Computer Information Science

¹Students who plan to transfer should take CISP 440. Students looking for immediate employment should take CISP 457.

The Computer Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• analyze development projects.
• build a project while utilizing the project development model.
• manage a programming project, both individually and as a member of a team, from initial concept through design, programming, debugging, testing, and deployment.
• evaluate a program to determine how it will meet the needs of its intended audience.
• use a database to store data associated with programs written in a programming language.
• design, write, test, debug, and implement computer programs in a structured language, a low-level language, an object-oriented language, or scripting language.
• create programs utilizing a variety of programming environments.

Technical positions include: computer operator, computer programmer, systems analyst, database administrator, computer support or help desk specialist, Web developer, and application developer. Computer Science drives job growth and innovation throughout our economy and society. Computing occupations are the number one source of all new wages in the US and make up over half of all projected new jobs in STEM fields, making Computer Science one of the most in-demand college degrees.

The Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• define best practices for configuring cyber defense and countermeasures.
• analyze common threats to and vulnerabilities of computer systems and networks.
• design organizational plans for securing data and while maintaining the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) of the information transmitted over communication networks.
• analyze security risks mitigation processes to identify, evaluate, prioritize, and prevent potential security threats.
• execute Linux system commands from either a keyboard or a shell script using correct command syntax.
• prioritize and establish a disaster recovery plan for the enterprise.
• explain and configure a network firewall to provide optimum security from external threats and exploits.
• apply cyber defense and countermeasures as appropriate to mitigate potential risks.

Cybersecurity Engineer Cyber Operations Planner IT Security Specialist Information Security Analyst IT Privacy Analyst IT Risk Analyst Security Operations Center (SOC) Technician Information Security Auditor Technical Support Staff Network Administrators

The Data Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• explain how data is useful in business or career.
• demonstrate understanding of data management, integration, quality, and transformation.
• evaluate the core concepts in data science and data application.
• analyze data using statistical methods and techniques.
• apply data analytics techniques for effective data-driven decision-making.
• predict outcomes with supervised machine learning techniques.

Successful program completion will provide students with job opportunities in data science. Data science-related job titles such as data scientist, data analyst, business analyst, and computer programmer (i.e., Python, R, SAS) are all possible job opportunities. The top five industries hiring data-related expertise include Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Information Technologies, Manufacturing, Finance and Insurance and Retail Trade.

The Information Processing Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of global, ethical, and societal concerns relating to the impact of computers.
• adapt to technological changes and innovations in computers and use the techniques, skills, and tools necessary to meet industry needs.
• analyze needs, design solutions, and implement necessary microcomputer applications or processes to on-the-job problems in a team environment using appropriate diagnostic tools.

Students who have obtained certificates (Information Processing Technician and Information Processing Specialist) are interested in attaining associate degrees for continued job advancement. Many employees with advanced software proficiencies and competencies in hardware support, maintenance, and repair are considered top candidates for supervisory or managerial positions. Students completing this program may work as office supervisors, office managers, computer support specialists, and information processing specialists.

The Management Information Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• solve business problems by utilizing various types of software.
• design algorithms that can be implemented by writing computer programs to solve typical problems.
• construct and implement computer programs or scripts.
• design professional documents for a variety of situations using appropriate software, working individually or in a team.
• apply working knowledge of principles in computer networking, data communications, data management, information systems security, web development, or programming concepts.
• adapt to technological changes and innovations in the computer industry and use techniques, skills, and tools necessary to meet needs.
• locate information stored on the Internet, determine the validity of online resources, download and store files, and use the correct syntax for citing internet resources.

Computer skills and experience are needed for technical support staff, end-user consultants, network administrators, database specialists, information systems manager and specialists, programmers and analysts, software specialists, systems analysts, technical writers, information systems security specialists, and webmasters.

The Network Administration Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate competency in Windows operating system terminology and commands, account management, file management and storage.
• construct and implement computer network systems by applying the steps of the network design model working individually or in a team.
• demonstrate working knowledge of principles in computer networking and data management, information systems security, or web server administration, depending on the electives chosen.
• define best practices for configuring network operating system services.
• analyze and apply directory services group policy settings at the Organizational Unit (OU), domain, site, or local machine level.

Networking skills and experience are needed for network technical support staff, network administrators, network designers, network troubleshooters, and information systems security specialists.

The Network Design Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• develop best practices for configuring Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
• evaluate and implement technologies to support IP routing protocols such as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP), and Open Shortcut Path First (OSPF).
• construct and configure access lists.
• compare and contrast types of network media.
• demonstrate working knowledge of principles in computer networking and data management, information systems security, or web server administration, depending on the electives chosen.
• demonstrate competency in Windows operating system terminology and commands, account management, and file management and storage.

Networking skills and experience are needed for network technical support staff, network administrators, network designers, network troubleshooters, and information systems security specialists.

¹CISC 306 AND CISW 370 may be substituted for this course.

²CISW 320 AND CISW 304 may be substituted for this course.

The Web Developer Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• manage a multi-level website hosted on a Web server.
• utilize multiple programs simultaneously in order to develop websites.
• recommend a Web scripting language, current markup language or Web authoring software, and cascading style sheets to develop complex websites that are uploaded via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to a Web server.
• research and implement current, valid World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards, including W3C Accessibility Standards.
• plan a structured approach to website development that identifies the information dissemination needs of a client and organizes the content effectively and efficiently in order to communicate to an identified audience; then develop and implement an appropriate Web solution.
• utilize client-side scripting in order to manipulate interactive objects like navigation bars, forms, rollovers, other event handling, and the control of windows, frames, and layers.
• develop Web solutions that include form validation and processing, server-side programming with hypertext-preprocessor (PHP), and database-driven Web development.
• demonstrate proficiency in the process of Web project management on a real-world website including design specification, research, production, modification, time estimation, and presentation.
• design, implement, manage, and evaluate data management systems involving custom programming to solve complex business problems.
• estimate the hours needed or cost to develop and deliver the solution to a complex business problem.
• construct code in a currently used Web scripting language.
• demonstrate an understanding of the current technologies and processes of interactive design, motion graphics, and website development.
• describe the relationship between user-centered design concepts, user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, and usability testing.

Career Opportunities include entry-level employment in Web Development, Systems Analyst, Web Systems Analyst, IT Analyst, ICT Analyst, Web Database Administrator, Front-end Web Developer, and Web Programmer.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• develop best practices for configuring scalable Internet Protocol addresses.
• construct and configure complex access control lists.
• design and test edge router connectivity into a Border Gateway Protocol network.
• evaluate and implement advanced multilayer switching configuration.

Networking skills and experience are needed for network technical support staff, network administrators, network designers, network troubleshooters, and information systems security specialists.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• install, configure, and support industry standard client/server operating systems.
• install, configure, and support network devices.
• define cloud concepts, services, security, architecture, pricing, and support.
• configure and implement a cloud environment for high availability.
• develop scripting for IT infrastructure automation.
• deploy, configure and support services in a cloud environment.
• solve problems and troubleshoot cloud operations.

Cloud services and the virtual computing capabilities have revolutionized the way business of all sizes approach their information technology needs. Cloud computing skills and experience are needed for technical support staff, administrators, designers, troubleshooters, and security specialists.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• describe the fundamental concepts of the cyber security discipline and use them to provide system security.
• describe the steps in performing digital forensics from the initial recognition of an incident through the steps of evidence gathering, preservation and analysis, through the completion of legal proceedings.
• assess the effectiveness of a security program and the impact of legal and regulatory standards on a given system.
• develop contingency plans for various size organizations to include: business continuity, disaster recovery and incident response.
• analyze risk and responsibilities for the handling of data 1) with respect to technology, 2) with respect to individuals, and 3) with respect to auditing issues, and recommend appropriate responses.
• evaluate the effectiveness of applications of cybersecurity in preventing crime and abuse.
• compare and contrast different types of standards including: laws, regulations, policies, voluntary, and framework-based standards.

IT Security Specialist Information Security Analyst Cyber Operations Planner Information Security Auditor

¹Students who plan to transfer should take CISP 440. Students looking for immediate employment should take CISP 457.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• analyze development projects.
• build a project while utilizing the project development model.
• manage a programming project, both individually and as a member of a team, from initial concept through design, programming, debugging, testing, and deployment.
• evaluate a program to determine how it will meet the needs of its intended audience.
• use a database to store data associated with programs written in a programming language.
• design, write, test, debug, and implement computer programs in a structured language, a low-level language, an object-oriented language, or scripting language.
• create programs utilizing a variety of programming environments.

Technical positions include: computer operator, computer programmer, systems analyst, database administrator, computer support or help desk specialist, Web developer, and application developer. Computer Science drives job growth and innovation throughout our economy and society. Computing occupations are the number one source of all new wages in the US and make up over half of all projected new jobs in STEM fields, making Computer Science one of the most in-demand college degrees.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• define best practices for configuring cyber defense and countermeasures.
• analyze security risks mitigation processes to identify, evaluate, prioritize, and prevent potential security threats.
• prioritize and establish a disaster recovery plan for the enterprise.
• design organizational plans for securing data while maintaining the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) of the information transmitted over communication networks.
• explain how security principles and cyber defense concepts impact organizational policies and practices.
• analyze applicable laws and policies to legally protect the organization against security incidents.
• develop security incident response plans that align to an organization’s security goals and objectives and maintain business continuity.
• design organizational plans for securing data while maintaining the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) of the information transmitted over communication networks.
• Execute Linux system commands from either a keyboard or a shell script using correct command syntax.

Cybersecurity Engineer Cyber Operations Planner IT Security Specialist Information Security Analyst IT Privacy Analyst IT Risk Analyst Security Operations Center (SOC) Technician Information Security Auditor Technical Support Staff

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• explain how big data is useful in business or career.
• demonstrate understanding of the five Vs of big data (volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value).
• evaluate the core concepts behind big data problems, applications, and systems.
• analyze big data using statistical methods and techniques.
• apply big data analytics techniques for effective data-driven decision-making in a multicultural society.

Successful completion of the program will provide students job opportunities in data science such as data scientist, data analyst, business analyst, and computer programmer (e.g., Python, R, SAS).

¹CISC 306 AND CISW 370 may be substituted for this course.

²CISW 320 AND CISW 304 may be substituted for this course.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• manage a multi-level website hosted on a Web server.
• utilize multiple programs simultaneously in order to develop websites.
• research and implement current, valid World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards, including W3C Accessibility Standards.
• plan a structured approach to website development that identifies the information dissemination needs of a client and organizes the content effectively and efficiently in order to communicate to an identified audience and then develop and implement an appropriate Web solution.
• write HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code in the currently used version.
• utilize client-side scripting in order to manipulate interactive objects like navigation bars, forms, rollovers, other event handling, and the control of windows, frames, and layers.
• create composite images that demonstrate visual design concepts of scale, rhythm, and balance.
• construct images utilizing selections, layers, masks, adjustment layers, and blending modes.
• demonstrate the use of current technologies and processes of user interface and responsive website design.
• conceive and design effective website wireframes, navigation, user interfaces, and Web page prototypes.
• describe the relationship between user-centered design concepts, user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, and usability testing.

Career Opportunities could include employment in front-end Web Development or Web Production. This certificate provides foundation skills needed to work toward becoming a Web Developer.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• design, implement, manage, and evaluate data management systems involving custom macros to solve complex business problems.
• analyze and integrate data from various application programs for individual and group on-the-job projects.
• set up, test, and implement complex macros and scripts for on-the-job usage.
• explain the use of basic hardware components and their organization, installation, and repair of microcomputers.
• evaluate different hardware and software specification standards and implement problem-solving strategies or techniques using various diagnostic tools.
• analyze on-the-job needs, identify software and hardware related problems, and effectively communicate solutions to end users.

This certificate prepares students to become office workers who can utilize the typical tools required in most offices. These positions require a high proficiency with office software applications as well as the ability to identify and troubleshoot microcomputer problems. Students completing this program may work as secretaries, office workers, first line supervisors, administrative analysts, information resource personnel, or lead administrative specialists.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate proficiency in Windows operating system commands, programs, file and folder management, storage, and utilities.
• identify on-the-job problems, projects, presentations, and assignments and design appropriate software solutions or tools.
• evaluate effectiveness of software solutions and implement suitable software changes, enhancements, or improvements.
• design and implement data management systems involving queries, data entry, screens, forms, tables, reports, and labels.
• explain and use asynchronous and synchronous communication tools.
• identify Internet laws, guidelines, and security and privacy issues and determine specific on-the-job applications.
• set up, test, and implement complex macros and scripts for on-the-job usage.

Students who are currently employed in entry-level office-related jobs are interested in opportunities for advancement. These positions usually require competencies in microcomputer applications courses in the Windows operating system environment. These microcomputer application courses include: word processing, spreadsheet, database management, graphic presentation, and the use of the Internet. Students completing this program may work as health information technicians, customer or client service representatives, and customer support specialists.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• solve business problems by utilizing various types of software.
• design algorithms that can be implemented by writing computer programs to solve typical problems.
• construct and implement computer programs or scripts.
• design professional documents for a variety of situations using appropriate software, working individually or in a team.
• apply working knowledge of principles in computer networking, data communications, data management, information systems security, web development, or programming concepts.
• adapt to technological changes and innovations in the computer industry and use techniques, skills, and tools necessary to meet needs.
• locate information stored on the Internet, determine the validity of online resources, download and store files, and use the correct syntax for citing internet resources.

Computer skills and experience are needed for technical support staff, end-user consultants, network administrators, database specialists, information systems managers and specialists, programmers and analysts, software specialists, systems analysts, technical writers, information systems security specialists, and webmasters.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate competency in Windows operating system terminology and commands, account management, file management and storage.
• construct and implement computer network systems by applying the steps of the network design model working individually or in a team.
• demonstrate working knowledge of principles in computer networking, and data management, information systems security, or web server administration depending on the electives chosen.
• define best practices for configuring network operating system services.
• analyze and apply directory services group policy settings at the Organizational Unit (OU), domain, site, or local machine level.

Networking skills and experience are needed for network technical support staff, network administrators, network designers, network troubleshooters, and information systems security specialists.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• develop best practices for configuring Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
• evaluate and implement technologies to support IP routing protocols such as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP), and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF).
• construct and configure access lists.
• compare and contrast types of network media.
• demonstrate competency in Windows operating system terminology and commands, account management, and file management and storage.
• demonstrate working knowledge of principles in computer networking and data management, information systems security, or web server administration depending, on the electives chosen.

Networking skills and experience are needed for network technical support staff, network administrators, network designers, network troubleshooters, and information systems security specialists.

¹This course covers the Windows operating system.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• identify and recognize the names, purpose, and characteristics of system components by sight or definition.
• design electronic spreadsheets useful in making decisions.
• design, install, and maintain a local area network.
• evaluate and demonstrate basic procedures for adding and removing field replaceable components for desktop computers.
• analyze and demonstrate understanding for installation and troubleshooting current operating systems, hardware, applications and basic networking technology used in industry.
• demonstrate understanding of the basic components of data communications.
• analyze and troubleshoot computer hardware and software problems.
• formulate back-up, recovery, and system protection plans for the operating system in a network environment.
• demonstrate competency in basic operating systems terminology, commands, and functions.
• demonstrate competence in the Internet related to searches, email, and security.
• configure and implement data security methods for protecting computers and networks from unauthorized access.

Career opportunities for students earning the PC Support Certificate include entry level positions in the following areas: Desktop support Technician, Technical Salesperson, Help Desk Support Technician, Systems Analyst, and Assistant Trainer.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• analyze information processing requirements using structured or object oriented software development methodologies.
• design structured or object oriented software systems.
• build structured or object oriented software systems.
• evaluate software systems for conformance to system requirements.
• document program or systems requirements or present written analyses.

Students earning a Programming Certificate of Achievement are qualified to pursue entry level positions as software designers and engineers, systems analysts, and software testers.

¹CISC 306 AND CISW 370 may be substituted for this course.

²CISW 320 AND CISW 304 may be substituted for this course.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• manage a multi-level website hosted on a Web server.
• utilize multiple programs simultaneously in order to develop websites.
• recommend a Web scripting language, current markup language or Web authoring software, and cascading style sheets to develop complex websites that are uploaded via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to a Web server.
• research and implement current, valid World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards, including W3C Accessibility Standards.
• plan a structured approach to website development that identifies the information dissemination needs of a client and organizes the content effectively and efficiently in order to communicate to an identified audience; then develop and implement an appropriate Web solution.
• utilize client-side scripting in order to manipulate interactive objects like navigation bars, forms, rollovers, other event handling, and the control of windows, frames, and layers.
• develop Web solutions that include form validation and processing, server-side programming with hypertext-preprocessor (PHP), and database-driven Web development.
• demonstrate proficiency in the process of Web project management on a real-world website including design specification, research, production, modification, time estimation, and presentation.
• design, implement, manage, and evaluate data management systems involving custom programming to solve complex business problems.
• estimate the hours needed or cost to develop and deliver the solution to a complex business problem.
• construct code in a currently used Web scripting language.
• demonstrate an understanding of the current technologies and processes of interactive design, motion graphics, and website development.
• describe the relationship between user-centered design concepts, user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, and usability testing.

Career Opportunities include employment as a Web Developer, Webmaster, Systems Analyst, Web Systems Analyst, IT Analyst, ICT Analyst, Web Database Administrator, Front-end Web Developer, and Web Programmer.

¹CISC 306 AND CISW 370 may be substituted for this course.

²CISW 320 AND CISW 304 may be substituted for this course.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• develop multi-page websites communicating a specific message while following language specifications and syntax requirements as recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
• learn to code HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), HTML5, XHTML (Extensible HyperText Markup Language), and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) using open-source software and Web developer tools to manage files and other assets on a website.
• use images, graphics and multimedia following standard practices as outlined in the W3C Recommended Standards, including W3C Accessibility Standards.
• learn principles for using a Content Management System (CMS), such as WordPress, for creating and editing Web pages.
• examine technical recommendations for using markup and style sheet languages, following recommendations of the W3C Accessibility Standards.
• demonstrate an understanding of visual hierarchy and scale through successful completion of a comprehensive final project.
• conceive and design effective site maps, wireframes, navigation, user interfaces, and prototypes.
• describe the relationship between user-centered design concepts, user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, and usability testing.
• demonstrate the use of current technologies and processes of user interface and responsive website design.

Students completing this program will have skills needed for entry-level positions for building and editing pages for the Web. Students will be able to: build a personal website for a client, create and edit blogs, set up for a simple site using a content management system such as WordPress, and have technical skills that will support small business or other entities for entry-level positions in Web page editing and development.