Computer Information Systems Degree (CIS)

This program will prepare you for an entry-level position in the information technology field in areas such as web application development, e-commerce, networking administration, and desktop applications support. You will study widely-used office applications; learn programming languages to support website development, office applications, and e-commerce systems; and gain knowledge of network administration to support business networks and web servers.

Campus/format: This program can be completed during the day or evening at the Gardner Campus. Ninety-five percent of this program can be completed online.

Helpful hints: To be successful, students must spend additional time outside of class completing assignments. Access to a computer with the appropriate software is essential. MWCC provides computer access in various labs and in the library, as available.

Career options: Careers in the information technology fields including: programming, networking, web systems development, and software application support. A recent survey of graduates indicated employment as: software quality specialists, programmer, programmer/business analyst, MIS staff, and NT administrator.

Transfer options: Although this program prepares students for entry-level positions, students also transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Transfer agreements exist with Charter Oak State College and the University of Phoenix.

Visit MWCC’s transfer planning services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu.

3 Plus ONE eligible–go to: www.mwcc.edu/3PlusONE

Special requirements: Students are required to complete the CIS courses as listed. Prior to enrolling in each course, students must ensure they meet the course prerequisites. The e-commerce course serves as the program's final, or capstone course. The college's adaptive computer lab, providing assistive technology for students with disabilities, is available. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Earning potential: $32,110 to $53,640 per year.

Elective courses by abbreviation

Program Competencies

Upon graduation from this program, students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Demonstrate excellent presentation skills.
2. Demonstrate excellent written skills for technical documentation, reports, and instructions.
3. Develop skills to gather accurate and relevant information to solve a problem.
4. Develop the ability to work productively with others in a team environment.
5. Develop skills to work with constantly changing technologies.
6. Demonstrate technical skills and ability in analyzing, assessing, diagnosing, and troubleshooting hardware, software, network, and other desktop issues.
7. Develop technical skills in maintaining hardware systems, software systems, and user accounts.
8. Acquire basic knowledge of computer and network security.
9. Communicate effectively and appropriately with customers, peers, staff, and vendors.

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Read from a computer screen.
5. Learn to operate a computer.
6. Possess manual dexterity to operate computer devices such as a keyboard and mouse.
7. Work at a computer for a minimum of two hours.