Computer Information Systems

About the Program

The Computer Information Systems program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree for computer specialists and for application programmers. The program provides the technical skills and knowledge required for the effective utilization of computers in the business environment. The program also offers four Computer Information Systems options and several Computer Information Systems certificates.

Career Opportunities

A graduate of the Computer Information Systems programs is prepared to work as a(n):

Programs Available

Associate in Applied Science (0010)

The program provides the technical skills and knowledge required for the effective utilization of computers in the business environment. View Curriculum>>

Associate in Applied Science – Tech Support/Help Desk Option (010A)

The Computer Information Systems – Tech Support/Help Desk program will meet the demand for information technology professionals trained to support desktop computer users. Students completing the program will be qualified to troubleshoot hardware and software problems in the work environment. Graduates will be expected to have the skills needed to support users on all major applications. A basic understanding of the Internet and of a networked environment will enable graduates to aid in conflict management and effective user training. The skills gained in the program should allow graduates to adapt to any environment. View Curriculum>>

Associate in Applied Science – Database Development and Management (010B)

The Computer Information Systems–Database Development & Management program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree to prepare students to be database developers and managers. Junior Application Database Developers perform tasks that involve construction, documentation, installation or maintenance of database systems. Database managers work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They also set up computer databases and test and coordinate changes to them. View Curriculum>>

Associate in Applied Science – Programming Option (010C)

The Computer Information Systems – Programming option prepares students to be application and system programmers. View Curriculum>>

Database Programming Certificate (010D)

Approximately 20% of all new Information Technology positions will require database development skills. The Database Programming Certificate will provide the skills that are required for database development. View Curriculum>>

C++ Programming Certificate (010E)

The C++ Programming Certificate will prepare students for employment as C++ programmers.
View Curriculum>>

Visual Basic Programming Certificate (010F)

The Visual Basic Programming Certificate will prepare students for employment as Visual Basic programmers. View Curriculum>>

Computer Technology Certificate (010G)

The Technology Certificate is designed to provide basic computer skills for employees working in non-computer related careers and professions. These employees must be able to use a computer to complete applications, manage files, and access the Internet. The ability to use technology to plan, design, and implement strategies and projects-both locally and online-is a requirement for survival today in most organizations and industries. Completion of this certificate will ensure a basic understanding of the most used computer skills for non-computer related employment. View Curriculum>>

Visual Basic.NET Programming Certificate (010H)

The Visual Basic.NET Programming Certificate will prepare students for employment as Visual Basic.NET programmers.. View Curriculum>>

C# Programming Certificate (010J)

The C# Programming Certificate will prepare students for employment as C# programmers. View Curriculum>>

Accelerated Degree Option

Anyone who has completed an associate or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college may earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Systems (0010) by completing at least 27 semester credit hours of program related course work. A plan of specific courses required for the degree must be obtained from the program coordinator and approved by the Dean of the Business Division and the Vice President for Instruction. Only those courses completed at Southwestern Illinois College, and not included as part of the requirements for a previously earned degree or certificate, can be considered for this option. Students must meet all institutional requirements for the Associate in Applied Science Degree.

JAVA Programming Certificate (011F)

The JAVA Programming Certificate will prepare students for employment as JAVA programmers. View Curriculum>>

Admission Procedures

All applicants are advised to see a counselor upon making application for entrance into the college.

MISSION SUCCESS

Students interested in a degree program need to participate in MISSION SUCCESS, an assessment, welcome and counseling program designed to assist you with entry to Southwestern.

COMPASS, a computerized assessment program designed to identify your skill levels in math, reading and language usage, is the first step in MISSION SUCCESS. Next, the welcome session provides you with information about the college, its resources and services. In the counseling session, you can discuss your academic needs and plans with a counselor. You will receive an interpretation of your assessment scores so that you can prepare to register for classes.

Admission to the program

The admission procedures for the Computer Information Systems programs are described fully in Southwestern's catalog and are in accordance with Illinois law. Southwestern's CIS programs are open to any student who is a high school graduate; has passed the GED high school equivalency examination; or who is transferring from an accredited college or university.

For more information about the CIS programs or MISSION SUCCESS, contact a counselor at the Belleville Campus, (618) 235-2700, extension 5206; the Granite City Campus, (618) 931-0600; or the Red Bud Campus, (618) 282-6682.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the current tuition rate, contact Southwestern's Counseling Office at (618) 235-2700, extension 5206. Southwestern's tuition and fees are subject to change at any time.

Information about student scholarships, grant, loans, and employment is available from the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment.

Workforce Investment Act funding also may be available to qualified students. For more information, contact the Center for Training Innovations at (618) 235-2700, extension 5201.

Graduation Requirements

A student must complete 65 – 67 credit hours to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Systems. Certificates require from 6 – 21 credit hours. Other specific graduation requirements can be found in the front section of Southwestern's catalog.

It is the policy of Southwestern Illinois College to grant equal educational opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin/ancestry, disability, sexual preference, or age. All academic, extracurricular, research and other educational programs and activities are non-discriminatory.