plus 0-12 units of electives. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
CIS71	Information & Communication Technology Essentials	4.00	Y1
CIS75	Fundamentals of Computer Security	3.00	Y1
CIS81	Introduction to Networks	4.00	Y2
CIS90	Introduction to UNIX/Linux	3.00	Y2
CIS15 OR CIS12P	Python Programming	4.00	Y1
CIS54 or	Intro to Database Management Systems	4.00	Y2
CIS76 or	Intro to Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking	3.00	Y2
CIS77 or	Computer Forensic Fundamentals	3.00	Y2
CIS82 or	Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials	4.00	Y2
CIS83 or	Enterprise Networking	4.00	Y2
CIS91 or	Intro to Cloud Computing	4.00	Y2
CIS92 or	Cloud Infrastructure and Operations	4.00	Y2
CIS95 or	Server Administration	4.00	Y2
CIS103 or	Technical Support as a Profession	4.00	Y2
CIS116 or	IPv6 Fundamentals	3.00	Y2
BUS52	Business Communications	3.00	Y2
Statistics	various classes	3.00-5.00	Y1
Electives	various classes	0.00-12.00	Y1 and Y2

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and local labor market research, the demand for information technology (IT) professionals is high, but community colleges everywhere have struggled to attract and retain students who can develop the right skills to meet this demand. The Associate in Science in Information Technology supports Cabrillo College’s mission statement:  “to empower students to be effective communicators, critical thinkers, and responsible world citizens.  With a commitment to quality and equity, we connect all learners to pathways that propel them from where they are and where they aspire to be, including academic, personal, and career growth.” It will provide academic and future occupational opportunity for students and supports Cabrillo College’s Student Equity Plan and College Strategic Plan, Goal #2.  Many information technology jobs are available with a two year degree or a certificate of achievement. The Associate in Science in Information Technology  will serve students by providing a wider pathway for those who have traditionally been underrepresented in computer careers. The Associate in Science in Information Technology is a pathway that accommodates students seeking a four-year degree, students needing to earn money as soon as possible, and students who want to up-skill into better employment opportunities. 

Since this Associate in Science in Information Technology is based on the Chancellor's Office model curriculum, therefore it is expected that many colleges throughout California will have similar programs. There is a labor shortage in information technology.  Similar Programs:  Gavilan - No similar program.  MPC: Computer Networking and Security Associate in Science  De Anza offers: Network Administration Database Development Practitioner  Enterprise Security