Computer Information Systems (A.A.S.)

A career in modern information systems management and support is possible by starting with an A.A.S. degree from Onondaga in Computer Information Systems. This program is designed to prepare a student for immediate employment. However, the program’s curriculum is compatible with the curricula of numerous four-year computer information systems programs.

As a CIS student, you will be exposed to a five-course core consisting of: fundamentals of Information systems; foundations of the internet; fundamentals of networking; computer forensics and security; and program design and development.  Additionally, a set of six curriculum electives are selected from available CIS / CSC / CFS courses that meets the student’s needs for transfer and/or career goals. A curriculum advisor from the Computer Studies Department should be consulted to select an appropriate plan.

Developed in consultation with local employers and regional Bachelor’s programs, the CIS curriculum follows the National Computing curricula guidelines of the Association of Computing Machinery.

The opportunity to earn industry certification(s) is available when students take the coordinated course sequences as their electives. To work toward the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT), students should take CIS 170  & 270 . To work toward CompTIA A+ students take CIS 291  & 292 . The certification exams are taken at an authorized testing center, not OCC, and are the responsibility of the student. Please note that course prerequisites do apply to some courses, and must be met as part of curriculum electives.

Graduates with an A.A.S. degree in Computer Information Systems are prepared to work as entry-level computer programmers, web site managers/designers, helpdesk support technician and associate network administrator.

This program offers an opportunity for the currently employed computer information systems professional to update existing skills and knowledge, allowing for a great deal of lateral and upward mobility.

Graduation Requirements

All students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required CIS/CSC/CFS courses to earn the A.A.S. degree.

All required CIS/CSC/CFS courses must be taken within 7 years of graduation, due to the changes in technology and curriculum content.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate competency in database and information management.
2. Evaluate strategies to securely and ethically maintain computing and information systems.
3. Analyze the OSI model layers, protocols, and components of a network.
4. Create and manage a computer server configuration for an information system.