Choose a Pathway in Technology

Our programs of study cover programming languages, systems and database development, data analytics, hardware and software support, cybersecurity, and networking to prepare you for employment and further education.  

With available scholarships, an education that prepares you to earn industry certifications and knowledgeable faculty with real-world experience, Lakeland's IT&CS programs are built for your success. Your first step is to apply today!

Visit our catalog listings for detailed program curriculum.

• Application programming and web development encompasses the essential skills to create, design, code, test and launch custom software applications and responsive websites for optimal user experience and business solutions.
• Computer information technology explores in-demand IT&CS careers spanning data analytics, cybersecurity, application development and operating systems & networking.
• Computer science and software engineering dives deep into algorithmic thinking, software design, and critical technologies to develop innovative applications. Computer scientists tackle complex computational problems and shape the future of technology across all industries.
• Cybersecurity uses advanced techniques to protect networks, devices and sensitive data from evolving cyber threats.
• Data analytics transforms raw data into actionable insights using advanced tools and techniques, preparing for high-growth careers in business intelligence, predictive modeling and data-driven decision-making.
• IT support analyst masters essential troubleshooting skills, network management and customer service techniques, paving the way for advanced roles in system administration, cybersecurity and cloud computing.
• Operating systems/Networking empowers professionals to orchestrate modern IT infrastructure, master system administration, network security and infrastructure optimization for resilient, high-performance business computing systems.

The Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathways (OGTP) provide a clear pathway from associate degree completion and then to bachelor's degree completion in a related major.

• Associate of Arts in information systems
• Associate of Arts in information technology
• Associate of Science in computer science

Lakeland's IT certificate programs can help launch your career or upgrade your existing job skills. Our certificates can be earned while working to earn your full associate degree program as well.

• Computer user certificate
• IT foundations certificate
• IT specialist certificate - Choose your focus area
  • Data analytics
  • Database systems
  • IT support
  • Operating systems
  • Python and Oracle
  • Web development
• IT professional certificate - Choose your focus area
  • Web concepts
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data analytics
  • Software system design

Learn more about certificates.

Lakeland's IT&CS programs will prepare you to earn a variety of industry certifications. These certifications are designed to demonstrate your competency in certain technologies that are universally recognized. Depending on your program of study, our courses can prepare you for certifications for:

• Google IT Support*

  *Google IT Support Professional Certificate can be earned in two semesters while on track to a Lakeland degree or certificate.

• CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+
• Red Hat
• Oracle

Learn more about our industry certifications.

Lakeland was awarded a Choose Ohio First grant for scholarships in all IT&CS programs at Lakeland. New students are eligible to earn this merit-based scholarship up to $5000 per year.

Additionally, a variety of Lakeland scholarships and third-party scholarships are available to help you manage the cost of your college education.

Visit our financial aid scholarship page for more information.

Application Programming & Web Development

An application programmer/web developer designs, creates, and maintains software applications and websites.

As the creative architect of the digital age, you will:

• Design and build software applications and websites
• Write, test and debug code in various programming languages
• Create user-friendly interfaces and interactive features
• Ensure applications work across different devices and platforms
• Collaborate with designers and other developers on projects
• Stay current with emerging technologies and coding practices

This field is a great fit for creative problem-solvers who enjoy bringing ideas to life through code. You'll combine technical skills with creativity to craft the apps and websites people use every day. Our growing digital presence is constantly shaping how we interact with technology, from mobile apps to complex web applications. That's where app programmers and web developers come in.

• Principles of IT&CS
• Programming logic using Python
• HTML programming
• SQL programming and database design
• Java/Android programming
• Javascript programming
• PHP programming
• Introduction to user experience design
• Ethics in IT
• Basic security knowledge

• Application designer
• Computer programmer
• Digital designer
• Mobile application developer
• Software developer
• Software engineer
• Web developer

Graduates will earn their Associate of Applied Business degree.

View our application programming & web development curriculum and requirements.

Apply to Lakeland today in a few easy steps!

If you have any questions or would like to speak with our expert faculty about this program, contact us any time.

Computer Information Technology Associate of Technical Studies Degree

Our Associate of Technical Studies Degree in Computer Information Technology program is perfect if you love technology but aren't sure which specific area to focus on.

You'll start with core IT concepts, then explore various specializations like network support, software development, web design, and data analysis. Many courses prepare you for industry certifications, boosting your skillset and resume all at once.

This versatile degree opens doors to tech careers or further education. Ready to shape your future in technology?

• Principles of IT&CS
• Operating systems skills and techniques
• Systems analysis & design
• Network+ and network essentials
• Supporting client operating systems
• Programming logic

This program will not only prepare you for one specific career or job path, but gives you the skills you need to excel across the industry as you refine your specialty.

Graduates will earn their Associate of Technical Studies degree.

View our computer information systems curriculum and requirements.

Apply to Lakeland today in a few easy steps!

If you have any questions or would like to speak with our expert faculty about this program, contact us any time.

Computer Science & Software Engineering

Software engineers are the architects of the digital world.

They design, develop and maintain the software that runs our smartphones, manages our businesses, and even controls critical infrastructure.

The traits of a successful software engineer are typically:

1. Analytical and logical
2. Creative problem-solver
3. Detail-oriented
4. Excellent communicator
5. Lifelong learner

These professionals thrive on challenges, turning complex problems into elegant solutions. They work on everything from mobile apps to operating systems, often collaborating with teams to bring ideas to life.

For those who enjoy puzzles, continuous learning, and seeing their creations make a real-world difference, software engineering offers a rewarding and dynamic career path. It's a field where creativity meets logic, and where your work can truly change the world.

Students of Lakeland's Computer Science & Software Engineering program will encounter a variety of topics, programming languages and concepts that will prepare you for the professional world.

• Data retrieval
• File management (organize, file and store)
• Hardware architecture and design
• Operating systems history and concepts
• Software tools and packages

• Logic and problem solving
• Programming skills in multiple languages

• Data structures and volatile data storage
• Numeracy (understanding and working with numbers)
• Software engineering

• Decision making
• Presentation preparation
• Report writing
• Understand core business functions and how information technology interrelates with business

• Software analysts
• Computer programmers
• Computer systems analysts
• Software developers
• Software developer, quality assurance analyst and tester

Graduates will earn their Associate of Applied Business degree.

View our computer science & software engineering curriculum and requirements.

Apply to Lakeland today in a few easy steps!

If you have any questions or would like to speak with our expert faculty about this program, contact us any time.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity specialists are the digital guardians of our interconnected and high-tech world.

As a security specialist, you will protect organizations from cyber threats by:

1. Monitoring networks for suspicious activity
2. Investigating security breaches
3. Implementing protective measures like firewalls and encryption
4. Educating staff on best security practices
5. Staying ahead of evolving threats and hacking techniques

Lakeland's Cybersecurity program is approved by InfraGard, the FBI's premier public/private partnership dedicated to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people.

This growing field is perfect for problem-solvers who love technology and have a knack for spotting patterns. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, these professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data, financial systems and even national security. It's a dynamic career where you're always learning and facing new challenges.

Use the CyberSeek Career Pathway Tool to help visualize all the ways you can enter a career in cybersecurity.

Lakeland Community College is proud to be designated by the Department of Homeland Security/ National Security Agency as a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE). The mission of the CAE program is to promote post-secondary education and research in the field of cybersecurity.

• Emphasize the importance of computer ethics, security, and privacy and identify affected areas.
• Provide training in basic IT security for technologists in relevant fields.
• Explore technical, legal, and ethical issues associated with information security.
• Develops students' ability to analyze and resolve data and network vulnerabilities.
• Explain cyber/computer forensic analysis.
• Further explore technical, legal, and ethical issues associated with information security.
• Provide an introduction to the core security concepts and skills needed to monitor, detect, analyze and respond to cybercrime, cyberespionage, insider threats, advanced persistent threats, regulatory requirements, and other cybersecurity issues facing organizations.
• Identify the causes of network security problems.

• Information security analyst
• Information security engineer
• Digital forensics analyst
• Security management specialist
• Computer network architect
• Security analyst
• IT security analyst
• Computer network support specialist

Visit Lakeland's own professor Nick DiTirro's Back from the Ether YouTube channel for videos about cybersecurity.

Graduates will earn their Associate of Applied Business degree.

View our cybersecurity curriculum and requirements.

Apply to Lakeland today in a few easy steps!

If you have any questions or would like to speak with our expert faculty about this program, contact us any time at cybersecurity@lakelandcc.edu.

Data Analytics

Data analysts specialize in uncovering valuable insights hidden within vast amounts of information.

• Collect and organize large datasets
• Use statistical tools and programming languages to analyze data
• Create visualizations to make complex information understandable
• Identify trends and patterns to guide business decisions
• Communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders

This role is ideal for those who love puzzles, have a knack for numbers and enjoy finding meaning in chaos. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decisions, data analysts help to shape strategies across industries. It's a field where curiosity and analytical skills can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and real-world impact.

Students of Lakeland's Data Analytics program will encounter a variety of topics, programming languages and concepts that will prepare you for the professional world.

• Understand the hardware and software used in a network
• Use data analytics and visualization software such as PowerBI, Tableau, and others
• Perform computer maintenance and optimization
• Gain a strong understanding of Microsoft Excel

• Carry out systems analysis and design
• Conduct statistical analysis
• Use logic and problem-solving
• Utilize programming languages for statistical analysis and data visualization
• Write basic reports using Structured Query Language, R, Python, and more

• Execute Structured Query Language (SQL) commands
• Export and import large data sets
• Utilize database design theory in database implementation

• File management (file organization and storage)
• Knowledge of different operating systems
• Knowledge of networking protocols
• Support various environments

• Decision making
• Leadership
• Presentation preparation
• Project Management
• Set up and maintain documentation and standards
• Plan growth and change (capacity planning)
• Understand core business functions and how information technology interrelates with business

• Computer and information research scientists
• Operations research analysts
• Market research analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Healthcare data analyst
• Bioinformatics Scientists
• Biostatisticians

Graduates will earn their Associate of Applied Business degree.

View our data analyst curriculum and requirements.

Apply to Lakeland today in a few easy steps!

If you have any questions or would like to speak with our expert faculty about this program, contact us any time.

IT Support Analyst

To keep our digital world running smoothly, we rely on tech-savvy troubleshooters and their support teams. This is where IT support analysts, also known as computer support specialists, come in.

The role of an IT support analyst includes:

• Providing technical assistance to computer users
• Diagnosing and solving hardware and software problems
• Setting up and maintaining computer systems and networks
• Training users on new technologies and software
• Managing IT resources and ensure system security

This role is a great fit for those who enjoy problem-solving, have excellent communication skills and stay current with evolving technologies. Our world relies heavily on working technology, and these specialists play a crucial role in maintaining productivity and efficiency. It's a dynamic field where you'll constantly learn new skills and help others navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape.

• Principles of IT&CS
• Network + and network essentials
• IT support fundamentals I, II
• Supporting client operating systems
• Operating systems skills and techniques
• Programming logic
• Managing computer hardware
• SQL programming and database design
• Managing computer software
• IT project management
• Security awareness
• IT&CS capstone
• Microsoft Excel skills & techniques
• Cloud computing

• Google IT Support Professional Certificate when completing ITIS 1027, 1028, and 1030
• CompTIA Network + after taking ITON 1205, and preparing for and taking the exam
• CompTIA A+ after taking ITIS 1050 and ITIS 1051, and preparing for and taking the exam 

• Computer user support specialist
• Computer network support specialist
• Computer systems analyst
• Network and computer systems sdministrato
• Help desk technician
• IT specialist
• Desktop support technician
• IT support specialist
• Support lead
• IT support technician
• Technical support specialist
• Field service technician

Education requirements vary for IT support analysts. Entry level positions typically require the completion of college IT certificates, an associate degree or relevant IT industry certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+). Some larger companies may also require a bachelor's degree.

Graduates will earn their Associate of Applied Business degree.

View our IT support analyst curriculum and requirements.

Apply to Lakeland today in a few easy steps!

If you have any questions or would like to speak with our expert faculty about this program, contact us any time.

Operating Systems & Networking

Network and systems administrators are the backbone of an organization's IT infrastructure.

You'll analyze, plan and carry out secuity measures and best practices to protect your organization's computer network and systems. Duties include:

• Design, install, and maintain computer networks and systems
• Ensure the smooth operation of servers, routers, and other network devices
• Implement security measures to protect against cyber threats
• Troubleshoot network and system issues
• Manage user accounts and access permissions
• Plan and execute system upgrades and expansions

This path is ideal for tech enthusiasts who enjoy working with both hardware and software. You'll thrive by utilizing your problem-solving skills, attention to detail and ability to adapt to new technologies. As businesses become increasingly reliant on robust and secure networks, those who maintain the operating systems and networking play a critical role in keeping organizations connected and productive.

Lakeland Community College is proud to be designated by the Department of Homeland Security/ National Security Agency as a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE). The mission of the CAE program is to promote post-secondary education and research in the field of cybersecurity.

• Develops students' ability to analyze and resolve data and network vulnerabilities.
• Emphasize the importance of computer ethics, security, and privacy and identify affected areas.
• Explore technical, legal, and ethical issues associated with information security.
• Helps students prepare for Security + certification.
• Introduce students to a general networking environment.
• Provide students with an understanding of Internet concepts and terminology along with Internet tools, networking, and security issues.
• Provide the knowledge/techniques necessary for the design, implementation, configuration, administration, and troubleshooting a basic network at an introductory level. The knowledge is based on providing students with an understanding of the technology, while the techniques come from applying that knowledge via evaluation of issues, and the collection, analyzing, and interpretation of how the technology can be used.
•  Provide training in basic IT security for technologists in relevant fields.

• Network and computer systems administrators
• Computer network support specialists
• Network administrators

Graduates will earn their Associate of Applied Business degree.

View our operating systems and networking curriculum and requirements.

Apply to Lakeland today in a few easy steps!

If you have any questions or would like to speak with our expert faculty about this program, contact us any time.

IT&CS Certificate Programs

Lakeland's IT&CS certificate programs can help launch your career or upgrade your existing job skills. Our certificates can be earned while working to earn your full associate degree program as well.

This certificate is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of positions requiring fundamental information technology knowledge and skills. It also fulfills one of the designated steps leading to completion for several IT degree concentrations.

This certificate program builds upon previous information technology foundational skills by providing core competencies as well as breadth and depth in specific focus areas.  It is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of positions requiring more specialized computer knowledge and skills.  It also fulfills one of the designated steps leading to completion for all of the IT degree concentrations.

This certificate builds upon previous information technology proficiency skills by providing professional competencies as well as an additional breadth and depth. It is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of positions requiring a professional level of computer knowledge and skills. It also fulfills one of the designated steps leading to completion for all of the IT degree concentrations.

The Associate of Technical Studies degree in computer information technology will prepare graduates for career objectives requiring more than one computer-related specialization. Specializations can be combined from within, but not limited to, areas such as computer network support, computer user support, computer programming, data information analysis and media studies. Available courses include those that prepare for industry certification from Cisco, CompTIA, Google, Microsoft and Oracle.

Learn more about all of our degree offerings.

Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity Education

Lakeland Community College is proud to be designated by the Department of Homeland Security/ National Security Agency as a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE). The mission of the CAE program is to promote post-secondary education and research in the field of cybersecurity.

• Operating Systems/Networking Concentration (validated spring 2022)
  • Program Learning Outcomes:
    • Develops students' ability to analyze and resolve data and network vulnerabilities.
    • Emphasize the importance of computer ethics, security, and privacy and identify affected areas.
    • Explore technical, legal, and ethical issues associated with information security.
    • Helps students prepare for Security + certification.
    • Introduce students to a general networking environment.
    • Provide students with an understanding of Internet concepts and terminology along with Internet tools, networking, and security issues.
    • Provide the knowledge/techniques necessary for the design, implementation, configuration, administration, and troubleshooting a basic network at an introductory level. The knowledge is based on providing students with an understanding of the technology, while the techniques come from applying that knowledge via evaluation of issues, and the collection, analyzing, and interpretation of how the technology can be used.
    •  Provide training in basic IT security for technologists in relevant fields.
• Cybersecurity Concentration (validated spring 2024)
  • Program Learning Outcomes:
    • Emphasize the importance of computer ethics, security, and privacy and identify affected areas.
    • Provide training in basic IT security for technologists in relevant fields.
    • Explore technical, legal, and ethical issues associated with information security.
    • Develops students' ability to analyze and resolve data and network vulnerabilities.
    • Explain cyber/computer forensic analysis.
    • Further explore technical, legal, and ethical issues associated with information security.
    • Provide an introduction to the core security concepts and skills needed to monitor, detect, analyze and respond to cybercrime, cyberespionage, insider threats, advanced persistent threats, regulatory requirements, and other cybersecurity issues facing organizations.
    • Identify the causes of network security problems.

• Lakeland Help Desk: technical support and self-help articles for students
• Student Resources/Information for Antivirus and Security Suites
• National Cybersecurity Student Association: Lakeland is currently establishing a chapter of the National Cybersecurity Student Association. If you wish to join or participate, please contact Nicholas Di-Tirro at nditirro@lakelandcc.edu for more information.
• The National Cyber League: for more information, contact David Durkee at ddurkee@lakelandcc.edu

• Nicholas A. DiTirro, Ph.D.
  nditirro@lakelandcc.edu
  440.525.7467
• Tony Slabicki, Ph.D.
  tslabicki@lakelandcc.edu
  440.525.7488
• Cybersecurity Information
  cybersecurity@lakelandcc.edu

Cybersecurity Degree Programs

Jobs in cybersecurity are in demand, and Lakeland's programs are designed specifically to meet workforce needs. Degrees and certificates are available in both cybersecurity and Cisco network security.

• Contact us at cybersecurity@lakelandcc.edu with any questions.
• View a short presentation on Lakeland's cybersecurity program.
• Don't wait, apply now! Our application fee is waived for all semester applicants.
• Are you a current student interested in majoring in cybersecurity? Contact the counseling and advising center to talk to a counselor!

A needs analysis was recently performed which showed the demand for a cybersecurity program at Lakeland Community College. There were over 500 job postings in this field in one year in the Cleveland region. Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on jobs pertaining to information security analysts indicates a 28 percent growth in this area through 2026, which is faster than average.

• Associate of Applied Business Cybersecurity Concentration
• IT Professional Certificate with Cybersecurity Focus

Network security protects the usability and integrity of networks and data, including both hardware and software technologies. Effective network security aims to manage access to a network by targeting a variety of threats and stopping them from entering or spreading on a network. Digitization has changed how we live, work and learn. Every organization needs security to help protect information for customers and employees.

• Associate of Applied Science Cisco Network Security Concentration
• Cisco Network Security Certificate

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER SCIENCE Programs of Study

• Current Course Schedule
• Course Descriptions
• Curriculum
  • Degrees
    • Application programming and web development
    • Computer information technology
    • Computer science and software engineering
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data analytics
    • IT support specialist
    • Operating systems/Networking
  • Certificates
    • Computer Users Certificate
    • IT Foundations Certificate
    • IT Specialist Certificate
    • IT Professional Certificate (including focus areas in cybersecurity & data analytics)
  • Degrees for Transfer
    • AA in Computer Information Systems
    • AA in Computer Information Technology
    • AS in Computer Science

IT&CS Fund for Graduating Students

Are you an IT&CS student getting ready to graduate? (This is only available to IT&CS Students identified by their declared major). The IT&CS department, lead by the faculty, are here to help.

There is a fund, managed by the Lakeland Foundation that will pay your graduation application fees. You need to complete some paperwork in order to take advantage of the opportunity.

It is extremely important that you meet the Due Dates to complete all of the required paperwork and meetings as indicated below:

• Fall graduates (certificate and degree): DEADLINE: Thursday at Noon of Week #6 FALL Semester
• Spring and Summer graduates (certificate and degree): DEADLINE: Thursday at Noon of Week #6 of SPRING semester.

1. Print out the "Counselor Visitation Form" and (DEGREE students only, optional) the "Pledge of the Computing Professional" application. These are available in the above links as well as at lakelandcc.edu/itcs.
2. Fill out both forms
3. Go to the Counseling Center and pick up an application for graduation. 
4. Completely and accurately fill out the application for graduation.
   • NOTE: Your degree is Associate of Applied Business with a concentration in one of the Information Technology and Computer Science areas listed. Your certificate is listed under the Business Technologies area. Accurately list your degree or your application may be rejected by the college or you will have to pay additional fees.
5. Make an appointment with an academic counselor. Once your meeting is completed, have the counselor sign the "Counselor Visitation Form"
6. All the forms need to be submitted to your instructor for ITIS2890 (IT&CS Capstone Course) or the IT&CS Administrative Assistant.

When you've submitted your forms, they will be taken to the Lakeland Foundation office for payment and back through the college for additional processing.

This is only for declared IT&CS majors. 

Thanks to the IT&CS faculty, the Lakeland Foundation, and the Lakeland community for their support of this initiative.

Please contact the Lakeland Foundation directly and ask about about the following funds/scholarships:

• The Fund for IT&CS Students
• Judith A. Mazzeo Memorial Endowed Scholarship
• Richard Tomchak Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Your information has been received and we are looking forward to seeing you at the Hour of Code Dec. 4, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. 

Pleae contact Professor Jennifer Crissman with any questions at jcrissman@lakelandcc.edu or 440.525.7267.

Need directions? View a map to campus here.

Your information has been submitted, and we will be in contact to give you more information about the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

Please contact Sue Baker with any questions at sbaker@lakelandcc.edu.

We have received your information and will contact you with a reminder email and any other information relating to this event.

IT Mashup takes place Tuesday, March 24 from 4-6 p.m. in U-119 (Holden University Center).

Please contact us with any questions, and view our campus map for parking and building locations.

Information Technology & Computer Science

Do you have a question that isn't on our list below? Contact us any time or feel free to reach out to our program directors for more information about our IT&CS programs.

Great question!  People who are in the field of information systems work as the bridge between technology and people.  Information technology focuses on helping people utilize and make sense of that system

AS, Associate of Science and AA, Associate of Arts prepare a student for transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue their bachelor's degree.

AAB, Associates of Applied Business are "career" programs which prepare students for employment.

No.

Lakeland's IT&CS AAB programs prepare students with the knowledge and skills to be hired in their field of study. Oftentimes, IT&CS employers will pay for tuition toward earning a bachelor's degree if the employee wishes to pursue additional education later.

An IT certification is a recognized benchmark mapped to a specific skill set based on standardized testing. A certification demonstrates your dedication, motivation and technical knowledge on a specific platform and can make you more marketable.

Here are the professors in charge of our degree programs

Data Analytics

• Jen Crissman (jcrissman@lakelandcc.edu)

Programming Software & Web Development

• Joe Kozlevcar (jkozlevcar@lakelandcc.edu)
• Perry Tonni (ptonni@lakelandcc.edu)

End-User Support

• Sue Baker (sbaker@lakelandcc.edu)

Cybersecurity

• Nick DiTirro (nditirro@lakelandcc.edu)

Operating Systems and Network

• Nick DiTirro (nditirro@lakelandcc.edu)
• Tony Slabicki (tslabicki@lakelandcc.edu)

Computer Science

• Becky Grasser (bgrasser@lakelandcc.edu)