FROM CODING TO CYBERSECURITY: Luna Prepares Students for IT Careers
Sept 24, 2025
In today’s digital world, computer science drives nearly every industry, and Luna Community College is helping students turn their tech interests into rewarding careers. Through Luna’s Computer Information Systems Technology (CIST) Associate of Applied Science degree and specialized certificate programs, students gain hands-on skills and practical experience in areas like programming, networking, and cybersecurity. “The program prepares students for careers in the rapidly evolving field of information technology,” said Nichole Collins, computer science instructor at Luna. “We focus on both foundational knowledge and real-world application.”
The CIST program offers flexible learning options—students can take classes in person or online—and access to dedicated computer labs and virtual learning environments. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as computer support specialist, systems analyst, and cybersecurity analyst. Students can also earn stackable certificates in Cybersecurity, Computer Information Specialist, and Video Game Design & Development. These credentials can be pursued on their own or alongside the associate degree, giving students a competitive edge in the job market. Luna alumna and current student, Shannon Ortiz, continues to enhance her skills and earn additional credentials while serving as a system network administrator in Luna’s IT Department.
For many, the program has been life-changing. Shannon Ortiz, a 2015 graduate, credits Luna’s computer science program and Collins’ mentorship for sparking her career. “The program opened my eyes to so much more in computers,” Ortiz said. She now works in Luna’s IT Department as a system network administrator specializing in cybersecurity. Interested in exploring the field of technology? Reach out to Nichole Collins at ncollins@luna.edu or 505-454-5371, or stop by TECH 125A. Learn more about Luna’s computer science programs at luna.edu/departments/stem. 7
Pictured from left to right: Luna alumna and current student Amberlyn Garcia, Luna alumna and current student Shannon Ortiz, and CIST instructor Nichole Collins. Together, they represent Luna’s commitment to hands-on learning and career growth in IT.
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