Last updated on October 8, 2019
The demand for electronic access to information has made computers indispensable in offices, schools and homes. With that demand has come a need for skilled technicians to design, develop, carry out, keep up and support software and hardware systems.
DCCCD’s Computer Information Technology (CIT) program answers that demand. The program consists of four different career paths, allowing you to specialize and hone your skills depending on your area of interest. Each of the career paths are as follows:
- Networking/Security: Network technology specialists design, evaluate, test and maintain networks including LANs (local area networks), WANs (wide area networks), Internet-based networks, intranets, and voice communication and wireless systems.
- PC Support: Personal computer support specialists install computer hardware and software, interpret and resolve problems for users, and provide technical support for hardware, software and systems.
- Programming: Application development specialists (also called programmers) design, write and update computer programs or software using an alphabet soup of programming languages including C, C++, C#, Java and Visual Basic.NET. Database administrators maintain storage systems, run archival networks, monitor system performance and help maintain database security.
- Web/Internet Services: Web developers design, code, test and debug Web-based programs to create, publish and maintain websites. They also apply analytical problem solving to multimedia/interactive solutions for Internet markets by drawing on the skills of the computer programmer and the visual artist to integrate graphics, text and digital audio/video interactively.
You can earn one certificate or skills achievement award in a particular area or combine several to earn an associate degree. Find out what students are saying about the program.
All seven of our colleges offer courses in Computer Information Technology, though it should also be noted that some CIT degrees and certificates are not available at all DCCCD colleges. Make sure to check with an academic advisor when considering your options.
To get started in the Computer Information Technology program, complete the DCCCD admissions process. When you meet with your advisor, mention your interest in CIT so he or she can help you decide which courses you should take.
Computer Information Technology Career Opportunities, Salaries
As more businesses move to the Internet, the number of CIT jobs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in the next decade. Job titles and responsibilities vary widely but may include:
- Web developer/designer
- Application/solution developer
- Business analyst
- Marketing/systems consultant
- Internet curriculum specialist
- Graphical user interface designer
- Entertainment software writer
- New media publisher