The Program

The Computer Information Systems program at South Plains College emphasizes technology and information systems as they apply in any workplace. Students will be trained to enter the high-demand IT job market as Help Desk Support Specialists,  PC Technicians, Network Support Personnel, Systems Administration Personnel, Cyber security Analysts, Web Developers, and Programmers. Graduates of our program have found jobs in educational institutions, government and civic organizations, finance, law enforcement ,and business-related companies. An advisory committee of industry leaders help faculty keep the programs up-to-date.  This ensures graduates leave the program with the skills and knowledge expected in today's workplace.  Many classes are offered online and traditional classes are offered at the Levelland and  Lubbock locations.  Whatever your needs, there are CIS courses that will work with your schedule and your goals.

The CIS program aligns itself with industry standards throughout all program options.  The CIS program is a CompTIA Authorized Academy Partner and a Cisco Networking Academy.  These memberships ensure the students are receiving top-notch course instruction that aligns with local IT industry needs as well as the needs of the global IT community.  Students will have access to the same networking equipment and software packages they will use in their future careers, ensuring they are adequately prepared and ready to impact the workforce.

 

Associate Degree and Certificate Options

The Computer Information Systems program provides students with one associate degree and four certificate options. Depending on the path our majors choose, they can expect their degree plan to include:

• PC Maintenance and Repair: CompTIA A+ content
• Programming Languages:  HTML5 and CSS3, JavaScript, C#, PHP with MySQL, SQL, and Python content
• Networking Technologies:  Cisco Routing and Switching (CCENT and CCNA), Microsoft Windows Server (MCSA) and CompTIA Network+ content
• System Administration:  Microsoft Windows Server (MCSA), CompTIA Network+, Security + and  Linux + Content
• Cyber Security:  CompTIA Security+ and Linux+ content 

 

Associate of Applied Science

This is a two-year degree that consists of 60 semester hours. Students will take a range of technology courses from each of the disciplines (networking, programming, cyber security) as well as general education courses that will provide the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive business environment.  Students completing the associate degree will have the option of completing two SPC certificates concurrently.

 

Technician Certificate

This certificate consists of just eight courses and prepares students for entry-level positions in the technology industry.  This one-year curriculum is designed to train students for entry-level positions in programming, networking or cyber security related roles.  Students will take courses that prepare them to complete the CompTIA A+ industry certification.

 

Programming Certificate

This one-year curriculum is designed to train students to use current software development techniques to program web sites, applications, and databases.  Students will learn web development through the usage of  HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL.  Students will also learn computer programming in Python, C#, SQL, and database management. The courses are online and will prepare the students to take three Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification exams and one Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) exam.  This certificate will teach the student about the tools and techniques necessary to become a programmer, web developer, software engineer, or a database manager.

 

Networking Administration Certificate

Students who complete this certificate will be trained to use network operating systems, network applications, and networking hardware. Students will work on Cisco networking hardware to install, implement and maintain a network.  Topics include TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, physical and logical topologies, network protocols, and all basic services related to routing and switching, as well as basic cybersecurity, operating system administration and server management.  Completion of this certificate will prepare the student to take the CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications, as well as Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT, ICND1) exam and the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA, ICND2) exam.  CompTIA exam vouchers are issued as part of the courses they align with.  Completion of Cisco courses may result in significant voucher discounts.

 

Systems Administration Certificate

Students who complete this certificate will be trained to use server operating systems, client operating systems, server roles, server features, and server hardware. Students will work with Windows server and Windows/Linux client operating systems to install, implement, and maintain a network.  Topics include TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, DNS, DHCP, Windows server installation and maintenance, Active Directory, storage management, and additional systems administration concepts. Completion of this certificate will prepare the student to take the CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications, as well as the current Windows Server Microsoft Certification Solutions Associate (MCSA) exams. CompTIA exam vouchers are issued as part of the courses with which they align.  Completion of MCSA courses may result in significant voucher discounts.

 

Cyber Security Certificate

Cyber Security is a  one-year curriculum designed to provide students with a firm foundation of knowledge and training in order to analyze and protect computers, network, software and data from unauthorized access or attack. Topics will include operating system and network security, malware, hacking, computer forensics, intrusion detection, social engineering, and security management.  Classes cover topics from the CompTIA Security+ and Linux+.

 

Industry Certifications 

The CIS department strives to provide a solid foundation for every student.  Part of that solid foundation is preparing students to take and pass industry certification exams. These industry certifications help to verify the skills each student has learned while at SPC. Exams below often align with one or more courses in the CIS program. While at SPC, students will receive vouchers for the CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ exams. Students of SPC can also get big discounts on Cisco and Microsoft certification exams.  Please ask a CIS advisor for more information.

Technician:

• CompTIA A+

Networking:

• CompTIA Network+
• Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Windows Server 2016  
  • Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 
  • Exam 70-741:  Networking with Window Server 2016
  • Exam 70-742:  Identity with Windows Server 2016

Programming:

• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
  • Exam 90-381:  Introduction to Programming using Python
  • Exam 98-382:  Introduction to Programming using JavaScript
  • Exam 98-383:  Introduction to Programming using HTML and CSS
  • Exam 70-483:  Programming with C#Microsoft Certified Solutions Associste(MCSA)

Cyber security:

• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Linux+

Transferring to a University

The CIS program at South Plains College has articulation agreements with many area universities. For more information on transfer options, please speak with a CIS advisor.