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Computers & Technology

Charlene Dybas

  • Title: Assistant Professor
  • Phone Extension: 8944
  • Building: O'Connell Hall C-207J

A graduate of Fulton Montgomery Community College with an AA degree; Skidmore College, BS; and received her MS from Russel Sage College. Charlene has taught various courses while at FMCC including Quantitative Business Applications, Business Communications, Principles of Business, Word Processing Applications, Office Software Applications for Business Professionals, Computer Applications, Human Resource Management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Introduction to Sport Management, Career Search, and Career Success.

Charlene is the recipient of the 2021 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Prior to coming to FMCC Charlene worked as a Vice President for a local bank and then a teacher in the Johnstown City School District. She taught courses such as Business Law, Career and Financial Management, Keyboarding, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing.

In addition to teaching, she is the Advisor for the Individual Learning, Collaborative Learning (COCAL) Program through the Business and Community Partnerships Office. As Advisor for the Individual Learning Program, Charlene will meet with students who are looking for a program that is focused on career training that combines off-campus “hands-on” experience with on campus related instruction. Charlene and the students will work together to create the perfect strategy and learning plan to ensure that they will acquire the skills they need to fulfill the job requirements in their chosen field.

Finally, Charlene is the Lead Trainer and coach for the Money Smart Program Grant which provides FMCC students with FREE financial coaching tailored to their specific needs in budgeting, establishing a relationship with banks, starting good savings habits, establishing credit and how to manage it.

Computer Information Systems

  • Program Type: Direct
  • Degree / Certificate Type: AAS

Computer Information Systems AAS

Why study Computer Information Systems AAS at FMCC

This program is structured along the lines of career interests and job skills that are required by students who plan to enter the field of computer information systems. The course work emphasizes practical problem-solving skills, the use of computers, information technology, and written and oral communication skills to achieve a well-rounded computer information systems background.

Apply Now

Request info for this program

Career Pathways

Our region boasts a wide variety of career opportunities with competitive salaries in the computer information systems field. The labor market and employer information are specifically presented for the Amsterdam, Gloversville, Capital District, and the Mohawk Valley regions. Salary information is based on estimates within the Capital District.

Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer.
Labor market data is based on 2021 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)

Some of Our Regional Employers

Our commitment to your career path goes beyond the classroom with continued expansion of hands-on internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities with over 50 regional business and organization exclusive partners, a career network of over 200 regional companies and organizations; plus Annual Job Fairs every Spring semester.

  • CISCO

  • IIT

  • TEK Systems

  • ZONES

  • Fact 1

    62 Credits

    for Computer Information Systems program

  • Fact 2

    #1 PROGRAM

    in the Region in Computer Information Systems according to Alumni

  • Fact 3

    3,000+

    Computer User and Network Support jobs expected in our region in the next 10 years.

Program Insight

Students in the Computer Information Systems program will receive a solid foundation in object-oriented programming, dynamic web pages, application software, networked hardware, and project management. This foundation will allow them to provide solutions using learned IT knowledge and interpersonal skills and will have the ability to adapt to the ever-changing IT industry.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Utilize desktop and internet-based applications to perform advanced end-user tasks.

  • Analyze algorithms, organize data structures, and employ object-oriented and modular programming techniques to successfully code event-driven programs.

  • Design and code dynamic websites using HTML, CSS, and client-side and server-side scripting languages.

  • Configure, troubleshoot and support computers and devices in a networked environment 

  • Maintain professional growth, manage projects, and self-teach within a team environment with appropriate interpersonal skills 

Program Features

State-of-the-Art Computer & Cybersecurity Lab
with up-to-date software, hardware, and computer equipment for hands-on experience.

Hack FMCC Club
a student-run organization created to foster a community of individuals who solve problems through the innovative use of technology and spreads awareness of the rapidly growing software, networking, and cyber-security jobs available.

Project Excite Scholarship
opportunity to receive a $5,000 scholarship, coaching, and job placement assistance upon graduation. Complete application at Project Excite H-1B Grant Program Registration (smartsheet.com).

Experienced Faculty
learn from dedicated professors who have years of experience working in the public and private IT sector.

Internship Opportunities

Students have opportunities for internships in their second year with local and regional IT businesses or departments. Many students receive offers of employment before graduating.

More Info

Dual Admissions Opportunities

Although primarily a direct to work program, you can take advantage of a dual admissions opportunity and be accepted into SUNY Cobleskill’s Bachelors of Technology degree in Information Technology while attending the Computer Information Systems program at SUNY FMCC.

Microcredentials

This program may allow students to earn digital badges which verifies the achievement of in-demand skills and competencies. SUNY FMCC continues to expand opportunities for students to become more marketable to employers.

More Info at Credly

Program Gallery

  • Class5
  • business1
  • business9
  • business13

Course Highlights

Program Course Layout

The Computer Information Systems program offers a variety of unique computer science and information technology courses to help you develop and refine your IT skillset. Here are a few examples.

  • CIS 160 Database Design and Programming

    This course expands on introductory database concepts and explores more powerful applications of database design and management. Students design relational tables, queries, forms and reports, using database software and maintain data dictionaries. Students will apply entity relationships and data normalization. Students will create programs in Structured Query Language (SQL), create stored procedures, and implement Open and Object Linked and Embedded Database Connectivity.

  • CIS 170 Web Site Development

    An Students will develop and manage integrated Web pages, using HTML/XHTML and Web page developing tools. Students will utilize graphics-processing software to incorporate images. Students will construct Web pages using HTML to incorporate text, lists, tables, frames, and hyperlinks and publish to a server in a multi-browser compatible format. There will be an emphasis on writing client-side scripts (JavaScript) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).

  • CIS 256 Data Structures

    This course covers the fundamentals of data structures and software modeling. Topics include modern IDE for software development, design and development of reusable software, software modeling (class diagram, use case, CRC card), introduction to analysis of algorithms, abstract properties, implementation and use of stacks, queues, linked lists, and binary trees, recursion and efficiency of recursive solutions, range of search (sequential, binary), select (min, max, median), and more!

 View Schedule Information

Meet the Faculty

Related Programs

Computer Networking & Cybersecurity

  • Program Type: Transfer
  • Degree / Certificate Type: AS

Computer Networking & Cybersecurity AS

Why study Computer Networking & Cybersecurity AS at FMCC

This program is designed for students who plan to transfer and continue their studies in programs leading to a Bachelor’s degree. The program combines computer information systems, liberal arts, and criminal justice coursework to prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in Network Forensics, Information Assurance, Cybercrime Investigation, and related programs.

Apply Now

Request info for this program

Career Pathways

Our region boasts a wide variety of career opportunities with competitive salaries in computer networking and cybersecurity. The positions presented are the most common career pathways FMCC graduates have taken and are just a sample of the many career possibilities.

The labor market and employer information are specifically presented for the Amsterdam, Gloversville, Capital District, and the Mohawk Valley regions. Salary information is based on estimates within the Capital District.

Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer.
Labor market data is based on 2021 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)

Some of Our Regional Employers

Our commitment to your career path goes beyond the classroom with continued expansion of hands-on internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities with over 50 regional business and organization exclusive partners, a career network of over 200 regional companies and organizations; plus Annual Job Fairs every Spring semester.

  • Grey Castle Security

  • Humana

  • Lumen

  • NYSTEC

Transfer Opportunities

Being part of the largest system of public higher education in the United States, the State University of New York, SUNY FMCC has established a multitude of transfer pathways for our students at both SUNY and Private schools. Below are some of our major transfer colleges and universities.

  • SUNY Alb

    Majors: Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity BS, Digital Forensics BS

  • SUNY Polytechnic Institute

    Majors: Network & Computer Security BS

  • Utica

    Majors: Cyber Security BS

More Information

  • Fact 1

    62 Credits

    for Computer Networking & Cybersecurity AS program

  • Fact 2

    #1 PROGRAM

    in the Region in Computer Networking & Cybersecurity according to our Alumni

  • Fact 3

    2 EXPERIENCED FACULTY

    who worked at various Tech companies and started their own IT Consulting businesses.

Program Insight

Graduates of the Computer Networking & Cybersecurity program have gone on to lucrative careers after transferring to 4-year colleges and universities. The education at SUNY FMCC provides a strong foundation in preparing you for future career success.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Configure and Install end-user and server hardware and operating systems.

  • Identify system vulnerabilities and be able to assess cyber-related risks.

  • Analyze and utilize appropriate tools to protect network infrastructure and data.

  • Develop and implement proactive procedures and scripts to manage networked computers, servers and data. 

Program Features

State-of-the-Art Computer & Cybersecurity Lab
With up-to-date software, hardware, and computer equipment for hands-on experience.

Hack FMCC Club
A student-run organization created to foster a community of individuals who solve problems through the innovative use of technology and spreads awareness of the rapidly growing software, networking, and cyber-security jobs available.

Project Excite Scholarship
Opportunity to receive a $5,000 scholarship, coaching, and job placement assistance upon graduation. Complete application at Project Excite H-1B Grant Program Registration (smartsheet.com).

Experienced Faculty
Learn from dedicated professors who have years of experience working in the public and private IT sector.

Program Gallery

  • Class5
  • business1

Course Highlights

Program Course Layout

Students will take foundational computer networking and cybersecurity classes to prepare them for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Here are just some examples.

  • CIS 146 Introduction to Cybersecurity

    This course will introduce students to the basics of cryptography, security management, wireless networking, and organizational policy. Topics include operating system security, authentication, attacks, auditing, encryption, and physical security. This course introduces fundamental cybersecurity topics such as institutional security policy, legal aspects of security, computer system infrastructures, types of cyber threats and risk assessment, cryptography, information integrity, and data loss prevention.

  • CIS 241 Networking Concepts

    This course enables students to recognize networking media and topology. Students will identify protocols and Open Systems Interconnections (OSI) models. Students will identify hardware and software problems of a network and provide network support. Installing and configuring the hardware and software on a local area network of computers is an integral part of the course. Students will install and use proprietary and opensource network operating systems.

  • CIS 246 Cybersecurity Administration

    This course introduces students to the basics of cryptography, security management, wireless networking, and organizational policy. Topics include operating system security, authentication, attacks, auditing, encryption, and physical security. The course will focus on management and troubleshooting concepts and tools such as tracert, nslookup, ipconfig, ping, DNS, and Denial of Service attacks. Additional topics include an overview of malware, disaster recovery, information security policy, and rules for avoiding viruses and vulnerabilities.

 View Schedule Information

Meet the Faculty

Related Programs

Computer Science

  • Program Type: Transfer
  • Degree / Certificate Type: AS

Computer Science AS

Why study Computer Science AS at FMCC

This program is designed for students who plan to transfer and continue their studies in programs leading to a Bachelor’s degree. The program emphasizes an understanding of computing, data structures, object-oriented and modular programming techniques, and algorithm analysis.

Apply Now

Request info for this program

Career Pathways

Our region boasts a wide variety of career opportunities with competitive salaries in computer science. The positions presented are the most common career pathways FMCC graduates have taken and are just a sample of the many career possibilities.

The labor market and employer information are specifically presented for the Amsterdam, Gloversville, Capital District, and the Mohawk Valley regions. Salary information is based on estimates within the Capital District.

Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer.
Labor market data is based on 2021 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)

Some of Our Regional Employers

Our commitment to your career path goes beyond the classroom with continued expansion of hands-on internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities with over 50 regional business and organization exclusive partners, a career network of over 200 regional companies and organizations; plus Annual Job Fairs every Spring semester.

  • GE

  • NYSTEC

  • Option Soft

  • TEK Systems

Transfer Opportunities

Being part of the largest system of public higher education in the United States, the State University of New York, SUNY FMCC has established a multitude of transfer pathways for our students at both SUNY and Private schools. Below are some of our major transfer colleges and universities.

  • SUNY Alb

    Majors: Computer Science BA/ BS, Computer Science and Applied Mathematics BS, Informatics BS BS

  • SUNY Oswego

    Majors: Computer Science BS

  • Siena

    Majors: Computer Science BS

  • SUNY Polytechnic

    Majors: Computer & Information Science BS

More Information

  • Fact 1

    61 Credits

    for Computer Science AS Program

  • Fact 2

    2 Experienced Faculty

    who worked at various Tech companies and started their own IT Consulting businesses

  • Fact 3

    12,000+

    Computer Programmer, System Analyst and Software Engineer jobs expected in our region in the next 10 years.

Program Insight

Graduates of the Computer Science program have gone on to lucrative careers after transferring to 4-year colleges and universities. The education at SUNY FMCC provides a strong foundation in preparing you for future career success.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Utilize desktop and internet-based applications to perform advanced end-user tasks.

  • Analyze algorithms, organize data structures, and employ object-oriented and modular programming techniques to successfully code event-driven programs.

  • Maintain professional growth, manage projects, and self-teach within a team environment with appropriate interpersonal skills.

Program Features

State-of-the-Art Computer & Cybersecurity Lab
With up-to-date software, hardware, and computer equipment for hands-on experience.

Hack FMCC Club
A student-run organization created to foster a community of individuals who solve problems through the innovative use of technology and spreads awareness of the rapidly growing software, networking, and cyber-security jobs available.

Project Excite Scholarship
Opportunity to receive a $5,000 scholarship, coaching, and job placement assistance upon graduation. Complete application at Project Excite H-1B Grant Program Registration (smartsheet.com).

Experienced Faculty
Learn from dedicated professors who have years of experience working in the public and private IT sector.

Dual Admissions Opportunities

Take advantage of the dual admissions opportunity and be accepted into computer science bachelorette program at SUNY Oswego while attending the Computer Science program at SUNY FMCC.

Microcredentials

This program may allow students to earn digital badges which verifies the achievement of in-demand skills and competencies. SUNY FMCC continues to expand opportunities for students to become more marketable to employers.

More Info at Credly

Program Gallery

  • Class5
  • business1
  • business9

Course Highlights

Program Course Layout

Students will take foundational computer science classes to prepare them for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Here are just some examples.

  • CIS 216 Computer Science II

    This course covers the fundamentals of algorithms and object oriented software development. Topics include: modern IDE for software development, primitive and reference data types, encapsulation, information hiding, selection, iteration, functions/methods, parameters, recursion, exception handling, generic linear data structures (arrays), file types, file I/O, simple GUIs with event handling, programming to an interface, lambda expressions, semantics of inheritance and use of polymorphism, search (sequential, binary), select (min, max), and more!

  • CIS 256 Data Structures

    This course covers the fundamentals of data structures and software modeling. Topics include modern IDE for software development, design and development of reusable software, software modeling (class diagram, use case, CRC card), introduction to analysis of algorithms, abstract properties, implementation and use of stacks, queues, linked lists, and binary trees, recursion and efficiency of recursive solutions, range of search (sequential, binary), select (min, max, median), and more!

  • CIS 250 Project Management

    This course will provide information on how good project management skills and effective use of technology can help you manage projects from an information technology perspective. Students will have an understanding of the ten project management knowledge areas including project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resource, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management as well as all five process groups which include initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

 View Schedule Information

Meet the Faculty

Related Programs

IT Support Technician

  • Program Type: Direct
  • Degree / Certificate Type: Individual Studies Certificate

IT Support Technician – Individual Studies Certificate

Why study to be a IT Support Technician at FMCC

This direct to work certificate program combines off-campus “hands-on” experience with on-campus related instruction to prepare you to be an IT Support Technician in the region and beyond. This flexible offering can be modified based upon student background and experience and the semester of entry into the program.

Apply Now

Request info for this program

Career Pathways

Our region boasts a wide variety of career opportunities with competitive salaries. The information presented is based on labor market estimates for Amsterdam, Gloversville, the Capital District, and the Mohawk Valley. Salary information is based on estimates for the Capital District.

Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer.
Labor market data is based on 2021 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)

Some of Our Regional Employers

Our commitment to your career path goes beyond the classroom with continued expansion of hands-on internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities with over 50 regional business and organization exclusive partners, a career network of over 200 regional companies and organizations; plus Annual Job Fairs every Spring semester.

  • IIT

  • Raytheon Technologies

  • Tek Systems

  • Zones

  • Fact 1

    29-36 Credits

    for IT Support Technician – Individual Studies Certificate

  • Fact 2

    300+ Hours

    of Hands-on Learning working at a local business or distribution center.

  • Fact 3

    1 Year or Less

    to complete your IT Support Technician – Individual Studies Certificate

Program Insight

Students learn from practicing professionals, who follow the competency guidelines prescribed by the College and based on O*NET online specifications, national competency catalogs, and employer input.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain employment as IT Support Technicians.

  • Acquire and demonstrate the oral and written communication skills necessary to obtain employment as IT Support Technicians.

  • Acquire and demonstrate the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to obtain entry-level employment as IT Support Technicians.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of attitude and professional ethics on the job.

  • Acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for the career development process.

Program Features

Hands-on Training
Train at a local business and learn from experienced IT Support supervisors approximately 12 hours per week.

On-campus instruction
Courses selected to relate with your specific career area and generally totals 6-9 credit hours per semester.

Individual Studies Advisor
Students will be assigned an academic advisor to guide you through your program.

Flexible Offering
The program can be modified based upon student background and experience and the semester of entry into the program.

Internship Opportunities

Although similar to cooperative education and internship programs, the Individual Studies Certificate program requires that students learn basic career skills at job sites without pay.

More Info

Meet the Faculty

Related Programs

Martin Waffle

  • Title: Professor
  • Phone Extension: 8930
  • Building: O'Connell Hall, C-135P

William Eipp

  • Title: Instructor
  • Phone Extension: 8939
  • Building: O'Connell Hall, C-135M