This is an archived copy of the 2018-2019 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://ecatalog.socc.edu.

The Associate of Applied Science Computer Information Systems (AAS CIS) degree offers program courses focused on technical support in a networked environment. This degree prepares students for employment opportunities in the computer information services industry. The program offers students the opportunity to gain knowledge and hands-on experience to support an organization's information technology infrastructure. The CIS program additionally provides professional continuing education, classes and certificates for individuals working in the field or studying other disciplines.

Students completing the AAS CIS are prepared to seek entry-level employment and entrepreneurial occupations such as network administrator, systems administrator, support technician, and applications specialist/trainer. Click here to see how this program links to others in the Pathway.

Students planning to earn a bachelor's degree are responsible for researching the departmental requirements of the school to which they plan to transfer. Students planning to transfer may want to consider the AAOT, AGS or AS degree options.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 97 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the AAS Computer Information Systems 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:

CIS90Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency)2
MTH60Algebra I (or placement in higher math course)4
WR90RAcademic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course)4

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CIS140M Intro to Oper System: Microsoft 4
CIS151 Network Essentials 4
CS160 Computer Science Orientation 4
MTH86 Computer Technology Mathematics 1 4
 Credits16
Winter
CIS140U Intro to Operating Systems: Unix 4
CIS145 Hardware Installation Support 4
CIS152 Network Router Configuration 4
CS195 Web Development I 3
 Credits15
Spring
BA110 Group Dynamics for Teams 2 3
CIS188 Wireless Networking 3
CIS225 End User Support 4
CS133WS Web Scripting 4
WR115 Introduction to Expository Writing (or higher) 3 3
 Credits17
Second Year
Fall
CIS250 Technology Entrepreneurship 3
CS275 Database Management 4
PE231 Wellness for Life 4 3
Specific Elective 5 7
 Credits17
Winter
CIS279 Network Management I Network Hardware 4
CS161 Introduction to Computer Science I 4
CS244 Systems Analysis 3
SP100 Basic Speech Communications (or higher) 3
Specific Elective 5 3
 Credits17
Spring
CIS280 CWE: Computer Info Systems 4
CS162 Introduction to Computer Science II 4
CS297 SD Professional Capstone 4
Specific Elective 5 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits97

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the skills and knowledge to install, configure, and maintain end-user computer systems and software
  • Demonstrate the skills and knowledge to install, configure and maintain network servers.
  • Demonstrate the ability to plan and implement both wired and wireless networks sufficient for home or small business use.
  • Demonstrate basic ability to develop new products and services to meet the needs of a changing economy
  • Apply project-life-cycle concepts to assist in business need solutions.
  • Research, interpret and communicate technical information in written, graphic, diagrammatic, electronic and oral forms.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently or in a group environment with sensitivity to the business and cultural needs.