2024-2025 Student Catalog 
    
    Dec 14, 2024  
2024-2025 Student Catalog

Apply Today

Computer Information Systems, A.S.



Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program (Full-Time Day)

Degree/Certificate:    Associate in Science
HEGIS Code:            5101
SUNY Code:             1171
Major Code:             CIS

The Career

The Computer Information Systems program prepares students with both problem solving and technical skills needed to assist organizations in conducting business and operating more efficiently.  The demand for individuals with experience in software, hardware, data and networks increases daily as all organizations rely on computer and information technology.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects computer information systems related occupations to be among the fastest growing occupations with a projected growth rate of 13% between 2020 and 2030.  Employment is expected to grow as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies.  The need for computer specialists to use their knowledge and skills in a problem-solving capacity will be a major factor in the rising demand for information systems specialists.

The SUNY Niagara Approach

The Computer Information Systems degree program prepares students for transfer to a four-year college or university.  Programs to which students may transfer include Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Management Information Systems and other computer-related disciplines.

Computer Information Systems is a field studying computing devices, their hardware and software, their applications and their impact on society.  Students will learn how to apply technical knowledge and skills to provide practical solutions to real world problems.

Admission

Students are admitted in fall, spring and summer.

The Computer Information Systems program is offered as a full-time program, a part-time program or an online program. All required courses are offered in both a traditional classroom setting and online. Students can choose from courses offered in the classroom, online or choose a combination of both to best suit their needs.

Dual Admissions

Buffalo State University - Computer Information Systems
State University of New York at Buffalo - Management Information Systems

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To prepare students for transfer into a computer-related curriculum (Computer Information Systems, Computer Information Science, Management Information Systems or Information Technology) at a four-year institution

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of degree requirements, a graduate will:

  • Design, implement, test, and debug programs that employ fundamental programming constructs
  • Utilize the three basic principles of object-oriented design:  encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism
  • Work as a team member in a problem-solving situation
  • Apply technical knowledge and skills to provide practical solutions to real-world problems

Program Requirements (CIS)


  1. A total of at least 64-credit hours with a minimum curriculum grade-point average of 2.0. Academic Foundations courses do not count toward the degree.
  2. Computer Information Systems: A minimum of 23-credit hours to include:
      *
      *
     
    Plus 12-credit hours of Computer Science (CPS) or Computer Information Systems (CIS) or Local Area Networks (NET), of which no more than 3-credit hours can be NET. In addition, CPS and CIS courses must have a number of 200 or higher.
  3. Business: A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
    ACC116 - Financial Accounting   
      
  4. Communication - Written: A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
    ENG101 - Writing I  *
    ENG102 - Writing II & Introduction to Literature  OR
    ENG103 - Writing for STEM  
  5. Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning - General Education: A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
    MAT 110 - Intermediate Algebra or higher General Education Mathematics   
    MAT 164 - Introduction to Statistics    
  6. Communication - Oral:  A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    BUS 229 - Business Communications  OR
    SPE 101 - Speech Communication  OR
    SPE 102  -  Public Speaking  OR
    SPE 103 - Interpersonal Communication  
  7. General Education:  A minimum of 9-credit hours to be selected from 3 different categories below:
    Humanities (HUMN)  
    Social Science (SOCS)  
    The Arts (ARTS)  
    US History & Civic Engagement (USCV) 
    World History & Global Awareness (GLBL)   
    World Language (WLNG)  
  8. Natural Science & Scientific Reasoning (NSCI)  General Education elective: A minimum of 3-credit hours
  9. Diversity: Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (DVRS)   General Education elective: A minimum of 3-credit hours
  10. Health/Physical Education: A minimum of 2-credit hours
  11. Free Electives:  A minimum of 3-credit hours

Typical Program (Full-Time Day)


Total Credit hours: 16/17


Total Credit Hours: 17


Third Semester


Total Credit Hours: 16


Fourth Semester


Total Credit Hours: 15


Note:


* Dependent upon the fulfillment of Academic Foundations requirements

Scholarship Opportunities


There are several scholarships available to SUNY Niagara students. Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship webpage at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships. The SUNY Niagara Foundation/Scholarship Office is located within the Foundation Office, A-265 or by phone (716) 614-5910.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study