Computer Information Systems (AAS)
Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Business & Applied Technology at bat@harford.edu; or Admissions, 443-412-2109.
Program Description
Computer Information Systems (CIS) is the study of the use of computers in business applications. The CIS curriculum presents computer literacy, program design, programming languages and electives in software, network and Internet applications. CIS students may pursue careers as computer programmers, computer simulation/gaming engineers, software specialists, computer user support specialists, network and Internet specialists.
Program Goals
Computer Information Systems is a career-oriented program focusing on the use of computers in business. Students who successfully complete the Computer Information Systems degree will:
- Analyze the use of commercial software applications, hardware, networks, programming, and other technologies in information systems at a level of competence appropriate to joining the workforce.
- Use, maintain and modify existing information systems.
- Design and implement new information systems.
- Demonstrate the skills to work in a business environment including working in teams, project management, and professional and effective communication with a wider audience.
Transfer Information
The CIS program may transfer to four-year colleges, although it is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in the computer field. One option for students interested in a Bachelor’s degree is HCC’s articulation agreement with Towson University. Interested students should contact academic advising or CIS faculty.
Employment Information
The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Department of Labor forecasts that careers in the computer industry are expected to increase by 7%, adding over 46,600 positions by 2029. The report indicates continuing growth of the computer industry.
Degree Requirements
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BA 101 | Introduction to Business (GI) | 3 |
| CIS 102 | Introduction to Information Sciences (GI) | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective (GM) 1 | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CIS 104 | Computer Operating Systems | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Programming I: C/C++ | ||
| Programming I: Java | ||
| Computer Science I | ||
| CIS 115 | Fundamentals of Programming | 3 |
| Biological/Physical Lab Science Elective (GL) | 4 | |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CIS 135 | Introduction to Networks | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Programming II: C/C++ | ||
| Programming II: Java | ||
| Computer Science II | ||
| ENG 209 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| CSI/CIS/ISS/DSCI Elective 2 | 4 | |
| CSI/CIS/ISS/DSCI Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| CIS 203 | Computer Systems and Procedures | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Cooperative Education: Computer Information Systems | ||
CSI/CIS/ISS Elective 3 | ||
| CSI/CIS Elective | 3 | |
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Students should consult with program advisors for appropriate mathematics course selection. A four credit GM may be taken to satisfy the requirement.
- 2
Any CIS/CSI/ISS/DSCI course(s) may be taken to satisfy CIS/CSI/ISS/DSCI electives.
- 3
Any CIS/CSI course may be taken to satisfy CIS/CSI elective.
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)
Part-Time Progression Plan
The part-time progression plan for programs of study has been developed as a helpful example for students to guide their academic journey. This plan outlines a likely sequence of courses and milestones over three years to help students visualize their academic path. It is important to note that this progression plan is based solely on the core requirements outlined in the approved program of study and does not include any additional requirements. Each student’s experience may vary based on their specific interests, course availability, and academic history. Therefore, students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor.
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)
Part-Time General Education Electives
To earn an Associate degree, students must complete at least 60 college-level credits, including a required number of General Education (Gen Ed) credits:
- AA, AS, and AAT degrees require 28–36 General Education credits as part of the 60 total. This includes a minimum of:
- 6 credits of Arts/Humanities (GAH)
- 6 credits of Behavioral/Social Sciences (GB)
- 3 credits of English Composition (GE) - satisfied by ENG 101 English Composition (GE)
- 4 credits of Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
- 3 credits of Mathematics (GM)
- 3 credits of Biological/Physical Science (GS)
- AAS degrees require at least 18 General Education credits, including one course from each of the following categories: GAH, GB, GE, GL, and GM.
General Education courses must be selected from the college’s approved list and may be further specified by individual degree programs. Unless a General Education course is specifically required by a program, the elective General Education courses listed in the recommended sequence are intended as suggestions, not mandatory selections.
Recommended Part-Time Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CIS 102 | Introduction to Information Sciences (GI) | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| Select a Mathematics Elective (GM): | 4 | |
| Introductory Statistics with Programming Applications (GM) | ||
| Credits | 10 | |
| Winter | ||
| BA 101 | Introduction to Business (GI) | 3 |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIS 104 | Computer Operating Systems | 3 |
| CIS 115 | Fundamentals of Programming | 3 |
| Select an Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH): | 3 | |
| Group Communication and Leadership (GAH) | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy (GAH) | ||
| Principles of Logic (GAH) | ||
Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) |
||
| Credits | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| Biological/Physical Lab Science Elective (GL) | 4 | |
| Introduction to Astronomy (GS) and Sky and Telescope Laboratory (GL) |
||
| Human Body in Health and Disease (GS) and Human Body in Health and Disease Laboratory (GL) |
||
| Introduction to Environmental Science (GS) and Environmental Science Laboratory (GL) |
||
| Credits | 4 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Programming I: C/C++ | ||
| Programming I: Java | ||
| Computer Science I | ||
| CIS 135 | Introduction to Networks | 3 |
| Select a Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB): | 3 | |
| The Twentieth Century World (GB) | ||
| General Psychology (GB) | ||
| Credits | 10 | |
| Winter | ||
| ENG 209 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Programming II: C/C++ | ||
| Programming II: Java | ||
| Computer Science II | ||
| CIS 203 | Computer Systems and Procedures | 3 |
| CIS 217 | Introduction to Web Programming | 3 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| CSI/CIS/ISS/DSCI Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Cooperative Education: Computer Information Systems | ||
CSI/CIS/ISS Elective |
||
| CSI/CIS Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |