At the beginning of a new year, many of us are setting goals and making plans for the future. At Lincoln Land Community College, it is our mission to transform lives and strengthen our communities through learning. Learning is a pathway for us to reach those goals that we set for ourselves — throughout our lives.
And the rate of change in today’s world is fast, due in large part to advancements in technology. Tech is ever-changing and has an impact on so many aspects of our lives. If you find yourself drawn to tech, like to solve problems and are interested in positively impacting the world through technology, now is a great time to set goals, make plans and even take action for your future – in the fields of information technology and computer science.
At Lincoln Land Community College, we offer a wide range of opportunities in information technology, including short-term certificates and associate degree programs that serve as preparation for further college degree programs.
Gain knowledge and skills on how to connect hardware components and devices and on troubleshooting, configuring and managing networks with the Network Administration Certificate. It can be completed part-time in two semesters to allow students to work while attending college online. The four courses in the certificate are aligned with industry recognized credentials, and students are prepared to sit for both the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certification exams (additional info on certification exams: www.comptia.org/certifications). All of the courses in this certificate can also be used as a part of the associate of applied science (AAS) degree listed below.
The Help Desk Certificate prepares you for an entry level position assisting computer users with solving their day-to-day technical challenges. The courses are aligned with industry recognized certification, and you will be prepared to sit for CompTIA IT Fundamentals and Google IT Support Pro. These courses can also be included as a part of an AAS degree at LLCC. In the past year, several graduates have used this certificate as a basis for entry level employment with the State of Illinois.
Cybersecurity is a growing field, and LLCC provides wide-ranging courses for both new students and IT professionals who wish to become familiar with the basics of cybersecurity. The courses prepare students to sit for a wide range of industry certifications, including CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CySA+.
The AAS degree program allows you to broadly study computer science with an emphasis on courses that can lead directly to employment after completion of four semesters of full-time study. As I mentioned earlier, students who complete the courses as part of the Networking or Help Desk Certificate programs can apply that work toward this degree. These stackable credentials allow you to seek employment early and begin your career while continuing your education with LLCC. This provides valuable industry experience for you while also getting you on the path to earning money while in school. If you are not interested in going on to earn a four-year degree, this can be an excellent path.
LLCC also offers the traditional Associate of Science degree in Computer Science. This program has general education courses alongside a carefully selected set of computer science courses that serve as an excellent basis for study at a four-year college. LLCC graduates have used our program as a springboard to complete their bachelor’s degree, all while reducing the cost of their education.
The faculty at LLCC have quality credentials along with recent experience in the industry. They stay current with the trends in both IT and IT education. The faculty are always adapting classes to cover the changes in industry expectations and certifications. Your courses at LLCC will be up-to-date and relevant to the industry.
If any of these options pique your interest, visit www.llcc.edu/computer-science to learn more, or get information on getting started at www.llcc.edu/new. There’s still time to enroll before the spring semester begins Jan. 13. LLCC Student Services and Bookstore are offering extended hours for spring registration on the Springfield campus: Tuesday-Thursday, Jan. 7-9, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
If you have additional questions, reach out to LLCC’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department at 217-786-2386, and we can set up a time to discuss your options. Computer science is an exciting choice for training and education, and we would be happy to help you get started on reaching your goal.