Course Curriculum
Computer Information Systems Degree Curriculum
4 semesters
65 credits
Estimated completion time per semester:
Fast track = 7 months
Average time = 10 months
Main Subjects
Semester 1
Computer Technology Orientation Â
(1 CREDIT)Overview of Internet technology; role of technology in society; strategies for completing the Internet Technology Program as an independent learner.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:Â
Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
Describe how the implementation of technology can improve business processes
Cite at least two specific examples of how technology improves business productivity and competitiveness
Examine the role technology has played, and continues to play, in the transition to a global economy
Discuss trends in technology and their implications for businesses in the future
Examine the personal effect of living in a technology driven world
Describe critical privacy and security issues
Discuss trends in technology and their implications for people in the future
Specify the skills and responsibilities associated with various computing careers
Analyze your own background and current skill level to determine a plan of action for the future
Information Literacy Â
(1 CREDIT)This course introduces students to the techniques and strategies necessary to research successfully in a cyber environment. Topics include the need for information literacy and how to formulate a search statement, navigate online search engines, cite sources, and organize and use information honestly and responsibly.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Identify how to formulate focused and specific research questions and the need for information
Explain the different types of research tools, how they’re used to conduct different searches, and how to evaluate the quality and usefulness of the information found
Explain how to cite sources properly using various citation styles in consideration of academic integrity, plagiarism, and ethical use of resources
Intermediate Algebra
(3 CREDITS)Algebra is the mathematical language used to interpret and represent patterns in numbers by using variables, expressions, and equations. Algebra is an essential tool used in business, science, and computer technology. Throughout this course, you’ll be introduced to algebraic concepts, along with real-world application problems from a variety of fields. In addition to providing a springboard to the discovery of underlying mathematical properties, these applications illustrate the importance of mathematics in your world.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:Â
Solve algebraic equations, linear equations, inequalities, and absolute value equations
Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities
Solve polynomials
Apply algebraic operations to rational expressions and rational equations
Solve problems involving radicals and complex numbers
Solve quadratic equations, rational inequalities, nonlinear equations, and nonlinear inequalities
Calculate exponential and logarithmic functions
Solve binomial expansions, sequences, and arithmetic and geometric series
Prepare for the final exam
Computer Applications Â
(3 CREDITS)
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Microsoft® Office allows people to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. This course will teach you how to use three popular tools from the Microsoft® Office Suite — Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®. In this course, you'll learn how to use Word™ to create and edit text documents, insert figures and tables, and format pages for a variety of uses. You'll then learn how to use Excel® to organize and format data, including charts, formulas, and more complex tables. Next, you'll learn how to use PowerPoint® to create and deliver slide shows. Finally, you'll complete a graded project, which will test the skills acquired in Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.
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By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
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Create various Microsoft® Word™ documents.
Produce a thorough Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet.
Identify the basic skills needed to use Microsoft® PowerPoint®.
Synthesize what you’ve learned by integrating Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.
Introduction to Programming
(3 CREDITS)Examines the basic logic common to all programming languages; shows students how to create their own programs not based on any particular programming language; concentrates on the basic guidelines and best practices for developing good programming skills.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Describe the steps for creating a program
Analyze the use of Boolean, loops, and functions in a program
Show the use of various types of arrays and menu-driven programs
Explain the use of text processing, recursion, object-oriented programming, and GUIs
Design pseudocode, a flowchart, and a GUI for an app
Social Science Elective (Choose two)
World CivilizationsÂ
(3 CREDITS)
This course serves as an introduction to many of the major events of the fifteenth through twenty-first centuries. It also examines the causal relationships between events and trends all across the globe.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Identify the causes and consequences of global trade and its conflicting worldwide impact
Describe the impact of social and industrial revolutions, fifteenth century onward, on various nations
Recognize the conditions that led to the World Wars, decolonization, and the Cold War
Summarize post–World War II effects on the economic and political structures around the world
Discuss an event that occurred after the fifteenth century and had an impact on a world civilization
Explain the effects of World War II on the world population
Introduction to Sociology
(3 CREDITS)In this introduction to the field of sociology, you’ll learn about social structure, forms of power, and social relationships, as well as deviance, crime, and social control. You’ll explore issues of identity and inequality regarding class, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and sexuality. Social institutions including the family, religion, education, work, and the media are examined, as well as the topics of health, politics, social movements, globalization, and social change.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Examine foundational concepts and theories of sociology and recognize how they inform research
Analyze the ways in which culture, social structure, and power influence daily life
Evaluate the effects of socialization, interaction, deviance, and social control on human behavior
Develop an essay reflecting on the importance of cultural traditions amid increasing globalization
Examine the ways in which class, race, gender, and sexuality influence identity and inequality
Distinguish the various social institutions and issues in the current global system
Develop an essay examining the ways in which social inequality informs social change and movements
Essentials of Psychology
(3 CREDITS)This course covers biology and behavior, consciousness, memory, thought and language, intelligence, personality and gender, stress, and community influences.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Explain various states of consciousness, learning theories, and thought processes and development
Summarize the nature of human motivation and development, the human development cycle, and approaches to understanding and assessing personality
Prepare an essay on the topic of conditioning, memory, or motivation and emotion
Recognize psychological disorders and available treatments
Explain social psychology as it relates to attitudes, influences, behaviors, and stress
Use critical thinking skills to determine the likely causes of behaviors of individuals and groups discussed in case studies
Semester 2
Advanced PC Applications
(3 CREDITS)Database applications; integrating word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:Â
Explain the components of Microsoft Access
Construct an inventory database using Microsoft Access
Add to PowerPoint using Word, Excel, and other data
Create a PowerPoint presentation including an outline, video file presentation, table of statistics, and spreadsheet
Combine Word, Access, and Excel to integrate documents and information
Develop a one-table database with client information, a letter that integrates an Excel spreadsheet and Access merge fields, and final merge documents
Produce a database, spreadsheet, mail merge letter, and presentation for a promotional event
HTML Coding
(3 CREDITS)Teaches how to create Web pages with hypertext links, tables, frames, and forms; covers cascading style sheets, programming with JavaScript,® working with content and layout, controlling mouse and keyboard events, and creating new frames and windows.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Create a simple HTML web page that contains lists, links, images, and tables
Recognize how to add forms, extra markup, flash, video, and audio
Make a web page using CSS rules and CSS elements
Identify elements in HTML5, aspects of design theory, and practical tips for launching a site
English Composition
(3 CREDITS)This course teaches the skills and techniques of effectively developing, drafting, and revising college-level essays toward a specific purpose and audience: active reading, prewriting strategies, sentence and paragraph structure, thesis statements, varied patterns of development (such as illustration, comparison and contrast, and classification), critical reading toward revision of structure and organization, editing for standard written conventions, and use and documentation of outside sources. Students submit two prewriting assignments and three essays (process analysis, comparison and contrast, and argumentation).
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
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Use writing skills to construct well-written sentences and active reading skills to understand and analyze text
Develop paragraphs using topic sentences, adequate detail, supporting evidence, and transitions
Contrast the revising and editing steps of the writing process
Distinguish between different patterns of development
Write a process analysis essay using prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing skills
Recognize how to determine the reliability of secondary sources and to give proper credit to sources referenced in an essay
Write a comparison and contrast essay by using persuasive writing techniques to defend a claim
Create a sound written argument using techniques of drafting and evaluating sources
Network Protocols and Internetworking
(3 CREDITS)Covers topics related to how computers communicate with each other, how computers are grouped together to form networks, networking concepts and issues that are key to the successful implementation of computer networks, and the different networking implementation strategies and technologies currently available.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Categorize the application of network, OSI model, TCP/IP, and protocols
Analyze the function of topologies, numbering systems, and IP addresses
Point out the function of cabling, device functions, and LAN operations
Show the configuration procedures for routers and switches
Precalculus
(3 CREDITS)This course covers precalculus concepts that all college students need as prerequisites to calculus and other related courses required in many undergraduate majors. Specific topics include exponents, logarithms, sequences, series, trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, conic sections, polar coordinates, and limits.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Solve and graph exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric equations
Convert angles from radians to degrees and vice versa
Verify trigonometric identities
Use right triangle trigonometry, the Law of Sines, and the Law of Cosines to solve problems and plot points in the polar coordinate system
Use multiple techniques to solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities
Recognize, graph, and use equations for parabolas, hyperbolas, and ellipses
Solve basic concepts of derivatives
Demonstrate various analytical and problem-solving skills that involves math calculations related to precalculus
Semester 3
Business and Technical Writing
(3 CREDITS)This course provides an introduction to the various methods of organizing material for a professional setting. Students will compose business documents using the ABC method. These include: memos, emails, outlines, reports and proposals, descriptions, and organizing materials. Students also work on honing their grammar skills.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Recognize how to use words correctly and effectively
Produce a well-constructed interoffice memo, workplace email, and business letter
Produce a brief business report based on findings obtained using research techniques and methods of documentation
Produce an informal report that lists findings of an investigation and provides recommendation for issues raised in the findings
Describe procedures for creating proposals, descriptions, instructions, and manuals for the workplace
Create a detailed proposal designed to solve an internal human resource issue
Visual Basic
(3 CREDITS)This course takes students through the basics of writing software, to working with data structures, using XAML, and building Windows applications. Students learn debugging, structured error handling, how to build class libraries and register assemblies, programming with SQL Server and ADO.NET, and develop Windows 8 applications.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Apply the programming mindset to solve problems
Differentiate among different types of expressions, subroutines, and functions
Differentiate between classes and objects and understand inheritance
Understand dialog boxes and apply knowledge to create a Windows or (given the context) window form
Understand databases and how to deploy projects
Introduction to Database Technology
(3 CREDITS)Offers an overview of essential database concepts, with a focus on the relational model of database management; covers Structured Query Language (SQL) design methodology, functions of a database management system, and database administration; includes advanced topics such as object-oriented (OO) databases, data warehouses, and client server systems.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Define relational databases, their major characteristics, and current management systems
Identify basic components and situations where a database is needed
Discuss information collection standards and processes
Prepare various methods and documents for eliciting information
Define business rules, requirements, and common issues for databases
Create entities and understand relationships between them
Work with and remove various levels of dependencies
Identify the importance of design review
Compare and contrast database management systems
Choose appropriate data types and physical designs for databases
Discuss the historical development of SQL
Use business rules and built-in functions
Test business rules in SQL
Analyze security needs, restrictions, and possible threats
Create logins and roles
Differentiate between authentication and authorization
Science Elective (Choose two)
Earth Science
(3 CREDITS)This course covers a number of topics which are concentrated in four main categories: geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. Geology is the study of Earth, its minerals and rocks, and the many varied processes that formed our planet and continue to reform it today. Oceanography is the study of Earth’s oceans. Meteorology is the study of Earth’s atmosphere and astronomy is the study of Earth’s place in space and all things related. These four elements combined make up the Earth and are essential in understanding how the world works and how it’s evolving.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Categorize the matter, minerals, and materials that compose the Earth
Distinguish between the various theories about the forces behind the Earth’s history
Differentiate between the elements and their ways of sculpting the landscape
Point out the geological features of oceans and the important concepts of geology
Categorize the causes and effects of various phenomena affecting Earth’s atmosphere
Analyze the components of the solar system and the universe
Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of earth science by completing an open-book proctored exam
Introduction to Biology
(3 CREDITS)An introductory course that explains the origin of life and the relationships between all living things. It describes how a significant number of organisms are structured and how they work, in order to enable students to discuss intelligently the various forms of life and their processes.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Analyze cells and their processes for obtaining energy and reproducing
Explain how traits are passed on from one generation to the next
Explain how different species of living things have evolved and are classified
Write responses to fundamental biology essay prompts
Identify the characteristics and behavior of plants and animals
Diagram the anatomy and physiology of the human body
Describe the ecology of living things
Summarize complex biological issues using research articles
Nutrition
(3 CREDITS)
Nutrition is the science that investigates how the body takes in, breaks down, and uses foods. The course will provide you with basic information on how these processes take place, including information about nutrients and how they contribute to the way the body functions. This will help you to have a better understanding of your decisions about food and diet. You’ll also learn about physical activities that can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Because a central focus of nutrition studies is on health promotion, suggestions for individual nutrition choice will be discussed, as well as tactics for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping food supplies safe. 
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Describe how nutrition supports a body's wellness
Recognize the body's use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins 
Identify the body's use of water, minerals, and micronutrients
Discuss what nutritional needs are for a healthy weight and for an athletic lifestyle 
Define food safety and the nutritional needs of humans over a lifetime
Prepare a research paper on a nutritional topic 
Semester 4
Programming in Java
(3 CREDITS)This course introduces programming using the Java programming language and takes a hands-on approach from the start. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, layering concepts and growing skills through the creation of real-world applications. The first few lessons will ease you into the rich development world of Java, but by the end of the course, you’ll have a fully functional application and the associated skillset to create many more.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Write, compile, and run Java code
Implement common coding algorithms in Java
Create applications with object-oriented design principles
Use Java I/O and multithreading in applications
Create Swing-based applications
Develop a multithreaded, object-oriented game application with a GUI
Structured Systems Analysis and Design
(3 CREDITS)This course begins with the planning process for software development and then shows the students how to convert the user’s business needs into a computer information system.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Analyze the fundamentals of systems analysis and design, including the various software in project management
Categorize the planning and selection procedures required for system development
Point out the factors for selecting various system analysis process
Categorize the steps required for designing interfaces and databases
Compare different implementation and operation procedures of information systems
Prepare a research project for a real-life information system situation
Core Electives (Choose two)
Computer Forensics
(3 CREDITS)This course teaches how to conduct a high-tech investigation, from acquiring digital evidence to reporting the findings. Coverage includes how to set up a forensics lab, how to acquire the necessary tools, and how to conduct an investigation and subsequent digital analysis. Featured in the textbook are free downloads of several forensics software programs for students to become familiar with the tools of the trade.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Discuss computer forensics and investigation as a profession
Assess corporate and law enforcement forensic needs
Train end users and forensic investigators on best practices
Conduct computing investigations and form incident response teams
Identify hardware and its types, including unauthorized hardware
Discuss an investigator’s legal rights and limitations
Define and describe computer evidence, handling issues, identification, and collection processes
Maintain chain of custody, admissibility standards, and preservation
Use current computer forensics tools: disk imagers, forensic tool sets, and other tools
Perform computer forensics analysis, validation, and presentation of evidence
Identify the pros and cons of full and partial volume images
Describe disk and memory imaging and capture tools
Describe how to prepare and present evidence
Discuss encryption basics, weaknesses, common practices, and processes for analysis and capture of encrypted data
Write reports and documentation for high-tech investigations properly and thoroughly
Internet Marketing and E-Commerce
(3 CREDITS)Provides a concise introduction to electronic commerce with balanced coverage of both technology and business topics; contains a comprehensive online companion that links the concepts in the book to real online examples; security, implementation, ethics, and legal issues in electronic commerce; case studies of real businesses.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Explain the use of SEO and SEM in B2B online marketing
Analyze the use of online PR, social media, optimizing metrics, and CRO on your site
Categorize the importance of managing leads, integrating marketing with CRM, and effective use of marketing mix
Prepare an essay project assessing the online B2B market place
Internet Security
(3 CREDITS)Explores Web security risks and how to minimize them; aimed at Web users, administrators, and content providers, and it covers cryptography, SSL, the Public Key Infrastructure, digital signatures, digital certificates, privacy threats (cookies, log files, Web logs, Web bugs), hostile mobile code, and Web publishing (intellectual property, P3P, digital payments, client-side digital signatures, code signing, PICS).
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Explain the value and importance of information security
Explain personal security defense tools and their usage
Describe the role of physical security for a network or organization
Web Site Project Management
(3 CREDITS)Provides future developers and designers information on how to think about creating a successful Website; covers planning and analysis, designing and developing, and marketing. This text is for the programmer or developer who is serious about exploring the nature of a successful Website.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Discuss how to communicate effectively with your client and team
Describe various types of technical documentation
Describe what’s involved in quality assurance and testing of a Web project
Analyze how to effectively manage a web project
Introduction to Internet Multimedia
(3 CREDITS)Provides an overview of multimedia on the web and multimedia elements such as text and graphics, as well as sound, animation, and video; describes multimedia-authoring programs and the development and design of multimedia titles; covers the management and distribution of multimedia titles.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Point out the tools and best practices for text, images, and sound in creating multimedia projects
Categorize the best use of animation, video, and software tools in creating multimedia projects
Distinguish between the important steps of planning, costing, designing, and producing a multimedia project
Analyze the various tools and consideration for adding multimedia to the web and mobile platform
Plan the steps in designing and developing a web site using multimedia
Creating Web Pages with PHP
(3 CREDITS)Students will master the basics of coding in PHP by creating web pages, not by spending time wading through manuals; provides step-by-step instructions on how to get MySQL, Apache, and PHP up and running on a Windows® or Linux® machine; teaches how to use PHP variables; display dynamic content; use cookies; create a contact management system; create custom logs and reports; authenticate and track users; display dynamic content.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Differentiate between HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP
Explain how to add variables, arrays, functions, and objects using JavaScript
Describe how to add variables, arrays, functions, and objects using PHP
Explain how to work with cookies, user sessions, and web-based forms
Recognize basic SQL commands used in database design
Create and build simple web applications
Write scripts for an online storefront
Programming in CGI/Perl
(3 CREDITS)Teaches how to create common gateway interface script (CGI) using practical extraction and report language, more commonly known as Perl; covers how to add functionality to web pages using features such as hyperlinks, forms, data files, and databases; create truly interactive Web applications using subroutines, string manipulation, cookies, hidden fields, and redirects.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Create online forms using Perl
Create CGI scripts using Perl
Use Perl on a Unix server
Use Perl with DBM databases
Write cookies
Manipulate and process data via the internet and web servers using Per
Streaming Technology
(3 CREDITS)This course includes instruction in Dreamweaver,® Flash,® and Fireworks,® along with integration of the three applications. Students develop a web page and work with text and graphics, links, and tables in Dreamweaver;® add objects and animation to a web page with Fireworks;® and draw, work with symbols and create interactivity and special effects with Flash.®
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Design and organize websites with Dreamweaver
Add interactivity to your web pages
Create movies and animations in Flash
Work with symbols and interactivity
Create and publish applications for mobile devices
Create objects and graphics in Fireworks
Integrate Dreamweaver, Flash, and Fireworks products
Advanced Database Technology
(3 CREDITS)This course will give you the necessary background in relational database theory and Oracle Database concepts. It will show you how to implement an Oracle Database correctly and give you significant insight into the routine of a database administrator. Lastly, the latter parts of the book will show you the fine art of performance tuning.
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By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Explain relational databases and set up the tools required for the database
View data using Structured Query Language (SQL) queries
Write SQL queries to add, update, and remove data from tables, and create and drop tables
Describe how to view data from multiple tables, use SQL functions in SQL queries, and group results of SQL queries
Write commands for performing various tasks in SQL
Arts and Humanities Elective (Choose two)
Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
Associate Degree
36 months
If you're analytical, have strong troubleshooting skills, and love working with technology, our online Computer Information Systems (CIS) Associate Degree can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the career you want. Through flexible online classes, you'll build the skills and knowledge that can qualify you for entry-level jobs in IT or computer support from home.Â
In our online Computer Information Systems Degree Program, you'll build foundational skills in computer programming, network protocols, and cyber security that can help you prepare for an entry-level job as a computer support specialist. Your online classes include:
Introduction to Programming
HTML Coding
Introduction to Database Technology
Structured Systems Analysis and Design
What you will learn
How to create programs following basic problem-solving principles and guidelines common to all programming languages.
How to create web pages with hypertext links, rules, frames, and forms with basic HTML coding.
How to use the Java programming language to create classes and enumerations used for implementing a variety of programs.
How to understand the basics of writing software to working with data structures, using XAML, and building Windows applications.

Our Proven
Learning Model
Empowering students to reach their professional goals
Flexible
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Start anytime
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No exam due dates
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Self-paced
Connected
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24/7 access to online resources
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Online student community
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Student Portal Help Center
Accessible
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Digital study guides
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Self-check quizzes
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Simulations and videos
Supportive
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Expert faculty
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Dedicated student services
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Robust learning resources
