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Final Report

to the Los Rios Community College District Board,

the President of Cosumnes River College

and the Cosumnes River College Professional Standards Committee

on the 20% Type B Professional Development Leave

entitled

Implementing a new A.S. Degree in Information Technology

at Cosumnes River College

Spring 2016 Semester

Submitted on October 10th, 2016

by Markus Geissler, PhD

Professor, Computer Information Science

Cosumnes River College

Markus Geissler’s Type B Professional Development Leave Report,

Abstract

During the Spring 2016 Semester I used a 20% Type B Professional Development Leave to

implement a new A.S. Degree in CIS - Information Technology, based on the newly approved

Information Technology Model Curriculum for California Community Colleges, at Cosumnes

River College (CRC) and guide it through the CIS Department’s Industry Advisory Committee,

CRC, LRCCD, N/FNRC and CCCCO program approval processes.

The A.S. IT is scheduled to be included in CRC’s 2016/2017 mid-year catalog addendum to allow

students who are already in progress toward completing the A.S. IT degree.


Implementing a new A.S. Degree in Information Technology at Cosumnes

River College

Activities

As the chair of the C-ID Information Systems/Information Technology (ITIS) Faculty Discipline

Review Group for the past three years, I was one of the co-authors of the newly approved

Information Technology Model Curriculum (IT MC) for California Community Colleges and

have been very involved in its propagation across the state since 2015 and have held several

workshops on helping other colleges with their implementation of the IT MC. And since

organizations in the Greater Sacramento region, and most especially the State of California, will

not only need to replace current employees who are due to retire, but also expect to increase the

number of employees whose skill set should include that which is outlined in the IT MC, it made

good sense to implement this program at Cosumnes River College (CRC) as part of an Associate

of Science degree program in Information Technology within the Computer Information Science

Department (A.S. IT).

While the IT MC outlines four ITIS core courses, two ITIS electives, and one MATH elective,

not all of the ITIS core and elective courses are offered at CRC. The CIS Department therefore

revised CISC 360 - Information & Communication Technology Essentials (A+), which we had

not been able to teach for several years due to equipment issues, to have it map to the ITIS 110

descriptor and include it in the ITIS core courses. Our department also had to decide whether to

adopt one or two additional ITIS elective courses that we are not currently offering (ITIS 140 -

Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design, which is primarily offered at the upper division

level, and ITIS 151 - Routing and Switching Essentials, which is primarily offered at colleges

which offer full Cisco Networking Academy programs) or to limit the number of electives, and

we chose to do the latter, primarily because our department’s FTE balance is favoring the

currently very popular Computer Science transfer courses.

After extensive planning, and after gaining initial approvals from the CRC Curriculum

Committee, the CIS Department’s Industry Advisory Committee, consisting of 10 industry

advisors, all CIS full-time faculty, four CIS adjunct faculty, and the Dean of the Business &


Family Science Area, met on April 06th from to discuss these proposals and current industry

trends. The committee approved the A.S. IT, along with other new degrees and certificates, with a

request to be kept up-to-date on further refinements of these new programs.

After I shepherded the A.S. IT through the remaining curriculum process, which included some

unfortunate intra-institutional delays, it was submitted to the California Community College

Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and approved during the summer of 2016. The A.S. IT is

scheduled to be included in the 2016/2017 mid-year catalog addendum to allow students who are

already in progress toward completing the A.S. IT degree after aggressive promotion of the new

offering within the CIS Department’s Applications & Core and Networking & Security programs

and via a presentation to CRC’s Counseling Department at one of its weekly meetings during the

Spring 2016 semester.

Critique of the Leave

While a Type B Professional Development Leave is more the former (professional development)

rather than the latter (leave), it did allow me to spend the time to explore the various options

around the implementation of the A.S. IT degree and to spend the time with my colleagues, our

industry partners, and other IT contacts that was necessary to develop a product that will meet the

needs of our regional industry, our students, the CIS Department, and the College. As such I

believe that this leave was a productive use of Cosumnes River College’s professional

development resources.

Achievement of Objectives

This professional development leave helped me to achieve the objective of implementing the

A.S. IT degree at Cosumnes River College, and the students who complete this degree will be

better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century workforce.

Method of Sharing the Results of the Leave

The A.S. IT degree will be in the official Cosumnes River College catalog starting in the Spring

2017 semester, and I will definitely continue to promote it to our students and our Counselors.


Model Curriculum Worksheet – Accepted by ICFW 3-31-15

CCC Major or Area of Emphasis: _Information Technology

CSU Major or Majors: _Information and Communication Technologies,

Information Systems, Information Technology_____

Total units___22-23___ (all units are semester units)

Degree Type (indicate one): AA-T_____ OR AS-T______ OR MC __X___

Required Core Courses:

__13___units

Title (units) C-ID Designation Rationale

Information & Communication Technology Essentials (4)

ITIS 110 Essential Preparation

Business Information Systems, Computer Information Systems (3)

ITIS 120 Essential Preparation

Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies (3)

ITIS 130 or COMP 112

Essential Preparation

Computer Network Fundamentals (3) ITIS 150 Essential Preparation

Select 6 units or 2 courses from the following:

Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design (3) ITIS 140 Important Preparation

Routing and Switching Essentials (3) ITIS 151 Important Preparation

Systems and Network Administration (3) ITIS 155 Important Preparation

Introduction to Information Systems Security (3) ITIS 160 Important Preparation

Introduction to Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking (3)

ITIS 164 Important Preparation

Digital Forensics Fundamentals (3) ITIS 165 Important Preparation

Introduction to Database Management Systems (3)

ITIS 180 Important Preparation

Business Communication (3) BUS 115 Important Preparation

Select 3 - 4 units or 1 course from the following:

Introduction to Statistics (3) MATH 110 Also fulfills CSU GE Area B4

Finite Mathematics (3) MATH 130 Also fulfills CSU GE Area B4

Business Calculus (3) MATH 140 Also fulfills CSU GE Area B4

Single Variable Calculus I Early Transcendentals (4)

MATH 210 Also fulfills CSU GE Area B4


Program Outline Cosumnes River College Los Rios Community College District

Section 1: Curriculum Cycle Information

Program: CIS - Information Technology

Program Type: A.S. Degree

Outline Status: Catalog

Status Date: Aug 26, 2016

Catalog Date: Jun 01, 2017

Official: Yes

Section 2: Program Information and Overview

Title: CIS - Information Technology

Catalog

Department:

Computer Information Science

Additional

Department(s):

Computer Information Science

Description: This degree allows students to acquire basic core Information

Technology competencies that will prepare them for a career in

Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, and related fields.

Career

Opportunities:

The Associate's degree in Information Technology prepares students to

either enter the workforce as an entry-level computer or network

support technician or pursue a bachelor's degree in managing

information systems. Several CSUs currently offer baccalaureate IT or

CT programs, as do several private universities. More CSUs are already

working on build upper division programs based on the recently

approved IT Model Curriculum.

https://inside.losrios.edu/~intranet/cgi-bin/intra/curriculum/program_history.cgi?program_id=54722&script=print_program.cgi


Section 3: Learning Outcomes

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

Apply fundamental knowledge of computing and the current use of technology

techniques, skills, and tools necessary for the computing practice.

Evaluate and solve business problems with technology solutions using qualitative and

quantitative information.

Assess user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-

based information systems.

Demonstrate appreciation of the Information Technology career field and the need to

be lifelong learners.

Section 4: Course List

Required Program

CISC 310 Introduction to Computer Information Science

3

CISC 360 Information & Communication Technology Essentials (A+)

4

CISN 304 Networking Technologies (3)

3

or CISN 330 Data Communication and Networking Fundamentals (3)

CISP 370 Beginning Visual Basic (4)

4

or CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4)

A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6

CISN 300 Network Systems Administration (3)

CISP 351 Introduction to Relational Database Design and SQL (3)

CISS 310 Network Security Fundamentals (3)

CISS 356 Introduction to Information Assurance (3)

CISS 360 Computer Forensics and Investigation (3)

BUS 310 Business Communications (3)


A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4

STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)

MATH 341 Calculus for Business and Economics (4)

MATH 343 Modern Business Mathematics (4)

MATH 400 Calculus I (5)

Total Units: 24

Associate in Science Degree

The CIS - Information Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by

completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient

electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Section 5: Additional Program Information

Short Title for Transcripts: CIS - Information Technology

Taxonomy of Programs (TOP) Code: 0701.00 (Information Technology, General)

Classification: Occupational

Board Approval Date: Nov 18, 2015

State Program ID Number: 35175

Section 6: Last Curriculum Action

Description:

Section 7: Digital Signatures

Faculty Initiator: Markus Geissler

Department/Subject: CISC

https://inside.losrios.edu/~intranet/cgi-bin/intra/curriculum/email_staff.cgi?college=CRC&to=0003070&from=0003070


Department Vote: Yes:

No:

Abstain:

Total:

Department Chair/

Designated Contact:

Librarian:

Division Dean:


MINUTES 2016 Computer Information Science Industry Advisory Committee Meeting


Wednesday, April 06th, 2016, 12:00 - 2:30 PM

Orchard Room

Attendees: Tim Appel, Criminalist, State of California - Department of Justice

James Carr, Staff Information Systems Analyst, State of California - Controller's Office

Shana Groen, Division Director and Technical Recruiter, Robert Half Technology

Steve Linthicum, Deputy Sector Navigator, CCCCO Doing What Matters/Sierra College

Aman Mahabir, Associate Systems Software Specialist (Technical), State of California -

Franchise Tax Board

Andrew Maroun, Enterprise Security Lead, State of California - Department of Corrections &

Rehabilitation

Terese Matchim, Chief Information Officer, State of California - Department of Conservation

Manny Melliza, Data Center Lead, University of California, Davis - Data Center

Mara Mureddu, Lead Recruiter, Robert Half Technology

Anne-Louise Radimsky, Professor Emeritus, California State University, Sacramento

Matt Silveira, Principal, Objective Business Solutions, Inc.

Kham Xiong, Chief, Applications Development and Support Unit, State of California -

Department of Toxic Substances Control

Suha Al Juboori, Adjunct Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Marjorie Duffy, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Wendell Fishman, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Markus Geissler, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Chao-Jen Huang, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Lance Parks, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Carol Olsen, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Mohammed Osman, Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Deirdre Perkins-Moore, Adjunct Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River

College

Joy Royal, Adjunct Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

Buddy Spisak, Adjunct Professor, Computer Information Science, Cosumnes River College

I. Meeting Called to Order at 12:00 PM

II. Lunch, followed by introductions

III. Discussion/approval of new/revised Associate Degrees/Certificates

A. CIS - Information Technology A.S. degree

modeled after the Information Technology Model Curriculum for California Community Colleges

and focuses heavily on helping student earn industry certifications


Prof. Geissler explained the degree structure of four core courses and two electives, plus one

MATH course beyond Algebra II.

Comments included

- the need to include for hands-on exercises, which are present in all classes required for

the degree,

- a focus on communication skills and a high level of commitment by students (soft skills),

- the need to have students be able to create written documentation,

- discussion of including the Business Communications course in the core, and

- the desire to have students gain some kind of work experience on projects and business

cases, ideally outside of the classroom in some kind of internship, student assistant, or

volunteer environment.

The degree was approved unanimously, with the recommendation to continue to maintain

currency.

B. Web Developer A.S. degree

helps students acquire the skills needed by today’s web professionals.

Prof. Fishman explained the degree structure of core courses and electives.

Comments included

- the need to include server-side scripting at a higher level,

- including Bash, Python, PowerShell, and SQL,

- including Microsoft SharePoint-related skill sets, including its administration, use, and

development,

- including coverage of Content Management Systems (Drupal, WordPress, etc.),

- including additional coverage about XML schemas for the Finance and Healthcare

industries,

- including content about Responsive Design, and

- including coverage of security strategies related to web development.

The degree was approved unanimously, with the recommendation to continue to maintain

currency.

C. CIS - Information Systems Security A.S. degree & certificate

based on our application to become a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

– Two-Year Education (CAE2Y), as established by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Prof. Parks explained the revisions to the existing degree.

Comments included

- the importance of experience outside of the classroom in some kind of internship, student

assistant, or volunteer environment,

- the inclusion of content related to Risk Assessment, Auditing (including the creation of

documentation), Forensics, Data Management, Data Governance, Database Security, and

possibly Microsoft Azure,

- the need for students to have a good foundation in Networking and other IT skills, and

- consideration to help prepare students for the Associate CISSP industry certification.

D. Revision to A.S. degree and Certificate – Information item only.


IV. Curriculum Cleanup – Evaluate existing A.S. degrees, Certificates and Courses

- C and C++ are less relevant for career programmers

- C#, PHP, and J2EE programming skills are in higher demand

- Consider combining some certificates

V. Information Technology-related developments which CRC’s CIS Department needs to address

- Consider offering courses in the following:

- Mobile Programming/Internet of Things (IoT), including related security concerns,

- Microsoft SharePoint-related skill sets, including its administration, use, and

development,

- Microsoft Outlook (user and administrator levels),

VI. Adjournment at 2:33 PM.


Associate in Science (A.S.) in CIS - Information Technology


Item 1. Program Goals and Objectives

Employment of computer and network support specialists and managers in the

Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade Metropolitan Statistical Area is projected to grow by 19.6 percent

from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

(www.bls.gov). More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment

and software. According to State of California - Employment Development Department (EDD) projection

numbers for employment as “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” and “Computer User

Support Specialists” in general are expected to grow at double digit rates. Employment for “Computer

and Information Systems Managers,” to which graduates from this degree program will likely have the

opportunity to advance within 10 years of graduation, will have a percent change of more than 15%.

Demand for these workers is particularly high in the Greater Sacramento Area, as it is in other

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) areas, and should continue to grow as firms invest

in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. The ICT industry cluster is among the fastest growing

employment sectors in the Greater Sacramento Area. The cluster provided almost 60,000 jobs as of fiscal

year 2011-2012. Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI) data uses a different time window (2014-

2019), but still shows a substantial increase in the occupations for which this new A.S. degree will

prepare our students.

Employment Development Department

Labor Market Information Division

New

Jobs

[2]

Replace-

ment

Needs

[3]

Total

Jobs

[4]

Median

Hourly

Median

Annual

Entry

Level

Education

Work

Experience

On-the-

Job

Training

00-0000 Total, All Occupations 914,200 1,082,900 168,700 18.5% 1.8% 17,194 21,007 38,201 $19.82 $41,225

11-3021

Computer and Information Systems

Managers 2,510 2,890 380 15.1% 1.5% 38 35 73 $48.88 $101,661 3 ≥5 years None

15-0000

Computer and Mathematical

Occupations 30,020 36,200 6,180 20.6% 2.1% 618 480 1,098 $38.16 $79,379

15-1100 Computer Occupations 28,720 34,570 5,850 20.4% 2.0% 585 449 1,034 N/A N/A

15-1121 Computer Systems Analysts 8,940 10,900 1,960 21.9% 2.2% 196 140 336 $38.15 $79,359 3 None None

15-1122 Information Security Analysts 480 720 230 47.9% 4.8% 23 8 31 $60.36 $125,534 3 <5 years None

15-1131 Computer Programmers 1,850 2,070 210 11.4% 1.1% 21 48 69 $37.71 $78,428 3 None None

15-1132 Software Developers, Applications 3,620 4,500 890 24.6% 2.5% 89 46 135 $43.73 $90,943 3 None None

15-1133

Software Developers, Systems

Software 4,330 5,010 670 15.5% 1.5% 67 56 123 $42.38 $88,161 3 None None

15-1134 Web Developers 1,030 1,330 290 28.2% 2.8% 29 16 45 $31.76 $66,055 4 None None

15-1141 Database Administrators 420 520 100 23.8% 2.4% 10 8 18 $43.47 $90,417 3 <5 years None

15-1142

Network and Computer Systems

Administrators 1,750 2,140 390 22.3% 2.2% 39 28 67 $39.48 $82,121 3 None None

15-1143 Computer Network Architects 770 910 150 19.5% 1.9% 15 12 27 $59.43 $123,622 3 ≥5 years None

15-1151 Computer User Support Specialists 3,150 3,820 670 21.3% 2.1% 67 50 117 $26.26 $54,623 6 None MT OJT

15-1152

Computer Network Support

Specialists 870 900 20 2.3% 0.2% 2 14 16 $37.85 $78,722 4 None None

15-1199 Computer Occupations, All Other 930 1,090 160 17.2% 1.7% 16 15 31 $38.86 $80,826 3 None None

17-2061 Computer Hardware Engineers 580 660 80 13.8% 1.4% 8 12 20 $52.91 $110,054 3 None None

Annual

Average

Percent

Change

Average Annual

Job Openings

2014 First

Quarter Wages

[5]

Education and Training

Levels [7]

2012-2022 Occupational Employment Projections

Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade Metropolitan Statistical Area

Published: December 2014 (El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties Counties)

SOC

Code*Occupational Title

Estimated

Employment

2012**

Projected

Employment

2022

Numeric

Change

2012-2022

[1]

Percent

Change

2012-

2022


The A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology will prepare students to acquire the following basic

core Information Technology competencies:

Apply fundamental computing knowledge and current technology techniques, skills and tools.

Locate, critically evaluate and solve business problems with technology solutions using qualitative

and quantitative information.

Design, implement and evaluate computer-based systems, processes, components or programs to

meet desired needs.

Understand the professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities in the

information technology domain.

Communicate and function effectively with a range of audiences to accomplish a common goal.

Analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.

Understand the relevance of continuing professional development in the information technology

domain.

Identify and analyze user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of

computer-based systems.

Explain the use of best practices and technology standards, and their application in an

organizational context.

Analyze and create effective information technology project plans with graphic representations

Increase your professional net worth, and start on a path toward career advancement Prepare to

pursue a bachelors degree in information technology to further your knowledge and marketability

The A.S. CIS - Information Technology degree, offered as part of the Computer Information Science

(CIS) Department’s Networking & Security program, directly supports Cosumnes River College's mission

as a career education and workforce development program. It also supports the College-wide goal of


Student Success as an “instructional program designed to meet the changing needs of industry and our

global economy” as an implementation of College Strategy 1, which is to “enhance educational quality by

extending our ability to offer excellent instructional programs and support services and ensuring that

students seeking degrees, certificates, transfer and other educational objectives complete their goals in a

timely manner”, and more specifically by teaching skills “to meet the needs of students, the business

community and the global economy in the 21st century.”

Student Learning Outcomes

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

1. Apply fundamental knowledge of computing and the current use of technology techniques, skills,

and tools necessary for the computing practice.

2. Evaluate and solve business problems with technology solutions using qualitative and quantitative

information.

3. Assess user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based

information systems.

4. Demonstrate appreciation of the Information Technology career field and the need to be lifelong

learners.

Item 2. Catalog Description

The A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology prepares students to either enter the workforce as an

entry-level computer or network support technician or pursue a bachelor's degree in Information

Technology and related disciplines.

Computer support technicians provide technical assistance to computer users. They may answer questions

or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. They may provide

assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word

processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Computer network technicians analyze, test,

troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network

(WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure

networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Graduates with an A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology are prepared and eligible to sit for

CompTIA's A+ and Network+ certification exams. Optional elective courses prep students for CompTIA's

Server+ and Security+ exams as well as some vendor-specific certification exams (e.g., Microsoft Certified

Professional).


Item 3. Program Requirements

To earn the A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology students must complete the following courses:

Required Program

CISC 310 Introduction to Computer Information Science .......................................... 3 Units

CISC 360 Information & Communication Technology Essentials (A+) ..................... 4 Units

CISN 304 Data Communication and Networking Fundamentals (3) .......................... 3 Units

or CISN 330 Data Communication and Networking Fundamentals (3)

CISP 370 Beginning Visual Basic (4) ......................................................................... 4 Units

or CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4)

A minimum of 6 units from the following: ........................................................................ 6 Units

CISN 300 Network Systems Administration (3)

CISP 351 Introduction to Relational Database Design and SQL (3)

CISS 310 Network Security Fundamentals (3)

CISS 356 Introduction to Information Assurance (3)

CISS 360 Computer Forensics and Investigation (3)

BUS 310 Business Communications (3)

A minimum of 4 units from the following: ........................................................................ 4 Units

STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)

MATH 341 Calculus for Business and Economics (4)

MATH 343 Modern Business Mathematics (4)

MATH 400 Calculus I (5)

Total: 24 Units

The CIS - Information Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the

required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total.

See CRC graduation requirements.

Item 4. Master Planning

Cosumnes River College’s A.S. Degree in Information Technology meets both the state of California’s

CTE program Career advancement and California Community College goals.


The development of this new degree program is the result three main factors:

1. The release of the Department of Labor (DOL) Information Technology (IT) Competency Model

(pictured below). The IT Competency Model identifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed

for workers to perform successfully in the field of information technology (IT). The model is

depicted as a pyramid consisting of several tiers.

Tiers 1 through 3 represent the “soft-skills” and work readiness skills that most employers demand.

Tier 1 – Personal Effectiveness Competencies are often referred to as "soft skills".

Tier 2 – Academic Competencies are primarily learned in a school setting. They include cognitive

functions and thinking styles and apply to all industries and occupations.

Tier 3 - Workplace Competencies represent motives and traits, as well as interpersonal and self-

management styles.


Tier 4 – Industry-Wide (IT) Technical Competencies cover the general knowledge and skills and

abilities from which workers across the industry can benefit, regardless of the IT sector in which

they operate.

The DOL model is rather a compilation of competencies that can be included as

a basis for preparation in an IT occupation. The A.S. degree in Information Technology will help

students meet these Information Technology work-place competencies.

2. The ACM Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges (CCECC), at the

direction of the ACM Education Board, convened a task force to produce curricular guidance for

associate-degree programs in Information Technology. In fulfilling its charge, the CCECC

identified the body of knowledge as a set of fifty student learning outcomes that constitute core

Information Technology (IT) competencies for all IT-related associate-degree programs. These

learning outcomes were created with the intent of being adaptable, not overly technology specific,

and remain current for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, these core IT learning outcomes were

primarily influenced by:

current and future needs of business and industry,

professional and industry certifications,

government and standards bodies, and

related-IT curricula, including the ACM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree

program in Information Technology, and the U.S. Department of Labor Information

Technology Competency Model.

3. The final factor leading to the development of the A.S. Degree in Information Technology is the

support from C-ID (http://www.c-id.net/degreereview.html) for the Intersegmental Model

Curricula (ISMCs) for Information and Communication Technologies. The A.S. degree in

Information Technology meets the requirements of the Model Curriculum.

Item 5. Enrollment and Completer Projections

Between 2008 and 2014 student enrollment rates in California’s community colleges had dropped to a 20-

year low, largely due to unprecedented cuts in state funding, but now that much of the funding has

returned.

Over the past year the CIS Department has modified several courses to align with the ITIS C-ID

descriptors that were finalized in 2015. The A.S. degree in Information Technology is Cosumnes River

College’s implementation of the new Information Technology Model Curriculum for California

Community Colleges (IT MC) which was also published in 2015, and we expect more California State

Universities to implement baccalaureate programs in Information Technology, similarly to the one

recently approved at CSU San Bernardino, over the next several years to allow completers of the A.S.

degree in Information Technology to continue their education at a CSU campus.

http://www.c-id.net/degreereview.html


The new North/Far North Regional Consortium (NFNRC) shared NETLAB+ virtual lab environment,

housed at Folsom Lake College, has allowed the CIS Department to update and teach courses that we

have not been able to offer due to resource limitations.

Item 6. Place of Program in Curriculum/Similar Programs

Computer Information Science (CIS) is one of Cosumnes River College’s largest CTE program areas, and

the A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology will be an important addition to the existing program,

especially since it will eventually provide students with a transfer pathway to a baccalaureate program.

We further adjusted the existing A.S. degrees in CIS - Information Systems Security to meet the

requirements for certification as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense – 2-Year Institution

(CAE2Y) and updated the A.S. CIS - Server Administrator degree for currency. While these programs

will share some courses, their purposes are different. The completers of these degrees will most likely end

up working in different kinds of positions.

Item 7. Similar Programs at Other Colleges in Service Area

Several regional community colleges, including American River College, Folsom Lake College, and Sierra

College, have recently created, or are in the process of creating, similar A.S. degrees based on the

Information Technology Model Curriculum for California Community Colleges. This, in aided by the fact

that all courses included in the IT MC are based on C-ID descriptors, will allow students to take preferred

electives at a nearby college so that they can make steady progress toward completing their degree.

The courses that will make up the program meet the DOL competencies and the demands of employers.

Students earning the A.S. degree in CIS - Information Technology will be prepared and have the required

skills to work in entry-level positions in the field and/or to transfer to a four-year college or university to

pursue a degree in Information Technology or Business/Management Information Systems.

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