Mr. Terry Ayers, Department Chair
256.352.8104
terry.ayers@wallacestate.edu
Associate in Applied Science Degree (5 semesters)
Short-Term Certificates (1 semester)
Computer security specialists may plan, coordinate, and implement an organization’s information security. These workers may be called upon to educate users about computer security, install security software, monitor the network for security breaches, respond to cyber-attacks, and in some cases, gather data and evidence to be used in prosecuting cybercrime. The responsibilities of computer security specialists has increased in recent years as there has been a large increase in the number of cyber-attacks on data and networks.
Computer programmers write, test, and maintain detailed programs that computers must follow to perform their functions, as well as conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computers. Computer programs tell the computer what to do – which information to identify and access, how to process it, and what equipment to use. Many programmers update, repair, modify, and expand existing programs.
Computer support specialists and help-desk technicians provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and other users. These troubleshooters interpret problems and provide technical support for hardware, software, and systems.
Network administrators design, install, and support an organization’s local-area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network segment, Internet, or intranet system. They provide day-to-day on site administration support for software users in a variety of work environments. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users.
Web designers are responsible for developing and maintaining World Wide Web (WWW) sites for public and private organizations. Business and industry (both large and small) need web professionals to develop and maintain corporate web sites (intranet, extranet, and internet sites).
The Computer Science Program is designed to prepare students for employment in industry or business. Emphasis is on the knowledge and skills needed in the small business computer environment.
Job prospects should be best for college graduates who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies. Employers will continue to seek computer specialists who possess a strong background in fundamental computer skills combined with good interpersonal and communication skills.
The median annual wage for computer support specialists was $60,810 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Employment of computer systems specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022-2032, as fast as average for all occupations. Growth in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and mobile networks will increase demand for these workers. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics).
If Math courses are taken for math elective credit, the course must be higher level than College Algebra. Computer Science courses DO NOT meet this requirement.
Typing proficiency is a prerequisite for CIS 146 and other programming courses. Students that are not proficient should take a keyboarding class prior to enrollment in computer science courses.
This course provided students with hands-on experience using word processing software. Students will develop skills common to most word processing software by developing a wide variety of documents. Emphasis is on planning, developing, and editing functions associated with word processing.
This course provides an overview of computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software. It covers key concepts relevant to professional certifications. The course introduces students to the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence and its potential applications, offering insight into the operational mechanisms of AI chatbots and their implications for the future. Additionally, students will develop familiarity with a range of digital technologies.
This course is designed for individuals with little to no prior experience with digital technologies. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the key concepts and skills related to digital literacy, as well as the confidence to use digital technologies effectively and ethically in their personal and professional lives. Students will learn about the various types of cybersecurity threats, such as malware, phishing, and social engineering attacks and how to avoid digital attacks. The course will help prepare students for the IC3 certification.
This course includes logic, design and problem solving techniques used by programmers and analysts in addressing and solving common programming and computing problems. The most commonly used techniques of flowcharts, structure charts, and pseudocode will be covered and students will be expected to apply the techniques to designated situations and problems.
This course presents fundamental applications in Unix/Linux. Included in this course are skills development for OS installation and setup, recompile techniques, system configuration settings, file/folder structures and types, run levels, basic network applications, and scripting. Additionally, the course presents security features from an administrative and user consideration.
CIS 196
This course provides the student with hands-on experience in using the advanced features of software packages, languages, and utility programs currently in use. Each offering focuses on one software package with credit being received for each different package. Upon completion, students will be able to use the features selected for the application covered.
This course provides the student with hands-on experience in using the advanced features of software packages, languages, and utility programs currently in use. Each offering focuses on one software package with credit being received for each different package. Upon completion, students will be able to use the features selected for the application covered.
This course is an introduction to the Python programming language. Topics include input and output, decision structures, repetition structures, functions, working with files, strings, object-oriented programming and inheritance. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.
This course introduces computer operation and the job of executive language on a mini- or mainframe computer using both batch and on-line techniques. Utilities including sorts, screen design aids, and control programs while operating system concepts such as scheduling are introduced. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.
At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to use specified markup languages to develop basic Web pages.
This is an advanced Web design course emphasizing the use of scripting languages to develop interactive websites. Upon completion students will be able to create data driven websites. This course helps prepare students for the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Foundations certification.
This course emphasizes basic programming using a graphical user interface. The course will emphasize graphical user interfaces with additional topics on such topics as advanced file handling techniques, simulation, and other selected areas. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.
This course introduces students to the concept of security analysis, or penetration testing, of information systems. Students will evaluate the security of a computer system or network, assessing security risks from the position of a potential attacker. Emphasis is on identifying security flaws and providing technical solutions programming.
A grade of "C" or better in CIS 157
A grade of "C" or better in CIS 220
This course is designed to introduce Data Analytics to students. Students will understand concepts related to basic data concepts and environments, data mining, data analysis, visualization, governance, quality, and data controls. This course prepares students for CompTIA Data+ certification.
CIS 149
A grade of "C" or better in CIS 149
This course focuses on cloud infrastructure, deployment, security models, and the key considerations in migrating to cloud computing. Coverage includes the technologies and processes required to build traditional, virtualized, and cloud data center environments, including computation, storage, networking, desktop and application virtualization, business continuity, security and management.
The course provides students with information on the concept of cyber defense. Topics include information relative to legal aspects of cyber attacks, threats to various levels of national and local social infrastructure, financial systems, personal data, and other direct and indirect threats. As part of this course students explore current and historical cyber threats and U.S. policy regarding infrastructure protection.
CIS 245 or CIS 280
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of the IOT. Emphasis will be on understanding how the IOT is bridging the gap between operational and information technology systems and the security concerns that must be considered, when implementing IOT solutions.
This course is an introduction to the JAVA programming language. Topics in this course include object-oriented programming constructs, Web page applet development, class definitions, threads, events and exceptions. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.
This course provides students with hands-on practical experience in installing software, operating systems, trouble-shooting, and maintaining systems. The class will help to prepare participants for the A+ Certification sponsored by CompTIA.
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to implement enterprise visualization. Students will gain hands-on experience installing, configuring, and managing enterprise virtualization technologies.
This course is the first part of a four part curriculum leading to CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. The content of this course is based on current requirements from the CISCO Networking Academy certification standards.
This course is the second part of a three-part curriculum leading to Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. The content of this course is based on current requirements from the Cisco Networking Academy certification standards.
This course is a study of contemporary theory and systems analysis and design. Emphasis is placed on investigating, analyzing, designing, implementing, and documenting computer systems. Upon completion, the student will been able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.
By permission of instructor
This course allows study of currently relevant computer science topics, with the course being able to be repeated for credit for each different topic covered. Course content will be determined by the instructor and will vary according to the topic being covered. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the course topic through completion of assignments and appropriate tests.
By permission of instructor
This course allows independent study under the direction of an instructor. Topics to be included in the course material will be approved by the instructor prior to or at the beginning of the class. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics as specified by the instructor as needed.
