Proposal Information
Program & Award Information
The Certificate of Performance in Network Security I provides students with the entry-level skills to design and implement secure network architecture concepts and systems design. This curriculum includes hands-on experience in virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios in installation and administration of network technologies and tools, encryption and public key infrastructure (PKI), and identity and access management. This pathway includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications geared towards preparing students for a successful career in IT roles that are vital for building, protecting, and maintaining information and technology assets.
The Computer Information Systems department requires student to complete all requirements for the degree within five years.
San Diego City College’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) program offers various areas of study:
- The Computer and Information Sciences (CISC) area of study introduces students to essentials of computer programming and software, database, and game development. The associate degree and certificate curriculum prepares students for programming careers, as well as transfer into four-year programs. The goal is for students to exit with the fundamental skills needed to continue undergraduate education and to be successful in a chosen career.
- The Information, Network, and Web Technologies (INWT) area of study focuses on technical knowledge and decision-making capabilities regarding computer systems, network administration, and foundational cybersecurity. The associate degree and certificate curriculum prepares students for careers in information technology (IT) management, technical support, and systems security and administration, as well as transfer into four-year programs. Students of all backgrounds and skill levels train for relevance in today's workforce.
- The Cyber Defense and Analysis (CYDA) area of study develops advanced skills to interpret business needs, proactively defend computer networks, identify and analyze threats, and maintain cybersecurity resilience. The baccalaureate curriculum prepares students for careers in cyber-workforce operations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing the baccalaureate degree, will be able to:
- Design, assess, and adapt security solutions by applying integrated cyber defense operations best practices and methodologies.
- Formulate and apply cryptographic techniques to data in computer and communication environments.
- Classify, construct, and assess cyber incident response processes that conform to accepted professional standards.
- Analyze and consider policy, legal, and compliance aspects of cyber defense topics.
- Demonstrate critical-thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills to identify and resolve complex cyber security problems.
- Consider the ethical and societal impacts of the development and use of cyber defense technology.
Learning outcomes for baccalaureate programs will reflect a higher level of nuance, application, and complexity than associate degree program outcomes. Baccalaureate courses and programs generally require a high level of abstract thought (e.g., synthesis, analysis, creation). Career Technical Education (CTE) programs typically emphasize learning outcomes associated with the application of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to practices. Such professional programs typically include mapping student learning objectives to industry defined KSAs.
Students completing certificates of performance and achievement and associate degrees in Computer Information Systems, will be able to:
- Demonstrate abilities in the use of software and programming that meet requirements for certain industry jobs or transfer to four-year institutions majoring in computer and IT-related career.
- Employ critical thinking and enhanced computer and software skills as it relates to problem solving.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills, such as leadership, delegation of authority, accountability, consensus building, communication, conflict resolution, and team-building.
- Identify, review, and evaluate network security threats and corresponding prevention principles and practices as it relates to all IT disciplines.
- Identify and apply current project-management principles to technology projects.
Graduates of these programs possess an applied knowledge of technical fields, such as web programming, computer network and security architecture, e-business, data center management, security operations, and information assurance.