Associate Degree in IT Programs in San Bernardino, California
Getting an Associate Degree in IT in San Bernardino, California
Pursuing an Associate Degree in Information Technology (IT) offers a gateway to a rewarding career in one of the fastest-growing industries. This guide provides an overview of how to earn an IT Associate Degree in San Bernardino, California, including local educational opportunities, prerequisites, and career advancement options. Whether you are starting your journey in IT or seeking to enhance your skills, understanding your options in San Bernardino can help you make an informed decision.
About San Bernardino
San Bernardino, located in the heart of the Inland Empire in Southern California, is home to a diverse community and a growing economy. As the county seat of San Bernardino County, the city boasts landmarks such as the historic Route 66, the San Bernardino National Forest, and the California Theatre of the Performing Arts. For more information about the city, visit the official San Bernardino website.
IT Associate Degree Programs in San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino offers several options for earning an Associate Degree in IT. Below are three notable programs in the area:
San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC)
- Program: Associate of Science (AS) in Information Systems and Technology
- Description: SBVC offers a comprehensive IT program with courses in computer literacy, network fundamentals, and cybersecurity. Students can also pursue certifications such as Information Security and Cyber Defense.
- Location: San Bernardino
- Website: San Bernardino Valley College IT Programs
Chaffey College
- Program: Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems
- Description: Located approximately 20 miles from San Bernardino in Rancho Cucamonga, Chaffey College provides a robust IT curriculum, including database management, programming, and web development.
- Distance from San Bernardino: ~20 miles
- Website: Chaffey College IT Programs
Riverside City College (RCC)
- Program: Associate of Science in Information Systems
- Description: RCC, located about 15 miles from San Bernardino, offers IT programs with specializations in networking and cybersecurity. The college also has transfer agreements with universities for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
- Distance from San Bernardino: ~15 miles
- Website: Riverside City College IT Programs
If these programs are not convenient, consider exploring other nearby community colleges or online IT degree options.
IT Employment Opportunities in San Bernardino
San Bernardino and the surrounding areas host numerous technology-focused companies and organizations. Below are some key employers in the region:
Loma Linda University Health
- Description: A leading healthcare organization in the region, Loma Linda employs IT professionals to manage its complex healthcare information systems.
- Location: Loma Linda (adjacent to San Bernardino)
- Website: Loma Linda University Health Careers
Esri
- Description: Headquartered in nearby Redlands, Esri is a global leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and offers IT roles in software development, data security, and more.
- Location: Redlands (~10 miles from San Bernardino)
- Website: Esri Careers
Amazon Fulfillment Centers
- Description: With multiple facilities in the Inland Empire, Amazon offers IT positions focused on logistics, network management, and systems analysis.
- Location: San Bernardino
- Website: Amazon Careers
These organizations provide a range of opportunities for IT graduates, from entry-level support roles to specialized positions in cybersecurity and networking.
Prerequisites for IT Associate Degree Programs
To enroll in an IT Associate Degree program in San Bernardino, students typically need to meet the following requirements:
- Educational Background: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Placement Tests: Some programs may require assessments in math and English.
- Minimum GPA: Varies by institution, but most schools require a minimum cumulative GPA.
- Technical Skills: While not always mandatory, basic computer literacy is beneficial.
Specific requirements for individual programs, such as those at San Bernardino Valley College, can be found on their official website.
IT Certifications and Career Advancement
Earning certifications alongside an Associate Degree can significantly enhance career prospects. Below are some widely recognized IT certifications to consider:
- CompTIA A+: An entry-level certification that covers foundational IT skills.
- Website: CompTIA A+ Certification
- CompTIA Network+: Focuses on networking concepts and troubleshooting.
- Website: CompTIA Network+ Certification
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): A vendor-specific certification for networking professionals.
- Website: Cisco CCNA Certification
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Ideal for those interested in cloud computing.
- Website: AWS Certification
By combining these certifications with an Associate Degree, graduates can pursue roles such as IT support specialist, systems administrator, or network technician.
Get Started Today
Earning an Associate Degree in IT in San Bernardino, California, is a practical step toward a fulfilling career in technology. With local schools, industry certifications, and employment opportunities readily available, there has never been a better time to start. Contact a school today to learn more about their IT programs and begin your journey toward a successful career in Information Technology.