Computer Information Systems

Program Description

Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a two-year program that leads to an Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) degree. The program offers a degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) and four certificates: Computer Information Systems, Computer Applications Support Technician, Network Technician, and Database/Programming. The program is offered in an eLearning (online) format which is recommended for self-motivated students with strong computer skills.

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:

Be prepared for an entry-level position in the Information Technology field, such as a computer technicians, network technicians, installers, troubleshooters, help desk support personnel.
Demonstrate proficiency to install, configure and administer current popular network and client operating systems, printer, routers and other internetworking devices.
Demonstrate knowledge of data protection and network hardening techniques.
Understand the ethical responsibilities and consequences of IT-related work environments.
Understand the fundamentals (variables, sequence, decision/iteration control structures, intrinsic functions, data structures, testing and debugging, event, sub function & procedures) of computer programming.
Understand basic database design; recognize and correct flaws in existing database applications.
Create business spreadsheets and documents conforming to acceptable business practice.
Use business databases, creating additional objects as required, improving performance and output.
Effectively use computers to automate business information systems.
Demonstrate critical thinking, teamwork, communication, technical and information literacy skills.
Meet Social Science, Humanities, Written Communication, and Quantitative Reasoning distribution area outcomes.

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 Administration and Accounting Technologies (OFTEC) 99 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 in Technical Arts Degree

An Associate in Technical Arts degree (ATA) 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.

Individual Technical Certificate

An Individual Technical Certificate may be developed in conjunction with other programs to meet marketable objectives and goals with Department Chair approval.

Computer Information Systems Degrees and Courses

Programs

Courses

Computer Information Systems