The Certificate of Completion Computer Information Systems is a student-designed one-year certificate that includes the first year of the Computer Information Systems and Information Technology core courses. This certificate is intended for students focused on becoming career ready in one year. The core courses give the student a well-rounded basic understanding of technical support of computer information systems in a networked environment. Students completing this certification will be prepared to seek entry-level employment in occupations such as network support specialist or technical support specialist.
Click here to learn how this Career Pathway Certificate can lead to AAS Computer Information Systems degree.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.
Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Computer Information Systems can be found online.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be passed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS90 | Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency) | 2 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I | 4 |
| WR90 | Paragraph Fundamentals (or placement in higher writing course) | 3-4 |
| or WR90R | Academic Literacy | |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CIS120X | Problem Solving for CIS Majors 1 | 4 |
| CIS140M | Intro to Oper System: Microsoft | 4 |
| CIS151 | Network Essentials | 4 |
| MTH86 | Computer Technology Mathematics 2 | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| CIS140U | Intro to Operating Systems: Unix | 4 |
| CIS145 | Hardware Installation Support | 4 |
| CIS152 | Network Router Configuration | 4 |
| CS195 | Web Development I | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA110 | Group Dynamics for Teams 3 | 3 |
| CIS188 | Wireless Networking | 3 |
| CIS225 | End User Support | 4 |
| CS233WS | Computer Language II: Server-Side | 4 |
| WR115 | Introduction to Expository Writing (or higher) | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
| 1 | CS160 Computer Science Orientation may be substituted for CIS120X Problem Solving for CIS Majors. |
| 2 | MTH105 Math in Society or higher may be substituted for MTH86 Computer Technology Mathematics. |
| 3 | BA120 Leadership Development, BA285 Human Relations in Organizations, PSY100 Introduction to Psychology, PSY201 General Psychology, PSY201H General Psychology w/Honors, PSY203 General Psychology, or PSY203H General Psychology w/Honors may be substituted for BA110 Group Dynamics for Teams. |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of computer information systems.
- Apply technical skills to implement and maintain computer and network systems solutions and troubleshoot computer and network problems on an entry-level.