From code
to creative
to systems
OUR Computer Information Systems PROGRAM at a glance
100% PLACEMENT
RATE
Students who are employed within 6 months of graduation
$49,836.80 Average salary after 6 months of employment
4 MONTH ROI Months to earn the cost of college education
9 JOB
OPPORTUNITIES
posted to our job board in Style & Design

Computer Information Systems

Lake Area Tech’s Computer Information Systems program prepares you for a range of careers across today’s technology landscape. With three specialization options, you can focus your training while building a strong foundation in how systems are developed, managed, and maintained.

Students gain experience in areas such as software development, web design, database management, networking, security, and digital media. This range of skills opens the door to roles including developer, systems administrator, security specialist, designer, and more, across industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and business.

Small class sizes provide direct access to instructors and hands-on learning in modern lab environments. The program stays current by integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, scripting and automation, and industry-standard creative tools, helping you stay aligned with what employers are actually using.

Whether you plan to join an established organization or build something of your own, the program gives you the technical knowledge and flexibility to move forward with confidence.

If you’re considering continuing your education, tools like Transferology make it easy to understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your transfer options with confidence.

 Lake Area Technical College’s computer Information Systems degree offers three two year specializations, networking and cybersecurity, software development and database administration, and graphic design and digital communications. As a networking and cybersecurity specialist, you will learn about ethical hacking, penetration testing, and complete industry standard certifications, all while using cutting edge hardware and software. As a software development and database administration specialist, you’ll become a full stack developer learning 11 different programming languages, all while applying Agile and Scrum project management methodologies. Finally, as a graphic design and digital communication specialist, you’ll receive professional training in nearly the entire industry standard Adobe Creative Cloud software. You will learn web design and deployment, video, audio and motion graphics production and print design and processes. This is only a glance of the hands-on project based learning you will experience.

Computer Information Systems Program Outcomes

  1. Research and plan for “real world” applications involving networking, programming, visual communications, and security.
  2. Determine and implement a solution to an encountered problem dealing with networking, programming, visual communications, and/or security.
  3. Present a team solution to a group.
  4. Complete a checklist of necessary skills within a student’s field of study (networking, programming, visual communications, security).
  5. Demonstrate punctuality and attendance as related to the attendance policy.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a team.
  7. Demonstrate integrity as related to the policy on cheating and professional conduct.
  8. Communicate in a professional manner.
  9. Follow written and verbal instruction.
  10. Document accurately and clearly.
  11. Stay current with changing technology.

Articulation agreements:




Choose from the following options:

Degree Pairings

Explore relevant classes and certificates below to see how they can increase hirability post-graduation.

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate

Computer Information Systems+ Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate

There is a fast-growing demand for workers who can operate and maintain uncrewed aircraft systems in our region. The Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate coursework will equip students with the necessary skills to be employed as uncrewed aerial system operators/pilots and technicians. Graduates will learn the laws and ethical procedures for operating Uncrewed Aerial Systems and will have the knowledge and skills to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificated Remote Pilot (Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate). Beginning fall 2025, Uncrewed Aerial Systems is an 18-credit, two-semester certificate delivered in a hybrid format with both online and on-campus components.

Course Outline

Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.

Plan your 2026-2027 semesters

Contact an Admissions Representative

Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.

Contact Admissions

Alumni Spotlight

"When telling clients I was educated at Lake Area Tech, they know my education was solid and they can trust my expertise."

Read Taylor Huppler's Story

Computer Information Systems Staff

Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.

Casey Feininger Graphic Design & Digital Communications Instructor / Department Supervisor
Brandon Stangl Networking / Cyber Security Instructor
BJ Bolton Software Development / Database Administration Instructor
Amber LaPrairie Graphic Design & Digital Communications / Software Development Instructor
Turn interest into action.

See what comes next on your path to Lake Area Tech.

Visit Lake Area Tech
Life at Lake Area Tech
Ways to Pay for College
About Watertown