Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Education at College of San Mateo

College of San Mateo (CSM) sits in the San Mateo hills and presents picturesque panoramic views, lush greenery and classic architecture.  Its day, evening and weekend students enroll in a wide variety of transfer and career programs.     Established in 1922, the college offers traditional semester-long and short courses throughout the spring, summer and fall at highly affordable enrollment fees. Accelerated and online classes, along with telecourses, are available as well.  CSM provides a vibrant student life, with more than 40 student clubs and organizations. By participating in student government, students have ample opportunity to develop leadership skills.  Additionally, the college's athletic teams afford competition at the highest community college level.  Many student-athletes continue at four-year institutions on scholarship.  Several have gone on to play professionally.  To ensure a quality experience for its approximately 11,000 students, CSM's comprehensive student support services include childcare, career/job services, counseling and financial aid.

The Computer and Information Science (CIS) Program  offers extraordinary career opportunities to individuals with English language fluency, solid keyboarding skills, and a desire to work with computers on a daily basis.  Students in the CIS program primarily use PC microcomputers and receive the finest training and experience available in areas such as programming, data communications, applications development, network support, end-user support, and hardware/systems support.  This training is intended to lead to computing industry employment, transfer to a baccalaureate institution for continued study in the field, and to provide advanced study for computing professionals.  Career opportunities include applied scientist, communications technician, computer maintenance technician, computer operator, data base specialist, documentation specialist, information specialist, Local Area Network (LAN) administrator, PC specialist, programmer, software engineer, software technician, systems analyst, systems test engineer, technician support representative, and as sales personnel skilled in marketing methods for computer systems.  While some students secure employment following completion of the A.S. degree or Certificate programs, many transfer to four-year universities to complete a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field.  For more information, please call (650) 574-6693, see our faculty or email.

The Digital Media Program offers hands-on career training and transfer courses in Graphic Design, Broadcast & Electronic Media, Multimedia/Web Design, and Journalism. Students choose an emphasis from among the Digital Media majors.  While there is an emphasis on artistic creativity in this program, it also includes ICT-related technical knowledge and skills.  For more information, please call (650) 574-6228 or email.

The Electronics Technology Program prepares students for entry-level employment as electronics technicians and, with additional general education coursework, for transfer to a baccalaureate institution.  Entry-level employment opportunities exist in many segments of the electronics industry in the greater Bay Area.  Companies involved with circuit design and fabrication; computer construction, installation, and support; component manufacturing; high-tech transportation; aerospace systems; automated process control; and consumer electronics offer program graduates opportunities for entry-level employment.  Career opportunities in electronics include work as an engineering aide, technician, or manager.  These individuals are involved with design, manufacturing, sales, or service of a wide range of products.   Electronics is one of the largest and fastest growing career fields in Northern California, with more significant growth expected over the next decade.  Most Electronics Technology majors specialize in a particular area, such as communications systems, computer and digital systems, microwave, medical electronics, manufacturing, or precision instruments.  The program has numerous AS Degree and Certificate options.  For more information, call (650) 574-6228 or email.

Engineering is the art of applying scientific and mathematical principles, experience, judgment, and common sense to make things that benefit people.  Engineers design products such as cars, computers, medical equipment, bridges, and robots as well as processes and systems for manufacturing, the clean-up of toxic spills, mass transit, and communications.  The engineering program prepares students to transfer into a bachelor's degree program.  Students take a core of math and science classes along with the engineering classes appropriate for their transfer goals.  Engineering at CSM provides:  small class size, faculty dedicated to teaching and advising, a start in engineering without the need to declare a specific major, transfer guidance, pre-college work in math, English, and the sciences for students who did not complete , or who need a review of, high school work, and access to technology programs for supplemental work or as an alternate career path.  Students have 3 AS Degree and a variety of course options. For more information, please call (650) 574-6617 or email.

Graphics is a highly technical yet craft- and art-related major that prepares students for careers in the visual communications industry.  Although much of the work created by graphic artists is concerned with the design and digital preparation of artwork for print, graphic artists with the right software skills and training are now finding a wide variety of new outlets for their talents.  Specific career opportunities, some of which may require a B.A. or further training beyond that available at CSM, include production artist, graphic artist, illustrator, graphic designer, desktop publisher, digital pre-press operator, art director, animator, multimedia designer, web designer, web production artist, and creative director.  An AA degree, a Certificate of Achievement and a variety of courses are available.  For more information, call (650) 574-6278 or email.

Business programs are designed to prepare students for employment in specific careers.  They emphasize business skills for immediate employment.  General courses provide a background for promotion in chosen occupational areas.  Students planning to complete a four-year degree in these areas should consult the catalog of the college or university to which they plan to transfer.  The Business Program offers two AA Degree and two Certificate of Achievement options in Business Information Processing.  For more information, call (650) 574-6668 or email.