Dec 10, 2024  
2023-2024 College Catalog 
    
2023-2024 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Information Systems, A.S.


Associate in Science
HEGIS #5101
Department Chairperson: Linda Lim
Bulmer Telecommunications Center, Room 220, (518) 629-7358

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:

  • 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:
    • Programming & Database Management Systems Track
    • Web Design & Programming Track
    • System & Network Administration Track (houses Cisco Network Academy - CCNA & CCNP)

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.

The Computer Science Track in this program is designed for the SUNY Transfer Path.

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 . 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.

Total Credits Required: 64


Major Requirements*


*or specific course equivalents as approved by department chairperson.
**Required of first time, full-time students.
*** A grade of “C” or better is required for program completion.

(3) Humanities Elective Credits: 3


Course must be designated as both “SUNY General Education Humanities” and “HVCC Liberal Arts and Sciences Humanities” course.

(4) History Elective Credits: 3


Course must be designated as “SUNY General Education” AH, WH or OC course and “HVCC Liberal Arts and Sciences Social Science” course.

(5) Natural Science Elective Credits: 4


Course must be designated as both “SUNY General Education Natural Science” and “HVCC Liberal Arts and Sciences Science” course.

(6) Social Science Elective Credits: 3


Course must be designated as “SUNY General Education Social Science” course. Recommend economics:

(7) Math Electives Credits: 8


Minimally MATH 150 ; recommend BADM 220  and MATH 180 .

(8) LAS/Gen Ed Elective Credits: 3


Course must be designated as both “SUNY General Education Foreign Language or Arts” and “HVCC Liberal Arts and Science Humanities” course.

Total Credits Required: 64


Suggested Course Sequence for Full-Time Study


Term Total: 15


Second Term


Term Total: 18


Third Term


  • LAS/Gen Ed Electives Credits: 3
  • Restricted CIS Elective Credits: 3
  • Restricted Electives Credits: 6
  • Social Science Elective Credits: 3

Term Total: 15


Fourth Term


Term Total: 16


Total Credits Required: 64


Computer Science Track


**Required of first time, full-time students.
*** A grade of “C” or better is required for program completion.

(2) Humanities Elective Credits: 3


Course must be designated as both “SUNY General Education Humanities” and “HVCC Liberal Arts and Sciences Humanities” course.

(3) History Elective Credits: 3


Course must be designated as “SUNY General Education” AH, WH or OC course and “HVCC Liberal Arts and Sciences Social Science” course.

(4) Natural Science Electives Credits: 8


Complete one sequence of the following:

(5) Social Science Elective Credits: 3


Course must be designated as “SUNY General Education Social Science” course. Recommend economics:

(6) LAS/Gen Ed Elective Credits: 3


Course must be designated as both “SUNY General Education Foreign Language or Arts” and “HVCC Liberal Arts and Science Humanities” course.

Total Credits Required: 64


Suggested Course Sequence for Full-Time Study in Computer Science Track


Term Total: 15


Term Total: 15


Third Term


Term Total: 18


Fourth Term


Term Total: 16