Final Report. to the Los Rios Community College District Board, the President of Cosumnes River College

Transcription

1 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 10 th, 2016 by Markus Geissler, PhD Professor, Computer Information Science Cosumnes River College

2 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 2 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.

3 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 3 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 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 Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design, which is primarily offered at the upper division level, and ITIS 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 &

4 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 4 Family Science Area, met on April 06 th 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 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 21 st 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.

5 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 5 Model Curriculum Worksheet Accepted by ICFW CCC Major or Area of Emphasis: CSU Major or Majors: _Information Technology _Information and Communication Technologies, Information Systems, Information Technology Total units (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) Business Information Systems, Computer Information Systems (3) Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies (3) ITIS 110 ITIS 120 ITIS 130 or COMP 112 Essential Preparation Essential Preparation 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

6 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 6 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: Catalog Department: Additional Department(s): Description: Career Opportunities: CIS - Information Technology Computer Information Science Computer Information Science 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. 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.

7 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 7 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 computerbased 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)

8 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 8 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: (Information Technology, General) Classification: Occupational Board Approval Date: Nov 18, 2015 State Program ID Number: Section 6: Last Curriculum Action Description: Section 7: Digital Signatures Faculty Initiator: Markus Geissler Department/Subject: CISC

9 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 9 Department Vote: Yes: No: Abstain: Total: Department Chair/ Designated Contact: Librarian: Division Dean:

10 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 10 MINUTES 2016 Computer Information Science Industry Advisory Committee Meeting Cosumnes River College 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

11 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 11 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.

12 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 12 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.

13 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 13 Associate in Science (A.S.) in CIS - Information Technology Cosumnes River College 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 ( 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%. Employment Development Department Labor Market Information Division Published: December 2014 SOC Code* Occupational Title Occupational Employment Projections Sacramento Roseville Arden-Arcade Metropolitan Statistical Area (El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties Counties) Estimated Employment 2012** Projected Employment 2022 Numeric Change [1] Percent Change Annual Average Percent Change New Jobs [2] Average Annual Job Openings Replacement Needs [3] Total Jobs [4] 2014 First Quarter Wages [5] Median Hourly Median Annual Education and Training Levels [7] Entry Level Education On-the- Work Job Experience Training Total, All Occupations 914,200 1,082, , % 1.8% 17,194 21,007 38,201 $19.82 $41,225 Computer and Information Systems Managers 2,510 2, % 1.5% $48.88 $101, years None Computer and Mathematical Occupations 30,020 36,200 6, % 2.1% ,098 $38.16 $79, Computer Occupations 28,720 34,570 5, % 2.0% ,034 N/A N/A Computer Systems Analysts 8,940 10,900 1, % 2.2% $38.15 $79,359 3 None None Information Security Analysts % 4.8% $60.36 $125,534 3 <5 years None Computer Programmers 1,850 2, % 1.1% $37.71 $78,428 3 None None Software Developers, Applications 3,620 4, % 2.5% $43.73 $90,943 3 None None Software Developers, Systems Software 4,330 5, % 1.5% $42.38 $88,161 3 None None Web Developers 1,030 1, % 2.8% $31.76 $66,055 4 None None Database Administrators % 2.4% $43.47 $90,417 3 <5 years None Network and Computer Systems Administrators 1,750 2, % 2.2% $39.48 $82,121 3 None None Computer Network Architects % 1.9% $59.43 $123, years None Computer User Support Specialists 3,150 3, % 2.1% $26.26 $54,623 6 None MT OJT Computer Network Support Specialists % 0.2% $37.85 $78,722 4 None None Computer Occupations, All Other 930 1, % 1.7% $38.86 $80,826 3 None None Computer Hardware Engineers % 1.4% $52.91 $110,054 3 None None 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 Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI) data uses a different time window ( ), but still shows a substantial increase in the occupations for which this new A.S. degree will prepare our students.

14 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 14 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

15 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 15 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).

16 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 16 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.

17 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 17 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 selfmanagement styles.

18 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 18 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 ( 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 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.

19 Markus Geissler s Type B Professional Development Leave Report, Page 19 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.