Computer Information Systems, AAS

Computer Information Systems - Associate of Applied Science

The Computer Information Systems Associate of Applied Science offers three program options: Technical Support, Security, and Database Administration

Technical Support Pathway

The Career 

An IT professional that provides Technical Support will be responsible for providing technical assistance to computer users in person, via telephone, or electronically. Support areas may include the use of hardware, software, and network support, installation & maintenance of various technologies, and support for desktop, mobile, and network devices.

Professional Traits

Those pursuing a career in this field should:

• Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Be able to communicate effectively on paper, via e-mail, over the phone, or in person
• Have strong organizational, time management, and project management skills
• Be able to use accepted troubleshooting methodologies to effectively analyze, troubleshoot, repair and document issues with desktop, laptop, mobile, and network systems.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of hardware and software
• Have strong customer service skills and the ability to establish good rapport with customers
• Be dedicated to career-long learning as technology changes

Employment and Salary Information

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)

15-1151.00

The career outlook for computer support specialists is positive. By 2026, the number of jobs is projected to increase by 11%, Nationwide, median annual earnings of computer support specialists were $55,050, or $24.51 per hour* in May 2018.

The industries employing the most computer support specialists in 2018 were:

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Management of Companies and Enterprises
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
• Employment Services

* Data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Program

The Technical Support track for the CIS program at ECC prepares students for an entry-level position where students will be assisting computer users with technology. Courses in this track will include topics in network technology, computer operations, operating systems, security, project management, and other electives to prepare students for a variety of career paths within the IT field. Students in this track will have the opportunity to earn TestOut industry recognized certifications as part of the curriculum. These include PC Pro, Network Pro, Routing and Switching Pro, and Server Pro (?). Furthermore, upon completion of the coursework, students are prepared to take the:

• CompTIA A+ exams
• CompTIA Network+ exam
• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) exam

Security Pathway

The Career

An IT Security Professional is someone responsible for protecting the networks, infrastructure and systems for a business or organization. Skills focus on protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access or damage.

Professional Traits

Those pursuing a career in this field should:

• Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Be able to communicate effectively on paper, via e-mail, over the phone, or in person
• Be knowledgeable about various types of threats
• Be able to implement technology and other methods to protect organizational data and systems
• Have strong foundational knowledge about how systems and networks operate
• Be willing to stay abreast of new threats and countermeasures to protect against them

The Program

The Security CIS track at ECC helps prepare students for an entry-level position in a technology-related field where security is a primary concern.  A wide range of fundamental courses are included in the program and students will have an opportunity to earn Testout industry recognized certifications as part of the curriculum.  These include PC Pro, Network Pro, Server Pro, and Security Pro certifications.  Classes focus on security but also include networking technology, operating systems, project management, and other electives to help prepare students for employment in several career paths within the field of Information Technology.  Furthermore, upon completion of the coursework, students are prepared to take the:

• CompTia A+ exams
• CompTia Network+ exam
• CompTia Security+ exam

Database Administration

The Career

A Database Administrator, (also called a DBA), will be responsible for the design, storage, use, and security of data that is used to meet the needs of an organization.  Responsibilities may include report writing & data mining, capacity planning & database design, installation & configuration, performance monitoring & security, troubleshooting, and backup/disaster recovery processes.

Professional Traits

Those pursuing a career in this field should:

• Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Maintain good organizational skills
• Be able to communicate effectively on paper, via e-mail, over the phone, or in person
• Be able to use modern coding practices and languages (such as SQL) to manage data in a relational database environment
• Be able to implement technology and other methods to protect organizational data and systems
• Be knowledgeable about database technology & structure, database design, and available database management software available

The Program 

The Database Administration track for the CIS program at ECC prepares students for a career in the use of database management systems and software to store, organize, and protect data. Courses in this track will include topics in database design & development using both Microsoft Access and SQL, data security, programming logic, project management, and other electives to prepare students for a variety of career paths within the IT field.

Concentration Information - Computer Information Systems  

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