CIS FAQs

The certificate programs do not require the general education requirement classes such Math, Speech, Science and English. They just include the Computer classes in the specified area. They general consist of 5-8 classes (16 – 24 credit hours) depending upon the certificate.

Associate Degree Programs include the general education requirements in addition to the specialized courses in the field of study. They generally consist of about 20 classes with 60-65 credit hours.

Class times are available on myKish.

Fall only classes:

• Networking and CISCO
  • CIS 143 Wireless Networking (Changed from spring only!)
  • CIS 145 Cisco Networking I
  • CIS 147 Cisco Networking III
  • CIS 182 Window Server Fundamentals I
  • CIS 184 Windows Professional Configuration

• Programming and Web
  • CIS 110 Visual Basic Programming
  • CIS 111 Logic and Program Design
  • CIS 115 Internet Fundamentals
  • CIS 118 Foundations of Web Site Development
  • CIS 160 Java Programming I
  • CIS 237 Database Management and SQL

Spring only classes:

• Networking and CISCO
  • CIS 146 Cisco Networking II
  • CIS 148 Cisco Networking IV – CCNA
  • CIS 282 Windows Server II Networking
  • CIS 283 Network Security+
• Programming and Web
  • CIS 105 Introduction to Microsoft Windows (second eight week course)
  • CIS 119 JavaScript
  • CIS 121 Animation–Flash
  • CIS 122 HTML Authoring Software
  • CIS 238 System Analysis and Design (held every other year, will be held spring 2014)
  • CIS 250 C++ Programming II (may be held in the fall depending on demand)
  • CIS 260 Java Programming II
  • CIS 265 Server-side Programming (held every other year, will be held spring 2013)
  • CIS 270 Fundamentals of Linux Administration

If you are new to networking concepts, then Network+, CIS 140 Networking Fundamentals is the best path to take.

If your career goal or current job requirements center on the support of a small office network, then Network+, CIS 140 Networking Fundamentals is the best path to take.

If you already have some exposure to networking and are interested in the configuration of routers, switches and WAN technologies, then the CCNA Cisco program is the route to take.

Since there is much overlap between the first semester Cisco class and the Network+ curriculum, many people get their Network+ certification after taking the first two Cisco classes. You may want to consider this path.

Kishwaukee College provides the training needed to get your certification. Taking the certification tests is separate from the Kishwaukee classes. Most people take the training classes, and then study for a while before taking the tests. Tests are offered at various officially sanctioned certification centers in the area. Kishwaukee College is not a testing center.

In addition, there are academic certificates and a two-year degree in networking with an administration option and a Cisco option. You will be able to obtain Kishwaukee certificates and/or degrees in addition to preparing for industry certification tests.

Unix/Linux

• CIS 170 Introduction to Unix: covers the fundamentals of the Unix operating system. Topics include: file manipulation, various shell commands, scripting, awk, file system structure and the X window Graphical User Interface.
• CIS 270 Fundamentals of Linux Administration: This course is intended for students who have completed "Introduction to UNIX" and want to understand how a multi-user Linux server is administered. Topics to be covered include user/group management, file system management, printer setup, mail setup, simple networking, various network daemon issues, Linux installation and booting, and a general overview of UNIX security issues

Windows

• CIS 184 Window Professional Configuration (Windows 7): A comprehensive overview of the features and functions of Windows 7. Topics include: configuration, security, management, and networking. This course is design to teach you how to support client machines in a network environment.
• CIS 182 Windows Server I: An entry level administration class. Topics include: Installation, Entry level Active Directory, security, storage, backup and performance tuning, user account entry and maintenance, groups, folders and files, internet connectivity and troubleshooting.
• CIS 282 Windows Server II: Covers the skills necessary to install, configure, manage, monitor and troubleshoot Windows 2000 networks. Topics include: DNS, DHCP, remote access, Security, TCP/IP, WINS, NAT and security certificates.

Security

• CIS 283 Network Security +: This course provides a fundamental understanding of network security principles and implementation. Students will learn about the technologies used and principles involved in creating a secure computer networking environment. Topics include: authentication, the types of attacks and malicious code that may be used against networks, the threats and countermeasures for e-mail, Web applications, remote access, and file and print services. A variety of security topologies are discussed as well as technologies and concepts used for providing secure communications channels, secure internet working devices, and network medium. Additional topics include intrusion detection systems, firewalls, physical security concepts, security policies, disaster recovery, and computer forensics.  This class tracks to the CompTIA Security + Exam.

If you have a choice of languages there are several factors that will determine which language you want to take.

If you are planning to transfer and complete a bachelors degree you want to take CIS 150 or CIS 160. Which of the two you plan to take will depend on where you intend to transfer. For instance, NIU requires C++ (CIS 150 and CIS 250) to transfer for the BSAM degree or further work in computer science. If you are considering the University of Illinois at Springfield you need Java (CIS 160 and CIS 260). University of Illinois uses the C++ language so again you would want to take CIS 150 and CIS 250.

If you are fulfilling the programming requirement for the CIS 460 degree with no transfer intent, have never programmed or had trouble grasping the concepts of programming, CIS 110 Visual Basic is a gentler introduction to programming. CIS 110 is not articulated with Illinois Articulation Initiative and therefore the class is more adjustable to match an individual class's grasp of the concepts.