Computer Information Systems Program
Whatcom’s nationally acclaimed computer information systems (CIS) program is designed to prepare students for careers in technical support, network administration, or information security, needed within virtually all industries. The program has been developed in alignment with national industry standards and certifications. The program prepares students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and several other certifications including Comp Tia’s A+ and Security+. The CIS program offers an associate in science degree in CIS, as well as an associate in applied science-transfer degree in cybersecurity. Certificate programs in technical support and network administration are available, as well as a short-term certificate of proficiency in information security professional.
Bachelor degree
Beginning fall 2017, the CIS program is offering a bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree in IT networking. The BAS degree includes courses infused with security topics and embedded certificates of proficiency in cloud computing, industrial control systems (SCADA), mobile technologies, and web development. The curriculum aligns with specific focus areas defined by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as part of their Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) program. Additionally, curriculum builds off of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education’s (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Cybersecurity Competency Model. As such, the program will help meet the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
CyberWatch West
WCC is one of the founding institutions of the CyberWatch West Center and in 2013 became the lead institution. Supported by a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF-ATE) grant, the mission of CyberWatch West is to increase the quantity and quality of the cybersecurity workforce throughout the western United States.
CAE2Y designation
Confirming its stature as a national leader in cybersecurity education, Whatcom Community College was designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense 2-year education (CAE2Y) in 2014. Whatcom was among the first community colleges in the United States to earn this distinction, which recognizes colleges that are models of education and training in the information assurance field with curriculum mapped to the NSA’s latest requirements. The College was initially named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cybersecurity in 2011. This new designation, which extends through the 2021 academic year, follows an extensive review of Whatcom’s program by the NSA that confirms the curriculum meets stringent, new standards.
CAE-CD National Resource Center
In recognition of its leadership and processes developed in collaboration with the NSA and through NSF-funded CyberWatch West and C5 (Catalyzing Computing and Cybersecurity at Community Colleges) grants, WCC has been designated by the NSA to serve as the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) National Resource Center responsible for mentoring academic institutions nationwide preparing for application to the CAE program. In this role, WCC is helping the nation to more rapidly enhance and foster cybersecurity education programs resulting in a more plentiful and better prepared cybersecurity workforce.
Prerequisite courses
The CIS program strongly recommends placement into Math 94 and English 92 or above prior to beginning CIS courses. Additionally, the Cybersecurity AAS-T degree requires completion of CIS 105 with a C (2.0) grade or better.
To be eligible for the BAS degree in IT networking, applicants must have:
- An associate’s degree in an information technology related field from a Washington State community or technical college* granted within the past five years or any prior degree plus relevant industry experience, personal statement and current resumé
- Cumulative minimum 2.0 GPA in associate’s degree and minimum 2.0 GPA in all IT-related coursework
*IT-related associate’s degrees granted from other institutions will be reviewed to verify suitable preparation for success in the BAS program.
Special application process
The lower division CIS program can be entered at the start of any quarter. There is no special application.
Admission to the BAS degree in IT networking is by selective entry application. For details about prerequisites, the application process, application materials and deadlines, visit the CIS program page on the College’s website or contact entry & advising or the CIS recruitment and retention specialist.
Additional requirements during/after course of study
Students must maintain at least a “C” (2.0) grade in all CIS courses and demonstrate professional work behavior exhibited through good class attendance, punctuality and timely completion of class assignments, in order to remain in the program. While not a requirement for the CIS program, students should be aware that there are special employment conditions in this career field that may include criminal background checks.
Transfer options
As noted above, beginning in fall 2017 Whatcom is offering a BAS degree in IT networking. Alternatively, students may plan their CIS course selection to maximize transferability of their credits through articulation agreements with some Washington 4-year colleges/universities. Advising assistance is strongly recommended.
Students who earn the AAS-T degree in cybersecurity may apply to Western Washington University’s bachelor’s degree program in computer and information systems security and transfer up to 91 credits; the AAS-T degree may also transfer into other Washington 4-year colleges/universities with which Whatcom has a direct articulation agreement for this program. Additional minimum academic requirements apply. Advising assistance is strongly recommended.
Visit whatcom.edu/cis for more information.