Computer Information Systems

Computer Information Systems Associate of Science degree provides students with the opportunity to be well rounded in technology its effect on business and users. A degree in Computer Information Systems will allow students to get core foundations in many different areas of the computer industry. Students will learn programming, networking, databases, web design, hardware, software, communication, and business skills to prepare them for a position succeeding in any of those areas. This degree will set students up to transfer to many different schools in New Hampshire and New England, as well as the rest of the country and world should they choose. This degree provides students with flexibility to work in many capacities within IT for not just IT companies, but also for any business that would have an IT department or need. Students will look to gain employment as Computer Support Specialists, Network and Systems Administrators, Web or Programming Developers, and Information Systems Managers. Several stackable certificates are available during the program, including PC Applications Specialist, CIS Tech Certificate and a Programmer Certificate.

Program Objectives:

  1. Introduce students on how Computer Information Systems integrates with technology and business.
  2. Provide students with the foundational knowledge in web development and object-oriented programming language and logic.
  3. Prepare students to use the systems development life cycle along with its tools, techniques, methodologies, and processes, to develop computer-based information systems that meet the needs of businesses and organizations.
  4. Provide students with database skills to design, implement, maintain and analyze those systems.
  5. Introduce students to networking and data communication skills and security concepts.
  6. Help students to explore career pathways in information technology to allow them to find a career that is right for them.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate a foundation of Computer Information Systems technical skills, knowledge and a basic understanding of computer applications.
  2. Demonstrate a broad understanding of how people, processes and data work together to become Information Systems.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to work as a part of an information technology team with effective use of the internet and the ability to disseminate information strategically.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to think logically in troubleshooting computer problems and finding possible solutions.
  5. Demonstrate proficiency with English Composition and Business fundamentals.
  6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of various forms of programming languages and how to construct programming logic.
  7. Demonstrate the basic understanding of relational databases
  8. Demonstrate the ability to understand operating systems and networking solutions to connect those systems securely.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

CIS133L: Introduction to Information Technology

This course is a fundamental technology course promoting skills and knowledge for students to apply academically and professionally. Concepts covered include computing basics, internet, hardware, software, file management, viruses, and spyware. Additionally, a good portion of the class is dedicated to applications used for email, word processing, presentations, spreadsheets and databases. This class will use simulation and live software projects.

CIS136L: Fundamentals of Information Technology

Students will learn the basics of computer hardware, software, digital security, networking, internet. A look at operating systems, digital data, algorithms, and digital security will also be considered. Students will begin to learn a systems thinking approach to problem solving.

CIS140L: Introduction to Programming

This course provides an introduction to the process of problem solving as it relates to program design and development. The student will learn to use various methodologies used in programming, as well as learning to use the various techniques and tools which have been developed to aid in the process. The basic programming statement types (sequential, conditional, and iterative) will be covered as the student learns to use them in algorithms, as well an introduction into object-oriented and web-development concepts.

CIS141L: Information Systems

This course will give students the foundational concepts for Information systems. Looking at people, technology and processes that work together to make up information systems. Students will understand how businesses use information systems, and the types of information systems that are used. Preliminary IT concepts are presented in the context of business and not just as stand-alone ideas.

CIS200L: Help Desk Skills

This course enables the student to understand and develop appropriate help desk techniques. Topics include roles of help-desk personnel, ticketing systems, process workflow, issue documentation, knowledge base use and how to trouble shoot hardware and software problems. Also covered will be end user management.

CIS210L: Operating Systems

Students in this course will look at various operating systems and their role in an organization. Concepts will be covered regarding installation, configuration, most used features, troubleshooting methods and where to go for help when issues arise. Students will also gain a key understanding of why each operating system may be used and best practices.

CIS215L: Intermediate Programming

Students will learn object-oriented programming concepts and programming techniques. They will learn coding in a logical, structured, organized programming using current object-oriented programming languages. This will be the second language students are exposed to, so understanding similarities and differences with languages will be presented. Program documentation and troubleshooting will also be covered. Exposure to SDK and IDE will also be explored.

CIS216L: Advanced Programming

Students in this course will continue their education programming focused on the object-oriented languages. Language may change for this course, but concepts related to developing functional, secure, proficient, and professional code will be covered. A functional project will cap off this course.

CIS227L: IT Developmental Applications

This course introduces the student to MS Visio and MS Project. Students will learn to work with various types of diagrams in Visio, as well as how to work with Project to plan and track projects using a variety of resources. This is a hands-on course where students will work extensively with software to develop projects based on individual interests and course of study. It is designed for the IT industry, but the skills learned can translate to any industry.

CIS234L: Website and Design Development

This course offers an introduction to Website Design and Development using HTML5 and CSS, as well as various software products available. The basics of good page and form design, graphics, mapping, lists and tables will be discussed. An overview of integrating text, video, data, audio, graphics and animation will also be covered.

CIS235L: Spreadsheets

This course provides extensive “hands-on” exposure to MS Excel, an industry-standard program. Topics covered include constructing a worksheet, entering and manipulating data, and extracting useful information from the worksheet. Graphs and charts of data will be constructed, and “what-if projections will be developed.

CIS242L: Database Management and Design

This lab course introduces modern techniques of data management. Students will learn the concepts of data normalization elements and their organization into proper schemata. Working with database management systems involves programming and sequential thinking skills, whereby students create and manipulate databases using SQL. Additional topics include Big Data, data security, and NoSQL.

CIS244L: SQL Server

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, administer, and troubleshoot MS SQL Server. Students will learn to write queries and perform a wide variety of tasks using both GUI and SQL code.

CIS247L: Introduction to Oracle DB

This course provides students with the knowledge and skill required to install, configure, administer, and troubleshoot Oracle DB. Students will learn to write queries and perform a wide variety of tasks using both GUI and SQL code.

CIS248L: Introduction to Networks

This course is the first in a series of four courses designed to prepare students to earn the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. It is based on the Cisco Introduction to Networks course and introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components and models of the Internet and computer networks. The principles of IP addressing, and fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum. By the end of the course, students will be able to build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches and implement IP addressing schemes.

CIS249L: Network Security

This course covers basic security principles, cryptography, security baselines and current attack and defense techniques and technologies. It also covers the development of security policies and procedures and the management of security efforts. The course prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.

CIS252L: Managing & Troubleshooting Personal Computers

This course prepares students to pass Comp TIA'92s A+ Essentials and Practical Applications exams. The student will gain an understanding of the terminology, technology, installation and upgrading of Windows PCs as well as basic Windows operating system support. The student will also learn advanced configuration and troubleshooting skills, to include the use of the command line interface.

CIS253L: Mac OS and Networking

This course is based on Apple-Certified courseware and is designed to train students to work with the Mac operating system as part of the business environment. Students will learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot software and hardware problems that can occur. Additional topics such as systems resources, peripheral devices, hidden files, and firewall configuration are covered, as well as many others necessary for the student to become Apple certified.

CIS262L: Intro to Linux

This course provides the introduction to UNIX operating system. Concepts such as file system, editors, program development, shell environment/programming, communication, data management, security and remote computing will be covered. In addition to laboratory exercises to enforce the concepts, students will also engage in a course project. Computer labs will be open for student use.

CIS265L: Independent Study

Students in an independent study option will engage in learning about a topic of special interest and/or need. A written report on the topic of the independent study is required.

CIS267L: Administering Windows Servers

This course covers implementing Group Policy; managing user and service accounts, maintaining directory services, configuring DNS and remote access; and optimizing file services and security.

CIS271L: Analyzing Software Requirements

This course teaches students to develop conceptual, logical and physical designs for a business software solution using modern software techniques and tools such as UML, SCRUM, etc. This course prepares the student for the Microsoft Certified Exam.

CIS272L: Object-Oriented Programming - Java

This course offers a study of the features of Java. Focus will be on the principles of software design and development specific to the object-oriented approach, including classes, objects, inheritance, and error handling.

CIS274L: XML

This course will teach students the skills to necessary to build distributed applications in an n-tier client server environment using Visual Basic & XML. Additional topics include database access in a multi-tier or cloud environment and the application front end.

CIS275L: Object-Oriented Programming - C++

This course offers a study of the features of C++. Focus will be on the principles of software design and development specific to the object-oriented approach including classes, objects, inheritance, and error handling.

CIS291L: Ethical Hacking

Students in this course will gain skills for moving into the Cyber Security field. Topics covered will include: Reconnaissance, Scanning, Gaining Access, Maintaining Access and Avoiding Detection. This course prepares student to take the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker certification.

CIS292L: Mobile Application Development

This is an introductory course developing mobile applications for various platforms, including smart phones, Android devices and Apple IOS. Topics include device convergence, platform architecture, app life-cycles, design patterns, and cross-platform development, as well as the challenges of developing for mobile devices. Students will be exposed to different API and languages such as Objective C, Xcode and Java

CIS295L: Internship

This course is an internship course for the student. A minimum of 60 hours must be completed in a preapproved internship in the field in which the student wants to seek employment. Approval will be at the Department Chair's discretion.

CIS296L: Cyber Defense

Students in this course will gain skill for moving into the Cyber Security field. Topics covered will include: threats and vulnerabilities, software systems, compliance and assessment, security operations and monitoring, and incident response.