Computer Information Systems

Program Description

Program Closure - Skagit Valley College will no longer accept students into Computer Information Systems program degrees and certificates after September 24th, 2019. Students enrolled in Computer Information Systems degrees and certificates will have until Spring quarter of 2021 to complete their programs. For more information please contact the Computer Information Systems Department Chair, Don Fotheringham, at Don.Fotheringham@skagit.edu.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a two-year program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program offers a degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) and four certificates: Computer Information Systems, Computer Applications Support Technician, Computer Network Technician, and Computer Database/Programming.

The Computer Information Systems program is designed to expose students to a broad spectrum of disciplines within the field of information technology: operating systems, hardware support, network administration, application software, database design and programming. With successful completion of the program, students will have discovered the area which best fits their interest and aptitude, and be prepared to pursue entry-level positions or further education.

The opportunity to transfer this technical degree to a four-year university to complete a Bachelor’s degree is currently available. Contact the CIS Department Chair for more information and alternative suggested schedules.

Career Opportunities

Business and industry require skilled workers to design, operate, manage and support their computer systems. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions supporting application software, hardware, networks, installation, security, administration, programming and database design.

Work Experience in the Field

Students will participate in Cooperative Education (CIS 199 ), which is supervised work experience in an approved work environment. Credits and grades are based on hours worked, work performance, and completion of the learning objectives specified in the learning contract. A special project may be substituted for Cooperative Education with the approval of the Department Chair.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Information Systems program will be able to:

Know how to disassemble and reassemble a computer.
Know how to install and configure current popular network and client operating systems.
Explain data protection and network hardening techniques.
Comprehend decision and iteration control structures.
Design a database that corrects flaws in existing legacy applications.

General Education Learning Outcomes

Think

Think analytically, logically, creatively, and reflectively.

Quantify

Apply mathematical skills quantitatively, logically, creatively, and critically.

Communicate

Produce and exchange ideas and information through written, spoken, and visual forms.

Integrate

Apply knowledge, skills, and methodologies from multiple disciplines.

Engage

Interact with humans and the environment informed by an understanding of equity.

Entry into the Program

Please apply at Enrollment Services. Advanced standing for prior education or experience may be requested. Be advised that some courses/sequences are not offered every quarter.

It is strongly recommended that students entering the CIS program be able to read and write at college level. They should also have basic keyboarding skills, such as those included in Office & Business Technology OBT 099 and basic computer literacy included in Computer Science (CS) 101 . ENGL 099 and MATH 097 are prerequisites for some required courses for the degree; students should consider taking these courses before entering the degree program.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Computer Information Systems, AAS is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits in courses numbered 100 or above with an accumulated grade point average of 2.0. Courses must include completion of the technical major and related education requirements.

Computer Information Systems Degrees and Courses

Programs

Courses

Computer Information Systems