Computer Information Systems

Check out the 1st Pacific Rim Cyberdefense Competition in this film from University of Washington - the Whatcom team took 3rd in this first competition, and 4th in 2009.

The CIS program is a CISCO Networking Academy. The CIS program is one of four colleges in Washington State to earn the prestigious endorsement of the Committee on National Security Systems for the 4011 INFOSEC certification. WCC is also a member of CyberWATCH, a consortium that is focused on building a stronger information security/assurance workforce. For more information about any of these partnerships, click the questions below.

Professional/Technical Program Advisor
Jackie Landsem
360.383.3080 for appointment 

CIS Program Coordinator/Department Chair
Corrinne Sande
Baker Hall, Room 125
360.383.3552

Information Session

Monday, October 26       3:30-4:30pm      BKR 103

You are encouraged to attend an information session or contact one of the Professional/Technical advisors listed above for planning help.

Degree and Certificate Information [PDF Format]

• Associate in Science Degree / Computer Information Systems
• Certificate / CIS - Network Administration
• Certificate / CIS - Technical Support
• Certificate / Office Professional Technical Support Specialist
• Endorsement / CIS - Information Security
  
  

What is the Computer Information Systems program?

The Computer Information Systems program offers an Associate of Science Professional/Technical degree that will prepare students for the fields of Technical Support, Networking, or Information Security. In addition to the degree, there are also two 46-58 credit certificates available: Network Administration and Technical Support. As part of their program, students completing the Technical Support certificate will be prepared to take the Comp TIA A+ certification exam. Students completing the Network Administration certificate will be prepared for the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) exam.
Students may also complete the Information Systems Security Professional Training Endorsement, which is certified as mapping to the CNSS (Committee on National Security Systems) National Standard 4011.

What are CISCO and the CCNA Certificate?

Cisco Systems is the world leader in internetworking products. The CCNA is the Cisco Certified Networking Associate certificate. CCNA is an entry-level certificate that indicates the individual is qualified for an entry level networking position. The goal is that students who complete a certain series of courses (CIS 226, 227, 228, 229) will be qualified to take and pass both the Network + and the CCNA exams.

What is 4011 INFOSEC Certification?

The Committee on National Security System (CNSS) has defined a particular set of skills that are needed by governmental agencies to keep their digital information secure. This set of skills is defined in National Standard 4011. Whatcom Community College has mapped the curriculum of the Information Systems Security Professional Training Endorsement to this standard, and students completing this 25 credit endorsement will receive the certification.

What is CyberWatch?

WCC's CIS Program is a member of CyberWATCH. CyberWATCH is a consortium of higher education institutions, businesses, and government agencies that is focused on building and maintaining a stronger information security/assurance workforce. In addition, CyberWATCH is committed to improving the quality and increasing the awareness of information security/assurance in the education and business communities. For more information: www.cyberwatchcenter.org. CyberWATCH is funded by the National Science Foundation.

What can I do with a CIS degree or certificate?

The CIS program is designed to prepare students for careers in technical support, network administration, or information security. The program has been developed in alignment with the industry based skill standards as outlined by the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET.org) and incorporates Cisco Systems networking curriculum. Whatcom Community College is a Cisco Academy and offers networking courses that prepare students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) industry certification.

What are the prerequisites?

Students must either pass CIS 100 or have the Program Coordinator's permission to register in higher level CIS classes.

When can I start?

Students may start the program any quarter, but should be aware that some courses are only offered once per year.

What is the application process?

Apply to WCC online.

If you are unable to apply online, request a WCC application by email at , by phone (360) 383-3001 or in person at the Entry/Advising Office, LDC 116.

There is no special program application for the Computer Information Systems program.