Computer Information Systems, A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS #5101
Chairperson: Ricky P. Thibodeau​
Brahan Hall, Room 219, (518) 629-7225

The School of Business and Liberal Arts, 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:

• Computer Information Systems A.S. (CSS) 
  Two-year transfer degree for Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Informatics, etc.
• Computer Information Systems A.A.S. (CIS)
  Generic terminal degree can be tailored for specific outcome and includes the following tracks:
• Cloud Computing Track
  ​Cloud Computing is a subscription-based, elastic computational model that employs internet accessible servers in contrast to traditional purchasing, maintaining and supporting on-site provisioned servers. The promise of cloud computing is to provide organizations with a more scalable, responsive and cost-effective enterprise computing solution. The 3 primary Cloud Computing models are Infrastructure-as-a-Service (laaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Common to these cloud computing models are standardized interfaces that both facilitate end-user ease of use and system integration. The HVCC Cloud Computing Micro-Credential will introduce the aforementioned Cloud Computing concepts and offer students opportunities to work with cloud technologies in hands-on applications.
• Programming & Database Management Systems Track
  Students will learn to apply intermediate and advanced symbolic logicand programming concepts coupled with intermediate to advanced database management skills to develop contemporary business, decision-support, data-warehousing, web-based and mobile applications.
• System & Network Administration Track (houses Cisco Network Academy - CCNA & CCNP)The System and Administration track will introduce the student to system administration and the organization and design of data networks, and provide the foundation for the Cisco Certified Network Associate and Cisco Certified Network Professional certifications. System administration topics include: virtualization, process management, memory management, device management, file management, system security and system integration. Network administration topics include: networking applications, network media, Ethernet technology, the TCP/IP protocol suite, network addressing, operation of routed and switched networks. These hands­ on courses utilize both the college’s networking laboratories and the Cisco Network Academy resources. Note: The Cisco certification exam is not offered through the college since it is an industry-controlled certification.
• Web Design & Programming Track
  Web Design and Programming is a highly relevant web design curriculum that focuses on contemporary dynamic, accessible, personalized, multimedia rich and W3C standards-compliant functionality.

The Computer Information Systems Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program is offered to students whose primary goal is to gain employment in the information technologies. However it should be noted that the degree transfers well to Computer Information Systems and Information Technology Management four-year degree programs. The program provides the student with a strong foundation in: (a) programming and logic, (b) information resource management, (c) systems analysis and design, (d) database management systems (DBMS) in Oracle and, (e) project management. Tailored specialization can be obtained by taking CIS elective courses that include: (a) highly relevant programming languages (e.g., Java, C/C++, COBOL, VB.Net, Perl, Java and Assembly Language), (b) system and network administration (e.g., Windows, Linux, computer and network security and the Cisco networking curriculum that includes the CCNA and CCNP),(c) Web programming using Java, Javascript and Ajax on the client-side and PHP, Perl, Java and MySQL on the server-side DBMS, (d) mobile computing, and (e) web design in accord with today’s accessible, W3C standards-compliant and user-centered design (UCD) principles.

The coursework in the program increases employment opportunities in computing environments of public and private businesses. Common job titles for students completing the Computer Information Systems A.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 130 . 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

The estimated cost of books for the student enrolled in the first full-time term as outlined would be approximately $730