Computer Technology and Information Systems
Associate in Science School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Computer Technology and Information Systems AS degree prepares student to enter the fields of IT Support Specialist, Cybersecurity, System Administration or Networking Professional. Classes are focused on computer technology used to collect, record, organize and access data. Many career paths are available in this broad field.
The Associate of Science degree in Computer Technology and Information Systems is available for students who meet the graduation requirements and complete the following required courses, with a minimum grade of a “C” (or P) in each course in the degree and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Program Learning Outcomes:
A. Evaluate the fundamentals of computer hardware and software and the advanced concepts of computer security, networking, and the responsibilities of a Systems Administrator professional.
B. Evaluate competency in client computing and user support including the ability to configure, install, diagnose, and support hardware and software issues.
C. Evaluate competency in networking and convergence including the ability to design, analyze, and support computer networks.
D. Evaluate competency in working with servers, storage, and virtualization including implementing and evaluating network security solutions.
E. Evaluate competency in utilizing Math skills to assist in the solving of complex business, security, and networking problems.
F. Evaluate an ability to read and interpret technical information, as well as communicate with and write clearly for a wide range of audiences.
Program Requirements:
Program Core: (23-25 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CPSC-01 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems | 4 |
| CTIS-03 | Information and Communication Technology Essentials | 4 |
| CTIS-15 | Computer Network Fundamentals | 3 |
| Programming: Plus 3 units from the following: | ||
| CPSC-05A | Application Development and Programming | 3 |
| CTIS-02 | Programming Concepts and AI Driven Methodologies | 3 |
| CTIS-04 | Programming with Python | 3 |
| CTIS-07 | Linux Shell Scripting and Programming | 3 |
| Electives: Plus 6 units from the following: | ||
| CTIS-05 | Al-Driven IT Project Management | 3 |
| CTIS-06 | Python Programming for Cyber Security | 3 |
| CTIS-08 | Introduction to Smart Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CTIS-09 | Cloud Computing Infrastructure and Services | 3 |
| CTIS-10 | Introduction to Databases and Intelligent Systems | 3 |
| CTIS-11 | Linux System Administration | 3 |
| CTIS-12 | Windows Server System Administration | 3 |
| CTIS-13 | AI Concepts and Real-World Applications | 4 |
| CTIS-14 | Advanced Python Programming | 3 |
| CTIS-16 | Routing and Switching | 3 |
| CTIS-17 | Systems and Network Administration | 3 |
| CTIS-18 | Network Security and Automation | 3 |
| CTIS-19 | Cyber Ops | 3 |
| CTIS-20 | Introduction to Information Systems Security | 3 |
| CTIS-21 | Introduction to Cybersecurity-Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| CTIS-22 | Digital Forensics Fundamentals | 3 |
| CTIS-23 | Cyber Network Defense | 3 |
| CTIS-25 | Application Development in Amazon Web Services | 3 |
| CTIS-26 | Machine Learning, Analytics and Big Data in Cloud Services | 3 |
| CTIS-27 | Cloud Security and AI: Foundational Concepts | 3 |
| CTIS-29 | AI Solutions with Microsoft Azure Cloud | 3 |
| CTIS-30 | Cybersecurity Analysis, Malware and Mobile Forensics | 3 |
| CTIS-31 | AI Technology, Ethics, the Individual, and Society | 3 |
| CTIS-32 | Threat Hunting, Incident Response and Crisis Management | 3 |
| CTIS-33 | Firewalls and VPN | 3 |
| CTIS-35 | Security Policies and Compliance | 3 |
| Mathematics: Plus 3-5 units from the following: | ||
| MATH-03 | Calculus for Business | 4 |
| MATH-03S | Calculus for Business with Support | 5 |
| MATH-C2210 | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals | 4 |
| MATH-C2210E | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals - Embedded Support | 5 |
| STAT-C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| STAT-C1000E | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| MATH-15 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH-15S | Finite Mathematics with Support | 4 |
| Total | 23-25 | |
Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth: (24 units)
Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (17-19 Units)
Total Degree Units: (60 Units)