FROM THE MAGAZINE
Redefining Tech Education
“It’s not that we use technology, we live technology.” - Godfrey Reggio
At Lake Area Technical College, their Computer Information Systems (CIS) program lives this motto every day, believing that each discipline intentionally works together to reflect how technology teams function in the real world.
“In today’s careers, developers don’t work without understanding the servers their software runs on, designers don’t work without considering how technology supports their designs, and IT professionals need to understand the applications and systems they’re securing,” states Amber LaPrairie, Computer Information Systems instructor. “We built that crossover into our curriculum from the start. This approach mirrors real-world teams and prepares students to step into professional environments already understanding how their role fits into the bigger picture.”
It is this dynamic that sets Lake Area’s CIS program apart.
“Many colleges offer software, design, or IT programs, but they often operate in isolation. In our program, students learn how these areas work together to solve real problems, just like they would in the workplace,” Amber notes.
As part of the CIS program, students can choose from three distinct, yet collaborative degree options — each focusing on a different technology area while working closely together.
Software Development and Database Administration focuses on understanding and building the technology that powers modern applications and systems. Students learn multiple programming languages, web and application development, database design, and version control for team-based projects.
According to Amber, Software Development and Database Administration is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, logic, and how things work behind the scenes.
“Graduates are prepared for careers such as software developer, web developer, and database administrator.”
Secondly, students can choose to pursue Graphic Design that blends creativity and technology. Students learn visual design for print and digital media, branding, motion graphics, video production, and web design.
Under the Graphic Design discipline, the curriculum is tailored for those who enjoy visual communication, storytelling, and brand-building. Graduates often pursue careers as graphic designers, marketing or social media designers, or
web designers.
Networking and Cyber Security rounds out the degree options with a focus on building, securing and managing modern computer networks while defending against digital threats. Students spend a large portion of their time in hands-on labs, working with real enterprise-level networking hardware and security environments.
“Networking and Cyber Security is designed for students who are interested in how technology operates at the infrastructure level,” Amber shares.
With this degree, students typically move into fields such as systems administrator and network administrator, IT support specialist, Cyber Security analyst, or cloud support technician.
“All three degree options are designed for students who want a fast, practical path into a technology career,” Amber states. “Our programs are accelerated, allowing students to complete their degree in two years, while still gaining the hands-on experience and technical depth often associated with four-year programs.”
A perfect example of the program’s collaboration amongst its degree offerings is its new Capstone Experience, where students from each specialty are placed on cross-disciplinary teams.
“Together they develop real-world solutions that include branding and visual identity, custom software/database applications, and the supportive IT infrastructure,” Amber explains. “This approach not only builds strong technical skills, but also emphasizes communication, teamwork, and problem-solving across disciplines, skills that are critical in today’s workforce. By the time they graduate, they don’t just have technical skills, they have experience working as part of a team, which is exactly what employers are looking for.”
And thanks to programs like CIS at Lake Area with an accelerated, two-year structure and flexible hybrid options, students are able to enter the workforce quickly, while still gaining real, hands-on experience.