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CHOOSING A COMPUTER MAJOR
There are five programs of study in Computing Sciences at Finger Lakes Community College. Currently offered are: an A.S. in Computer Science, an A.S. in Information Systems, an A.A.S. in Information Technology, an Applied Computer Applications Certificate, and a Certificate in Information Security.
The A.S. in Computer Science and the A.S. in Information Systems have been set up to transfer well into four-year institution degree programs. Addition ally, all degrees and the certificates prepare the student for employment in the work force directly upon completion. Upon graduation with any of the programs, a student has many choices. Typically, a graduate chooses either to transfer to a four-year institution or to seek employment in the computer science / information technology field.
The A.S. in Computer Science requires a significant amount of Mathematics and Science. These courses are necessary to fulfill the Liberal Arts component of the degree so that ultimately transfer into a bachelor's degree program will be easier. The graduates will become programmers in both small and large businesses, systems analysts, technical support personnel, management systems personnel, and systems programmers. Most of these students transfer to a four year institutions to continue their education, although a few seek employment in entry level computing positions and continue their education later. Since this degree requires Calculus I and II, a student should be prepared to complete these requirements in two years or it will be necessary to extend their program beyond the two years. The computer courses that are required use the language Java.
The A.S. in Information Systems also transfers to four-year institutions in the business division (usually the MIS area). The program has numerous business course requirements, Statistics I and II instead of Calculus I and II, and other liberal arts courses to fulfill the general education requirements. Students gain employment in many of the same areas as the Computer Science graduates - programming, systems analysis and design, technical support - as well as operations and applications. The computer courses required include programming in Java, programming in a business language such as Visual BASIC, and high-level development work in state-of-the-art applications.
The A.A.S. in Information Technology is designed so that the student can enter the job market upon graduation as, for example, a PC technician, a network technician or administrator, or a computer support person. There are four Advisement Areas of which the student must choose two. The four areas are Applications and Database Management, Networking Technology, Web Programming, and Electronic Commerce. The need for computer/ information technology graduates has grown dramatic ally in the last few years and according to the government job projections for the next five years; Information Technology will have one of the top placement opportunities. Depending on advisement areas chosen, course topics may include everything from assembling microcomputers and networks to exploring new areas in database management as well as web programming and e-commerce.
The Certificate in Applied Computer Applications is designed to be a stand-alone certificate for students who want to concentrate mainly on user/developer application coursework. The emphasis is placed on using existing software, as opposed to new program development. This program is designed for the student who wants to complement a current degree such as Accounting or Business Administration as well as the person already in the work force who wants to enhance their computing skills or gain new skills. This Certificate also has some business course requirements, which complement the application skills.
The Certificate in Information Security is designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain marketable skills after one year of study, as it includes the curriculum necessary to obtain generic (non-vendor specific) certification in information security. This certificate program is a viable option for students who are interested in supplementing the FLCC AAS degree in Information Technology. It is also an option for computer professionals who wish to acquire the knowledge to enter the field of information/networking security. This certificate is not for entry level information technology or computing students. Minimum requirements for entry candidates are an AAS degree in computer science/information technology/information systems or related field.
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