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Computer information systems (CIS) at Whatcom

Whatcom's CIS program offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree with four specialty options, two certificates, and one certificate of proficiency.

Computer information systems, associate of applied science (90 credits); specialty options:

• Cloud computing
• Data utilization
• Networking
• Unmanned aircraft systems

Network administration, certificate (56-58 credits)

Technical support, certificate (46-48 credits)

Cloud computing, certificate of proficiency (16 credits)

Data utilization, certificate of proficiency (16 credits)

Networking, certificate of proficiency (21 credits)

UAS fleet management, certificate of proficiency (7 credits)

Unmanned aircraft systems, certificate of proficiency (19 credits)

Click here to see the quarter-by-quarter sequence of classes for each pathway.

Career Launch endorsed

WCC's CIS program is endorsed by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges as a Career Launch program. This endorsement means the program is aligned with local employer needs, includes work-based learning, and prepares students for high-demand, high wage jobs.

Career advancement: nationally acclaimed program & industry-recognized credentials

Whatcom's CIS program is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense 2-year education (CAE2Y).

WCC is also the lead institution of NCyTE, a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education center that is one of only four in the nation in the field of cybersecurity education and the only one on the West Coast.

These designations help as you enter the workforce or transfer to four-year schools, conveying that you graduated from a program nationally recognized for its excellence and alignment to the highest information security standards for two-year college education.

Whatcom Community College is a Cisco Networking Academy and offers networking courses that prepare you for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) industry certification. The certificate in CIS network administration prepares you for the CCNA exam and the certificate in CIS technical support prepares you to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Earning these certifications can demonstrate to employers that you have completed courses that meet national standards established by the National Security Agency (NSA).

Transfer options

Meet with an advisor to discuss and maximize your transfer options.

Students who successfully complete Whatcom's AAS degree in CIS may apply to enroll in Whatcom's BAS degree in IT networking - cybersecurity. Some of the courses for the CIS program may transfer to baccalaureate (four-year) institutions. As many as 35 credits from the AAS degree in CIS may be applied toward an AAS-Transfer degree or directly to most universities.

Some four-year institutions will accept all 90 credits from Whatcom's CIS degree. These include:

• Central Washington University
• The Evergreen State College
• Highline College
• Western Governors University

Learning extended beyond the classroom

Students hone their defense tactics through participation in regional and national cyber defense competitions in which network attacks are simulated under increasingly stressful circumstances. The winning team of this annual competition goes on to participate in the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

The student-run help desk is a popular service available to anyone on Whatcom’s campus. Under the direction of CIS faculty, students diagnose, troubleshoot and problem-solve a wide variety of desktop and laptop issues, while also developing effective customer service and communication skills.

CIS students gain access to a variety of technology resources, including:

• Subscription to MSDN, the Microsoft Developer Network, giving students access to downloads of the latest Microsoft programs
• Individualized access to VMware Workstation Academic Program
• Access to downloads of a variety of operating systems

Costs

The costs for Washington state residents enrolled full-time in the computer information systems (CIS) program average approximately $2,000 per quarter, including tuition, books, fees, and supplies. Link to Career Bridge for more details on the total costs of each degree and certificate:

AAS degree in CIS
Certificate in CIS/Network Administration
Certificate in CIS/Technical Support

AAS costs and information can and will change. Be sure to contact an advisor for the most current information to plan the funding of your education.

Course equivalencies

Credits earned at other colleges have historically transferred into Whatcom as noted below. Always check with a Whatcom academic advisor to confirm your credit will transfer. A grade of C or better must be earned for credit to be applied toward Whatcom’s CIS or cybersecurity pathway. If a course from the transfer college has fewer credits than the Whatcom equivalent, the credit difference must be met through other courses successfully completed. Credits from any courses listed below that were earned more than five years ago will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If your college is not listed, contact Advising & Career Services:

advise@whatcom.edu
360.383.3080

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Topics include Whatcom's four-year BAS degree in IT Networking, computer information systems (CIS) and cybersecurity program, and middle and high school cybercamps and workshops.