Associate in Science
HEGIS #5101
Chairperson: James G. Looby
Brahan Hall, Room 206, (518) 629-7225
The School of Business, with the Department of Computing and Information Sciences, offers several different degree programs in Computer Information Systems (CIS) to accommodate students pursuing a two-year terminal degree, as well as those seeking to transfer to a four-year institution. All Computer Information Systems graduates possess a strong computer information system core. This common CIS core allows students to seamlessly transfer between the different degree programs as their goals become more defined. Core course work includes Programming and Logic, Analysis and Design of Information Systems, Project Management, Decision Support Systems and Database Management. Suffused throughout all CIS programs is a focus on people, processes, systems, security, collaboration and ethics.
The various Computer Information Systems program options allow the degree to further be tailored to achieve a specific desired outcome. These options include the following curricular tracks:
The Computer Information Systems Associate in Science (A.S) is a flexible degree designed for students who wish to transfer to Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, Information Technology or Informatics (e.g., Bio-Informatics, Medical Informations, etc.) programs at a four-year institution upon completion of their associate degree. Complementing the Computer Information Systems A.S. degree are many articulation agreements with four-year institutions that guarantee transfer to the collaborating college or university if the articulation specifications are satisfied. Local institutions include RPI, the University at Albany, SUNY IT, The College of Saint Rose and The Sage Colleges.
This program is particularly relevant for students seeking careers in computer and information security and game design as these disciplines require a four-year degree. Students interested in computer and information security are urged to investigate four-year security programs at RIT, SUNY IT and the University at Albany’s Information Technology Management program, which houses the Center for Information Forensics and Assurance (CIFA). Students interested in the highly competitive game design field are urged to investigate four-year game design programs at RIT and RPI.
Common job titles for students completing Computer Information Systems A.S. degree include:
- Software Engineer
- Application Programmer
- Systems Analyst
- Web Designer/Developer
- System and Network Administrator
- Computer Technician
- Help Desk Support
Minimum math for this program is MATH 150 . MATH 155 is not acceptable for any CIS related program. Degree requirements can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, with courses available during the day, evening and online.
All CISS courses must have been taken within seven years in order to be applicable toward this degree program.
Program Entrance Requirements
| Courses |
Entry Term |
Special Notes |
H.S. Average |
| Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II or 3 years of equivalent academic math (80 or above in each course) |
Fall and Spring |
Computer courses recommended. Transfer students are required to have a 2.0 GPA or higher.
Math entrance requirement may be waived if a student has successfully completed minimally MATH 150 with a grade of “C” or higher or by permission of department chair. |
80 or above |
The estimated cost of books for the student enrolled in the first full-time term as outlined would be approximately $705.