Computer Information Systems

Application Code: 
0581
Degree Received: 
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Department: 
Computer and Information Technology
Description: 

The integration of computers into the workplace is progressing at a rapid pace. As more organizations install and employ these networks, a need has developed for the "resident expert" to administer the system, install software, establish security, and train others. Graduates of the computer information systems (CIS) program are well positioned to serve that need. A foundation of programming, database, networking is provided.

The CIS program is oriented toward today's changing computer environment. It is very contemporary, stressing computer programming, software applications, Web development, and network installation and management. A full year of networking is available.

A laptop computer is required for students entering the computer information systems program. See laptop specifications. 

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 
  • Required: Math A (algebra)*
  • Recommended: Math B (geometry and trigonometry)

* Students who place into intermediate algebra will be required to take one additional mathematics course.

Accreditation/Certification: 

Alfred State College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606.

Features & Facilities: 
  • Focuses on the design, installation, programming, and management of microcomputer systems and networking
  • Extensive programming, applications, and networking exposure
  • Full year of computer network management available
Articulation Agreements: 

Students have transferred successfully to schools across New York and other states. At this time most have chosen to continue with one of the bachelor of technology in information technology programs that are offered at Alfred State College. They enter into that program with full junior status.

Graduation Requirements: 

Must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of required CISY courses and nine credit hours of technical electives approved by adviser with a minimum 2.0 cumulative index. Twenty credit hours of liberal arts courses, a minimum overall cumulative index of 2.0, along with other requirements as stated in the College Academic Regulations, must be met by candidates of the AAS degree. Must successfully complete a minimum of 62 credit hours of course work and one semester of physical education.

Career Opportunities: 
  • Network Management
  • Systems Administration
  • Computer Technology
  • Computer Support
  • Computer Programming
  • Web Development
  • Database Administrator
Transfer Opportunities: 

To facilitate the transfer of graduates choosing to continue their education at the baccalaureate level, students are encouraged to make their intentions known to their academic adviser during their freshman year. Through the careful use of elective courses, students can realize excellent transfer credit.

Transfer into the information technology programs: network administration, Web development, and application software development will place them at junior status.

Typical Semester Layout: 

CIS majors can expect to spend three hours in class (average class size is under 25), two hours in lab, and four hours on homework.

First Semester credits
CISY 1113 Intro to Computer Prog  
    or  
CISY 1123 Intro to Comp Prog for IT 3
CISY 1023 Intro to Information Tech 3
COMP 1503 Freshman Composition 3
  xxx3
Gen. Ed. Elective (Other) 3
CISY 1111 IT Freshman Seminar 1
  xxx3
Gen. Ed. Social Sci Elective 3
      16
Second Semester credits
CISY 3223 Intro to Web Page Devel  
    or
 
CISY
2153
Database Appl. and Prog I
3
MATH
xxx3 College Algebra or above
3
CISY 2143 Microcomputer Systems I 3
CISY 4103 Visual Programming 3
LITR 2603 Introduction to Literature 3
      15
Third Semester credits
CISY 2153 Database Applications & Programming I  
    or
 
CISY
3223 Intro to Web Page Development
3
CISY 4033 Networking I 3
MATH 2124
Statistics Methods and Analysis
4
ACCT 3043 Accounting Foundations
 
    or
 
ACCT
1124
Financial Accounting
3-4
  xxx3 Technical Elective 3
      16-17
Fourth Semester credits
CISY 4053 Linux/Unix Admin and Scripting  
    or  
CISY 5403 Database Concepts 3
  xxx3 Technical Elective 3
SPCH 1083 Effective Speaking 3
  xxx3 Technical Elective 3
  xxx3 Gen Education Elective 3
      15

*Adviser approved mathematics course not to include MATH 1003, MATH 1013, MATH 2003, or MATH 1143.

Technical elective may include CISY, business, and selected courses from math or engineering as approved by the adviser.

Also required: One unit of physical education.

Employment and Transfer Report
Employment and Transfer Rate: 
100%
Employment and Transfer Survey Details: 
Survey Details 2006 2007 2008
Receiving Degrees 19 12
12
Responding to Survey 15 (79%) 10 (83%)
9 (75%)
Employed -- -- 2 (22%)
Employed in Field -- -- 1 (50%)
Transfered 15 (100%) 10 (100%) 7 (78%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment -- -- --
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- -- --
Employment and Transfer Salary Information: 

Average annual salary for ASC graduates - $29,500 (2 respondents)