Interested in a CIS career?

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) area is one of the fastest growing and highest paying fields in the nation. CIS employees play a vital role in the implementation of the technology within their organizations.

Contact: Richard Hayes, Computer Science Advisor at 217-786-2481 or richard.hayes@llcc.edu.

What are your goals?

  1. Take select technology classes: For students seeking to increase their CIS knowledge. The average tuition and textbook cost for one course is $500.
  2. Complete a one-year certificate: For students with previous college education. The average tuition and textbook cost for 10 courses is $5,000.
  3. Complete a two-year applied science degree: For students seeking employment after two years of school. Several CIS courses are offered with fewer general education courses than the transfer degree. The average tuition and textbook cost for an applied science degree is $10,000.
  4. Complete a two-year transfer degree: For students seeking employment after completing a two-year degree at LLCC and then transferring credit to another university to complete a bachelor's degree. Fewer CIS courses are offered and more general education courses are required than the applied science degree. The average tuition and textbook cost for a transfer degree is $10,000.

What are your interests?

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics job descriptions

Computer Programmer

(Programming and Computer Science Track)

  • code
    What they do: Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. Programmers usually work in offices, most commonly in the computer systems design and related services industry. Most programmers specialize in a few programming languages.
  • Annual median salary: $79,500.
  • Job Outlook: Computer programming positions are rapidly growing with the State of Illinois and the private sector. Coding positions are also available worldwide.
  • Courses offered at LLCC: Computer Programming Concepts, Java, and Visual Basic

Network Administrator

(Networking and CISCO Track)

  • networking cables
    What they do: Network administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks that are critical to the functioning of almost every organization. Network administrators work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries.
  • Annual median salary: $78,000.
  • Job outlook: Employment for this position is projected to grow 8 percent over the next 10 years.
  • Courses offered at LLCC: CISCO Academy, Microsoft Server

Database Specialist

(Database Track)

  • Charts on a tablet
    What they do: Database specialists use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information, inventories and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.
  • Annual median salary: $82,000.
  • Job outlook: Employment for this position is projected to grow 11 percent.
  • Courses offered at LLCC: Systems Analysis, Database Design, Advanced Database

Information Security Analyst

(Security Track)

  • phishing, identity, internet, protection, data, attack, crim
    What they do: Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increase. Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, businesses and financial companies.
  • Annual median salary: $90,000.
  • Job outlook: Employment for this position is projected to grow 18 percent which is must faster than the average growth rate. Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high as these analysts will be needed to come up with innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating havoc on computer networks.
  • Courses offered at LLCC: Security Plus, Cyber Security

Computer Support Specialist

(Electronics Track)

  • Computer support specialist talking on headset
    What they do: Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called computer user support specialists, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems. Because of the wide range of skills used in different computer support jobs, there are many paths into the occupation.
  • Annual median salary: $51,500.
  • Job outlook: Employment for this position is projected to grow 12 percent and faster than the average growth rate. More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software.