Computer Information Systems
Program Information
Degrees & Certificates
Additional Information
Courses
Mission Statement
The Computer Information Systems program prepares students for successful careers in CIS by offering degree programs that provide broad-based and fundamental technical, interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills in high-demand areas.
Be an IT Professional — a Problem Solver of technology-related issues!
The strength of a Computer Information Systems career lies in your ability to apply the knowledge of information systems and technology to help organizations compete more successfully in the marketplace or to streamline current operations.
CIS students:
- Bring excitement about new technology and figuring out how things work
- Have a constant willingness to learn new things (technology is always changing)
- Enjoy solving problems and applying skills through hands-on experience
- Gain real-life, practical experience through internship requirement
- Achieve industry-recognized Information Technology certifications
Degrees & Certificates
Computer Information Systems, AAS
Program Description
The Computer Information Systems (CIS) program at East Central College prepares students for a technical, database, or security emphasis. The program includes a rigorous curriculum of online courses preparing the student for success in small or large businesses. Graduates of the CIS program hold titles such as: Computer programmer, customer support specialist, computer technician, and database manager. The program covers a wide variety of topics including computer programming, hardware, operating systems, web design, and database management. This program will prepare students for entry-level positions in the following areas:
- Computer Networking
- Computer Hardware Maintenance and Repair
- Database Management
- Help Desk/Cybersecurity
Successful completion of program requirements provides the student with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Systems.
Program Format
The CIS degree is a two-year online program. Students enrolled in this program should have an excitement for new technology, have a constant willingness to learn new technology, solving problems, and apply skills through hands-on experience. Students gain real-life, practical experience through the program’s internship requirement. Students will have an opportunity to achieve industry-recognized information technology certifications. Courses are instructed by industry professionals from the fields of computer information systems, database management, and cybersecurity.
Articulation Agreement
East Central College and the University of Missouri-Columbia have entered a “2+2” agreement. Students wishing to complete ECC’s CIS AAS degree and then transfer to Mizzou’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology can carry forth their AAS degree and through two more years of college can earn a bachelor’s degree (See your ECC advisor for details).
Those pursuing a career in this field should:
- Have an aptitude for math
- Be able to analyze, compare and interpret facts and figures quickly
- Clearly communicate the results of their work to clients and managers both verbally and in writing
- Be good at working with people and on computers
- Have a high standard of integrity
Program Learning Outcomes
- Professional/Technical Skills: Students will demonstrate workforce readiness through opportunities to attain industry-recognized certifications.
- Critical Thinking: The student will be able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to provide effective technical support to end-users.
- Communication: The student will be able to articulate appropriate terminology to communicate effectively.
Computer Information Systems, Certificate of Achievement
The Computer Information Systems is a 32-credit hour certificate consisting of foundational courses in technical and digital literature, Foundations of management information systems, basic operating systems, and capstone course. Students at this level can explore one of three program emphasis: database, technical support, or security. These emphases prepare the student for the program’s degree pathway.
Program Outcomes
- Communication: The student will be able to articulate appropriate terminology to communicate effectively.
- Conceptional Knowledge: Students will gain an understanding of the role computer information systems play in business and industry.
Computer Information Systems, Helpdesk: Certificate of Specialization
The Computer Information Systems is a short-term, 13-credit hour certificate intended to be completed in one semester and consist of the following foundational courses:
- Technical and Digital literacy
- Computer Operations and Maintenance
- Introduction to Security OR Operating Systems
- HelpDesk Fundamentals
These emphases prepare the student for the program’s degree pathway.
Program Outcomes
- Communication: The student will be able to articulate appropriate terminology to communicate effectively.
- Conceptional Knowledge: Students will gain an understanding of the role computer information systems play in business and industry.
Computer Information Systems and course descriptions
Degrees and Certificates in the course catalog:
- Computer Information Systems, AAS
- Computer Information Systems Certificate of Achievement
- Computer Information Systems Certificate of Specialization
Degrees and Certificates in PDF form:
Scholarships
Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship
The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program, powered by Last Mile Education Fund, addresses diversity and talent shortages in the cybersecurity field by facilitating community college degree and industry certification completion for historically excluded students pursuing cybersecurity careers.
Outcome Data
- Employment Rate Summary Table– Click for more information on the student graduation employment data
- 2019 Technical Skills Assessment Results
- 2016 Technical Skills Assessment Results
Computer Information Systems Courses
