Computer Information Systems A.A.S.

School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Computer Information Technologies
HEGIS: 5101

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2020 to Summer 2021. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Defined

The purpose of the A.A.S. is to be fully trained for immediate employment upon graduation. Students who opt to continue on to pursue higher levels of education are encouraged to check with the receiving institution regarding transferability of credits. Click to learn more about the differences among award types.

Program Description

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) major provides a firm foundation in technology, while introducing the student to the use of technology in business areas. The CIS major is the bridge between business problems and technological solutions. Topics of study include technology, databases, networks, systems analysis, and security. The curriculum is designed for both the student who intends to seek full-time employment after graduation and the student who wishes to transfer to Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, or Information Technology programs at a four-year college. Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of entry-level positions in information systems.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate an understanding of computer hardware and software.
Demonstrate an understanding of object-oriented programming and the fundamentals of input, processing and output.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze, coordinate, collect, normalize and implement a relational database for information management.
Demonstrate the ability to define computer information systems terms clearly and question statements and conclusions with reasoning based on relationships and logical connections.
Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of security to information systems.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements - 24 Credits

Students are required to fulfill a certain number of credits within the specific categories shown below. Where specific courses are not listed within these categories, courses must be selected from the list of SUNY General Education Courses .

Basic Communication (3 credits)

ENG 101 - Writing and Research

Humanities (3 credits)

ENG 102 - Writing and Literature

Mathematics (6 credits)

Mathematics - select TWO courses - see SUNY General Education Courses

Natural Sciences (3 credits)

Natural Sciences - LAB course recommended - see SUNY General Education Courses

Social Sciences (3 credits)

Social Sciences - see SUNY General Education Courses

The Arts, Foreign Language, or Other World Civilizations (3 credits)

Select a course from ONE of the following categories:

                   The Arts – see SUNY General Education Courses
                    Foreign Languages – see SUNY General Education Courses
                    Other World Civilizations – see SUNY General Education Courses

American History or Western Civilization (3 credits)

Select a course from ONE of the following categories:

American History – see SUNY General Education Courses
Western Civilization – see SUNY General Education Courses

Degree Requirements - 38 Credits

Minimum Total Credits - 62 Credits

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Transfer Opportunities

Transfer Agreements

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.