The Computer Information Systems program prepares students to work in the Information Technology (IT) industry, either in an IT company or on an IT support team in another industry and in their own IT repair businesses. Students will learn to install, configure, and troubleshoot computer hardware, software, security, and networks. Individuals with the skills to design, implement, and maintain computer systems and networks are in high demand.

Certificates and Degrees

Nature of Work

Computer networking specialists provide a variety of services from design to administration of the local area network, which connects staff within an organization. These individuals oversee the network and its computing environment, including hardware, systems software, applications software, and all other computer-related configurations. This program is part of the Information Technology Career Cluster.

Employment Opportunities

  • Computer technician
  • Network technician
  • Computer forensics examiners
  • Cyber security analyst
  • Network administrator
  • Server administrator

AAS Degree​​

Computer Information System: 61 Credit Hours​​

Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
CIS107Intro. to Operating Systems3
CIS108Introduction to Computing​3
CIS160​Computer Hardware Concepts3
​CSC101​Computer Applications for Business
3
ENG101​Composition I3
15
Spring Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
CIS109Introduction to Programming3
CIS136Networking Essentials3
CIS150​Fundamentals of Networking3
CIS209​Windows Server Operating Systems3
MAT​Math Elective (GT 150 or higher)
3
15
Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
CIS208​Network Security Concepts3
​Humanities/Fine Art OR Social/Behavioral Science3
​Health Science2 or 3
COM103​Speech Communication3
​Gen Ed Elective3
14-15
Spring Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
CIS222​Computer Forensics3
CIS245​Computer Information Systems Projects4
CIS205​CIS Internship4
Elective6
17

Transfer Agreements

Southern Illinois University – Carbondale


Certificates​​​

Computer and Network Technician Certificate:
12 Credit Hours

Credit Hrs.
CIS107Intro to Operating Systems3
CIS160Computer Hardware Concepts3
CIS136Networking Essentials3
CIS150​Fundamentals of Networking3

Computer User Support Specialist Certificate:
12 Credit Hours

Credit Hrs.
CIS101Computer Applications for Business3
CIS107Introduction to Operating Systems3
CIS108Introduction to Computing3
COM103Speech Communication3

Computer Forensics Certificate: 26 Credit Hours

Credit Hrs.
CSC101​Computer Applications for Business3
CIS107Intro to Operating Systems3
CIS160Computer Hardware Concepts3
CIS150Fundamentals of Networking3
CIS208Network Security Concepts3
CIS222Computer Forensics3
CIS109Introduction to Programming3
GT 235​Problem Solving Techniques2
CJ 102Survey of Criminal Investigation3

Cyber Security Certificate: 18 Credit Hours

Credit Hrs.
CIS107Intro. to Operating Systems3
CIS109Introduction to Programming3
CIS136Networking Essentials3
CIS150Fundamentals of Networking3
CIS208Network Security Concepts3
CIS211Cyber Security3

Computer Information Technology Certificate:
26 Credit Hours

Credit Hrs.
CSC101Computer Applications for Business3
CIS109Introduction to Programming3
CIS107Intro. to Operating Systems3
CIS160Computer Hardware Concepts3
CIS150Fundamentals of Networking3
CIS209Windows Server Operating Systems3
CIS208Network Security Concepts3
GT 150Applied Mathematics3
GT 235Problem Solving Techniques2

Enterprise Computer Network Specialist Certificate: 15 Credit Hours

Credit Hrs.
CIS107Intro to Operating Systems3
CIS160Computer Hardware Concepts3
CIS136Networking Essentials3
CIS150Fundamentals of Networking3
CIS208Network Security Concepts3

Server Administrator Certificate: 15 Credit Hours

Credit Hrs.
CIS107Intro. to Operating Systems3
CIS109Introduction to Programming3
CIS160Computer Hardware Concepts3
CIS136Networking Essentials3
CIS209Windows Server Operating Systems3