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Computers & IT Systems

Train today for the jobs of tomorrow. Whether your passion is in development or design, engineering or analysis - our programs in Computer Science and Programming give you the backbone for advanced work in the thriving field of technology. 

Degrees & Certificates in Computers & IT Systems

Degrees & Certificates in Computers & IT Systems

APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

All curriculum guides reflect the 2021-22 catalog. Please check the latest catalog and addendum for possible changes.

ASSOCIATE DEGREES
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING - Degree

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING - Degree

This two-year program leads to the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Computer Programming. It is designed to provide students with the necessary information and skills to seek entry-level employment as a computer programmer in a business environment. Graduates will be prepared to assist and/or participate in the software development process of common business applications such as, but not limited to: user interface, database access and manipulation, report generation and web page design.

► Total = 64 Hours

First Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1101 Introduction to Computers (3)
  • CSCI 1260 Intro to .NET Platform Programming (3)
  • ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I 1 (3)
  • MATH 1108 College Algebra 1 (3)
  • WBM 1220 Introduction to HTML (3)
Second Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

  • BUSI 1101 Introduction to Business (3)
  • CSCI 2100 Discrete Structures (3)
  • CSCI 1255 Microsoft Access Database (3)
  • CSCI 1261 Mastering .NET Platform Fundamentals (3)
  • WBM 1222 JavaScript Web Applications (3)
Third Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)

  • ACCO 1101 Principles of Financial Accounting or
    OFTC 1233 Office Accounting (3)
  • WBM 1223 Server Less Web Development (3)
  • CSCI 1257 SQL Server Database Design (3)
  • CSCI 1262 Advanced .NET Platform Development (3)
  • COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
  • PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
Fourth Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1264 Mastering Web Application Development (3)
  • CSCI 1280 Advanced Database Systems (3)
  • CSCI 1290 Special Programming Project or
    COOP 1101 or Cooperative Experience I (4)
  • CSCI 2209 System Analysis and Design (3)
  • WBM 1224 Progressive Web Applications (3)
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES

  • CSCI 1103 Introduction to Programming (C++) (3)
  • CSCI 1104 Introduction to Programming (Java) (4)
  • CSCI 1267 Introduction to Game Programming (3)
  • CSCI 2104 Advanced Programming (4)

1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based test scores.

note icon Students must be able to type 25 words per minute.

COMPUTER SCIENCE - Degree

COMPUTER SCIENCE - Degree

Associate in Science Degree

BUSINESS OPTION

The Computer Science Business Option provides students with the background in business necessary for advanced degrees and/or careers in several areas, including but not limited to business systems programming, computer operations or information systems management, computer networking, systems analysis and web development. A total of 64 hours is required for the Associate in Science Degree. Students are advised to check with the institution to which they are transferring or a Rend Lake College advisor for additional requirements.

► Total = 64 Hours

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1101 Introduction to Computers 1 (3)
  • ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I 1 (3)
  • MATH 1110 Precalculus1 (5)
  • PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  • Elective – Fine Arts (3)
Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 2100 Discrete Structures (3)
  • ECON 2101 Principles of Economics I (3) 
  • ENGL 1102 Rhetoric and Composition II (3)
  • HEA 1101 Health Education (2)
  • MATH 1121 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5)
Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
  • CSCI 1104 Introduction to Programming (4)
  • ECON 2102 Principles of Economics II (3)
  • PHIL 2101 Logic or
    PHIL 2104 Ethics (3)
  • Elective – Physical Science (3)
Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

  • ACCO 1101 Principles of Financial Accounting (4)
  • BIO 1100 Biology for Non-Majors (4)
  • CSCI 2104 Advanced Data Structures (4)
  • MATH 1111 Statistics (4) or
    MATH 2013 Business Statistics (3)
Recommended Electives

Recommended Electives

  • ACCO 1102 Principles of Managerial Accounting (4)
  • Elective - Humanities / Fine Arts (3)

1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

 

SCIENCE OPTION

Designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science. This option provides students with the background in math/science necessary for advanced work in several areas, including but not limited to hardware/software development, software engineering, computer network design, systems analysis and Internet/World Wide Web development. A total of 64 hours is required for the Associate in Science Degree. Students are advised to check with the institution to which they are transferring or a Rend Lake College advisor for any additional requirements.

► Total = 64 Hours (note icon See IT Systems Specialist curriculum for more options in the computer field.)

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I 1 (3)
  • HEA 1101 Health Education (2)
  • MATH 1110 Precalculus 1 (5)
  • PHIL 2101 Logic (3)
  • PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
Second Semester (14 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (14 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 2100 Discrete Structures (3)
  • ENGL 1102 Rhetoric and Composition II (3)
  • Elective - Fine Arts (3) 
  • MATH 1121 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5)
Third Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

  • COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
  • MATH 2122 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (5)
  • PHY 1103 University Physics I (5)
  • CSCI 1104 Introduction to Programming (4)
Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

  • BIO 1101  College Biology (5)
  • ECON 2101 Principles of Economics I (3)
  • CSCI 2104 Advanced Data Structures (4)
  • MATH 2108 Linear Algebra (3)

1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

IT DATABASE SPECIALIST - Degree

IT DATABASE SPECIALIST - Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

The IT Database Specialist is a two-year program designed to provide students with the necessary information and skills to become an IT technician with emphasis on databases. Courses contain a balance of classroom and laboratory activities with modern hardware and up-to-date software. Students who successfully complete this program qualify for a variety of entry-level positions in the computer industry. The program provides a foundation for those who are seeking Cisco, Microsoft, and ComptiaTIA certifications. National competency requirements have been used to develop the curriculum. The knowledge gained from these courses may enable students who are pursuing a four-year degree to capstone into programs at senior-level institutions.

► Total = 66 Hours

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1210 Intro to Networks (5)
  • CNS 1212 Hardware and Operating Systems (5)
  • CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications (3)
  • ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I (3)
Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1234 Linux Networking (3)
  • CNS 1231 Windows Professional (3)
  • CNS 2260 Wireless LAN/WAN (4)
  • CSCI 1255 Microsoft Access Database (3)
  • MATH 1201 Technical Mathematics or 
    MATH 1107 Contemporary College Mathematics (3)
Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1232 Windows Server (3)
  • CNS 1235 Linux Server (4)
  • CSCI 1257 SQL Server Databse Design (3)
  • PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  • OFTC 1234 Communication for Tech Services (3)
Fourth Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 2200 Emerging Technologies (5)
  • COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
  • COOP 1101 Cooperative Education (3)
  • CSCI 1280 Advanced Database Systems (2)
  • Elective (3)
Recommended Electives

Recommended Electives

  • CNS 1207 Fundamentals of Information Security (4)
  • CSCI 2100 Discrete Structures (3)
  • CSCI 2209 System Analysis and Design
IT SECURITY SPECIALIST - Degree

IT SECURITY SPECIALIST - Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

The IT Security Specialist is a two-year program designed to provide students with the necessary information and skills to become an IT technician with an emphasis on security. Courses contain a balance of classroom and laboratory activities with modern hardware and up-to-date software. Students who successfully complete this program qualify for a variety of entry-level positions in the computer industry. The program provides a foundation for those who are seeking Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA certifications. National competency requirements have been used to develop the curriculum. The knowledge gained from these courses may enable students who are pursuing a four-year degree to capstone into programs at senior-level institutions.

► Total = 64 Hours

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1210 Intro to Networks (5)
  • CNS 1212 Hardware and Operating Systems (5)
  • CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications (3)
  • ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I (3)
Second Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1207 Fundamentals of Information Security (4)
  • CNS 1231 Wireless Professional (3)
  • CNS 2260 Wireless LAN/WAN (4)
  • MATH 1201 Technical Mathematics or
    MATH 1107 Contemporary College Mathematics (3)
  • CNS 1234 Linux Networking (3)
Third Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1232 Windows Server (3)
  • CNS 1235 Linux Server (4)
  • CNS 2228 Hacking Techniques and Tools(4)
  • PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  • OFTC 1234 Communications in Tech Service (3)
Fourth Semester (14 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (14 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 2200 Emerging Technologies (5)
  • CNS 2231 Network Security Firewalls and VPNs (3)
  • COOP 1101 Cooperative Education (3)
  • COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
 
OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATES
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING - Certificate

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING - Certificate

Occupational Certificate

PROGRAMMING WITH .NET PLATFORM

This certificate will provide individuals who are in a career transition and/or desiring to improve their knowledge of object-oriented programming a method to document their accomplishments.

► Total = 12 Hours

First Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1260 Introduction to .NET Platform Programming  (3)
Second Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1261 Mastering .NET Platform Fundamentals (3)
Third Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1262 Advanced .NET Platform Development (3)
Fourth Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1264 Mastering Web Application Development (3)
IT SYSTEMS ASSISTANT MICROSOFT USER - Certificate

IT SYSTEMS ASSISTANT MICROSOFT USER - Certificate

Occupational Certificate

Gainful Employment Information

This certificate program prepares students and professionals by concentrating on the Microsoft Office Suite, namely Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Topics covered in these courses help prepare the student for work using the various products as well as participation in the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist exams. Exams are not included in this program.

► Total = 16 Hours

First Semester (Fall) (7 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (Fall) (7 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1102 Intro To Computers With W/Bus Apps (3)
  • CSCI 1263 Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet (3)
  • BUSI 1202 Employability Skills (1)
Second Semester (Spring) (9 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (Spring) (9 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CSCI 1255 Microsoft Access Database (3)
  • CSCI 1275 Microsoft PowerPoint (3)
  • CSCI 2243 Intermediate Microsoft Word (3)

note icon Students must be able to type 25 words per minute.

 

IT SYSTEMS SPECIALIST - Occupational Certificates

The courses listed in the certificates below are included in the IT Systems Specialist degree. Students who successfully complete the degree will also receive all of the certificates. Students must be able to type 25 words per minute for these certificate programs.

COMPUTER NETWORKING - Certificate

COMPUTER NETWORKING - Certificate

The Computer Networking certificate provides students with the necessary information and skills to network computers on both wired and wireless networks. Course objectives will follow CompTIA Network+ certification guidelines. Courses offer a balance of classroom and laboratory activities.

► Total = 14 Hours

note iconClick on a course's code to view details and find seat availability

First Semester (10 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (10 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1210 Intro to Networks (5)
  • CNS 1212 Hardware and Operating Systems (5)
Second Semester (4 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (4 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 2260 Wireless Lan / Wan (4)
CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST - Certificate

CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST - Certificate

Gainful Employment Information

The Cyber Security Specialist certificate provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to detect and mitigate cyber attacks. Students are taught how to understand cyber attack vectors and investigate cyber intrusions, as well as proactive defense methods. Courses offer a balance of classroom and laboratory activities.

► Total = 25 Hours

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

  • CNS 1212 Hardware and Operating Systems (5)
First Semester (10 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (10 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1231 Windows Professional (3)
  • CNS 1234 Linux Networking (3)
  • CNS 1207 Fundamentals of Information Security (4)
Second Semester (7 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (7 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 2228 Hacking Techniques and Tools (4)
  • CNS 1232 Windows Server (3)
Third Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 2231 Network Security Firewalls and VPN (3)
LINUX NETWORKING - Certificate

LINUX NETWORKING - Certificate

The Linux Networking certificate provides students with the necessary information and skills to be able to configure and install Linux-based desktops and servers. Courses offer a balance of classroom and laboratory exercises using Linux virtual machines. Competency requirements identified on a national level have been used to develop the curriculum.

► Total = 12 Hours

First Semester (5 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (5 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1212 Hardware and Operating Systems (5)
Second Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1234 Linux Networking (3)
Third Semester (4 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (4 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1235 Linux Server (4)
PC MAINTENANCE - Certificate

PC MAINTENANCE - Certificate

The PC Maintenance Certificate is designed to provide students with the necessary information and skills to become a computer and network technician and to take the CompTIA A+ certification test. Courses contain a balance of classroom and laboratory activities with modern hardware and up-to-date software. Students completing this program should be qualified for a variety of entry-level positions as a technician and provide a foundation for those seeking to expand their knowledge of networks. Competency requirements identified on a national level have been used to develop the curriculum.

► Total = 8 Hours

First Semester (5 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (5 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1212 Hardware and Operating Systems (5)
Second Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1231 Windows Professional (3)
WINDOWS - Certificate

WINDOWS - Certificate

The Windows Certificate provides students with the necessary information and skills to become a Microsoft Certified Professional. The courses contain a balance of classroom and laboratory activities with modern hardware and up-to-date software. Competency requirements identified on a national level by the Microsoft Corporation are used to direct the curriculum.

► Total = 11 Hours

First Semester (5 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (5 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1210 Intro to Networks (5)
Second Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1231 Windows Professional (3)
Third Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)

  • CNS 1232 Windows Server (3)

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes

Computer Programming

  1. Demonstrate the skills to analyze problems and design effective software solutions.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to create, maintain and deliver software packages.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to create and maintain database system on the desktop and in client-server environments.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to research technical issues and communicate the results to the customer/employer.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to understand business requirements and translate them into technical specifications. 

IT Systems Assistant

  1. Utilize various software to effectively complete a given task.
  2. Formulate an appropriate solution for problems encountered with regards to hardware and/or software.
  3. Produce information from given data as required by the situation or in response to a request.
  4. Articulate concepts, ideas, and/or facts effectively through various forms of communication.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to complete business-related mathematical procedures and basic accounting tasks.

IT Systems Specialist

  1. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and meet customer needs.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to design Local Area Networks (LANs) including router configurations.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to design Wide Area Networks (WANs) including router configurations.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to implement, design, and troubleshoot a computer network with servers and workstations based on customer needs.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot various desktop and server operating systems.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to install, configure, troubleshoot and repair PC hardware.

Articulation

Articulation agreements document a pathway between Rend Lake College and the following schools for the academic program(s) listed. Rend Lake College has entered into articulation agreements with these four-year institutions in order to enable students to transfer smoothly to those institutions provided the agreed-upon coursework is completed. See an Academic Advisor for more information.

 

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Headlines

  • Five pandemic-proof careers

    Five pandemic-proof careers

    INA, Ill. (Aug. 6, 2020) — When shelter-in-place orders took hold in the United States this spring, many jobs were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. From February to April the unemployment rate in the United States jumped from 3.5% to 14.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Illinois, the unemployment rate peaked at 17.2% in April and remained at 14.6% as of June. But as the...
  • RLC offers free Google IT Support course in Fall 2020

    RLC offers free Google IT Support course in Fall 2020

    INA, Ill. (July 9, 2020) — Want an opportunity to break into the information technology industry? Rend Lake College is offering a free Google IT Support Professional online class for interested students residing within the state of Illinois. The class will begin on Sept. 8. CSCI 1237 IT Support Professional is a free 14-week course giving students an introduction to the fundamentals of IT...

Faculty & Staff

Dr. Gabriele Farner
Dr. Gabriele Farner
Dean of Applied Science & Technology
Phone Extension: 1292
Building: Advanced Technology Center
Office: 138
M.S. & B.S., Southern Illinois University
Brad Helm
Brad Helm
Computer Science Professor
Phone Extension: 1814
Building: Advanced Technology Center
Office: 181
B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Chris Edwards
Chris Edwards
Computer Networking Instructor
Phone Extension: 1278
Building: Advanced Technology Center
Office: 184
2016 RLCF ADJUNCT FACULTY OF THE YEAR AWARD | M.S. Liberty University | B.S. Southern Illinois University | A.A.S. Rend Lake College
Taylor Hutchens
Taylor Hutchens
Administrative Assistant | Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone Extension: 1261
Building: Advanced Technology Center
Office: 139
A.A. & A.S., Rend Lake College | A.S., John A. Logan College

Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1261
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Applied Science
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Applied Science


 

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