Get the Skills to Become a Computer Information Systems Professional
51-Month* Online Computer Information Systems (BS) Degree Program
Computer Information Systems professionals play an important role in managing and utilizing the technology infrastructure within organizations. They manage and maintain computer systems, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently.
If you’re a driven, analytical person who enjoys working with technology, consider becoming a Computer Information Systems professional. Earn your Computer Information Systems (Online) degree and launch your career!
The best way to see if the College of Westchester is the right fit for you is to attend an online or in-person information session. You’ll get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the CW community. Schedule an information session now or Get more info.
Becoming a Computer Information Systems Professional
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (Online) program provides a solid foundation of IT skills and knowledge, communication skills, critical thinking and design skills relevant to succeed in an IT career. Students will learn the core competencies needed to plan strategic and effective IT solutions for any organization.
Develop the skills to monitor, detect, investigate and respond to cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Learn Cisco Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing and so much more!
Program Learning Objectives
- Design, secure, operate, and troubleshoot enterprise networks and equipment such as switches and routers.
- Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills using real and virtual equipment to build personal computers, establish virtualization, software-defined networks, and use application programming interfaces (APIs) and configuration management tools to enable network automation.
- Use IT tools to design, develop and implement effective IT solutions and to solve organizational problems.
- Investigate and analyze security vulnerabilities and mitigate threats by applying effective countermeasures.
- Using the software development process and algorithmic approaches, design, write, test, and run web and desktop applications using object-oriented programming languages.
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Required Courses
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NET111 | PC Technology (A+) » | 3 |
| This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and troubleshooting skills needed to provide capable hardware support of personal computers. Students will identify proper procedures for installing and configuring system components and devices; diagnose and troubleshoot system problems; identify safety procedures; identify motherboards, types of memory, bus architectures and CMOS; define the print process and identify procedures for servicing printers; identify the components of portable systems; define networks. This course aligns to one of two CompTIA A+ exams.
Number: NET111 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET117 | Operating System Technologies (A+) » | 3 |
| This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and troubleshooting skills needed to provide capable software support of personal computers. Students will learn the basic system administration knowledge of command line prompt and Windows operating systems for installing, configuring, upgrading, troubleshooting, and repairing desktop computer systems. This course aligns to one of two CompTIA A+ exams.
Prerequisites: NET111 or permission of Chair Number: NET117 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET125 | Cisco Networking Basics » | 3 |
| This course provides students with a basic understanding of the way networks operate. Student will learn about network components and their functions, as well as how a network is structured, and the architectures used to create networks, including the internet. Student will be able to build local area networks (LANs), configure basic settings on routers and switches, and implement internet protocol (IP). This is the first course of a three course Cisco Academy program that aligns to the CCNA certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET111 or permission of Chair Number: NET125 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET145 | Linux Administration » | 3 |
| This course presents an overview of various Linux operating systems used by information technology (IT) professionals. Students will install, configure, and troubleshoot the Linux operating system, both on-premises and cloud-based server environments. Security best practices, scripting, containerization, and automation will also be covered. This course aligns to the CompTIA Linux+ certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET125 or permission to waive Number: NET145 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET151 | Windows Server Administration » | 3 |
| This course presents an overview of the Windows operating system used as a server in a client/server network. Students will install, configure, and troubleshoot a Windows server; examine the file systems; plan, implement and administer Active Directory Services; administer print services; examine network protocols and services; monitor and optimize system resources.
Prerequisites: NET117 or permission of Chair Number: NET151 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET163 | Cisco Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials » | 3 |
| This course is a continuation of the Cisco Academy Program.
This course advances one’s knowledge of the operation of routers and switches in small-to-medium business networks and includes wireless local area networks (WLANs) and security concepts. Students learn key switching and routing concepts. They can perform basic network configuration and troubleshooting, identify and mitigate LAN security threats, and configure and secure a basic WLAN. This is the second of a three course Cisco Academy program that aligns to the CCNA certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET125 Number: NET163 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET215 | Network Essentials (Network+) » | 3 |
| This course is designed to prepare students to become foundational-level IT network practitioners. Through scenario-based assignments, students will be presented with the opportunity to perform real world tasks in a simulated environment. Students will implement, configure, maintain, secure, and troubleshoot network architectures. This course is aligned to the TestOut Network Pro certification exam and the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET125 Number: NET215 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET265 | Cisco Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation » | 3 |
| This course describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. This course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access. ENSA also introduces software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks. Students gain skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks and learn to identify and protect against cybersecurity threats. They are introduced to network management tools and learn key concepts of software-defined networking, including controller-based architectures and how application programming interfaces (APIs) enable network automation. This is the third course of a three-course Cisco Academy program that aligns to the CCNA certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET163 Number: NET265 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET283 | Network Security » | 3 |
| This course is designed to help students gain the skills and knowledge in general security concepts, communication security, infrastructure security, basics of cryptography and operational/organizational security. This course is aligned to the CompTIA “Security+” certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET125 or permission of Chair Number: NET283 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET335 | Active Directory Services » | 3 |
| This course is designed to give students the skills needed to analyze business requirements and design a directory and network services architecture using the Windows operating system. Students will understand how to make directory services work for an organization as well as plan, implement, and manage directory services. Students will analyze the existing and planned organizational structures; evaluate the company’s existing and planned technical environment; design a directory and network infrastructure.
Prerequisites: NET151 Number: NET335 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET345 | Network Infrastructure & Cloud Computing » | 3 |
| This course provides the fundamental networking skills required to deploy and support Windows Server in most organizations. It covers IP fundamentals, remote access technologies, and more advanced content including Software Defined Networking. In addition, this course provides a thorough guide of various models for cloud computing implementation and offers exam objectives for the CompTIA Cloud Essentials exam.
Prerequisites: NET151 Number: NET345 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET410 | Cyber Counterintelligence » | 3 |
| This course is a comprehensive review of the tasks, knowledge, skill, and ability (KSA) requirements of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) workforce framework and its relationship to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF). This course explores the principles and models needed to ensure a sound cybersecurity framework is established in the workforce.
In addition, the Cisco CyberOps Associate curriculum will be used in this course. This curriculum provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills needed for a Security Analyst working with a Security Operations Center team. It teaches core security skills needed for monitoring, detecting, investigating, and responding to security events, thus protecting systems and organizations from cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Prerequisites: NET283 Number: NET410 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| CIS110 | Programming Logic » | 3 |
| This course introduces the art and science of planning and writing programs and enforces good style and logical thinking. Students will learn the guidelines to developing structured program logic and compose a set of instructions that directs a computers’ behavior.
Number: CIS110 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| CIS210 | Structured Programming » | 3 |
| This course uses advanced problem-solving strategies and algorithms using classes and objects. Students will develop programs using data structures, character strings, records, files, stacks and queues.
Prerequisites: CIS110 Number: CIS210 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| CIS233 | Database Applications (Access) » | 3 |
| Investigation and application of advanced database concepts will be covered including database administration, database technology, and selection and acquisition of database management systems. Through the introduction of Microsoft Access, the students will complete an in-depth practicum in database applications, including database design, relational tables, queries, forms, and reports.
Prerequisites: GEN115 or NET111 or DMD101 or permission of Chair Number: CIS233 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| CIS325 | Python Programming » | 3 |
| This course introduces Python programming concepts and techniques. Students will learn how to write and test code, handle common errors, and develop interactive programs using the Python language.
Prerequisites: CIS110 Number: CIS325 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| CIS420 | Advanced Database SQL » | 3 |
| This course introduces the advanced features of the SQL language and how it can be used to query a database in order to answer business questions. Students will examine the following advanced features: querying with unions, advanced joins and sub queries, add, update and remove data, manipulate tables, views and various indexes, data integrity with transactions, and creation of databases.
Prerequisites: CIS233 Number: CIS420 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| CIS480 | Computer Information Systems Capstone » | 3 |
| The Computer Information Systems capstone course assesses students’ knowledge on the learning objectives of the Computer Information Systems program. All assignments in this course will build upon one another and provide students with different components for their Capstone Project. The emphasis will be IT project management, enterprise architecture, business requirement analysis, system modeling, acquisition, testing, deployment, and quality assurance.
Note: Fulfills Capstone requirement for Online students and Adult students or with permission of Department Chairperson. Prerequisites: The Capstone course must be taken in the final two semesters of a Day student’s degree program or the final four terms of an Adult or Online student’s degree program. Number: CIS480 Credits: 3.00 Type: Computer Information Systems |
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| Total Major-Related Credits | 54 | |
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN105 | Transformative Learning » | 3 |
| This course will introduce students to the value of change, personal growth, and transformation. Students will engage in activities designed to stimulate reflective thinking, create a positive personal outlook, and foster “behaviors of success.”
Number: GEN105 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN125 | English Composition I » | 3 |
| In this course, students develop their reading comprehension and written communication skills. Different styles of writing are examined as students develop writing proficiency through practice in planning, outlining, drafting, revising and editing. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division,
the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: Proficiency Examination and/or ACE108. Number: GEN125 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN127 | English Composition II » | 3 |
| This course builds on skills developed in English Composition I by presenting additional writing styles and helping students further refine their writing skills. Research skills and MLA documentation are also introduced. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division, the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: GEN125 or permission to waive Number: GEN127 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN129 | Essentials of Public Speaking » | 3 |
| Communication skills require good speech habits. Therefore, this course covers organization of thoughts, voice control, diction and presentation of ideas to a variety of audiences. The art of listening is also studied. Emphasis will be placed on a series of oral presentations in order to acquire and reinforce these skills.
Number: GEN129 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN151 | College Algebra » | 3 |
| Topics include the fundamentals of algebra: the rules of numbers, equations, negative numbers and integers, fractions and rational numbers, exponents, inequalities, graphs, and linear equations. Emphasis will be placed on word problems and business applications.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106 or permission to waive Number: GEN151 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN157 | Statistics » | 3 |
| This course offers an introduction to basic statistical theory and application. Topics to be discussed in detail include: sampling procedures; finding mean, median and mode; finding the variance and standard deviation; graphing histograms and bell curves. This course also illustrates how statistics are used in the business world as well as in the media and the benefits and drawbacks of statistical information.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106 or permission to waive. Number: GEN157 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN250 | Ethics and Professionalism » | 3 |
| This course will introduce the student to the moral principles and standards that guide behavior in today’s complex society and business. The definition and application of moral philosophies are used to explore ethical decision-making using a case study approach. Economic, legal, and social dimensions are explored along with interpersonal relationships and the development of morality within individual thinking.
Number: GEN250 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN305 | Data Analytics and Statistical Applications » | 3 |
| This course dives deeper into data analysis and the skills necessary for informed decision making while developing a nuanced understanding of the role and impact of data-driven insights. Building upon GEN157 Statistics, this course illustrates how statistics drive decisions in business and media, while understanding their advantages and limitations. Topics include correlation, regression, sampling distributions, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing.
Number: GEN305 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN315 | Discrete Mathematics » | 3 |
| This course studies the unique mathematical structures of computer science and programming known as discrete mathematics. A wide range of topics such as permutations, properties of sets, formal logic notation, methods of performing proofs, recurrences, and discrete probability.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or GEN151 Number: GEN315 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN330 | Personal & Professional Development » | 3 |
| This course focuses on the adult years as a complex and extraordinarily variable process, rather than as an orderly sequence of predictable stages. Through experiential, interactive processes, this course will explore various theories and philosophies of adult physical, cognitive, and personality development. Attention will also be given to the larger social contexts and the adult’s experience as worker and learner.
Prerequisite: GEN305 Number: GEN330 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN342 | Writing for the Business Professions » | 3 |
| This writing seminar is designed for bachelor degree students. Its focus will be on the importance of analysis and interpretation in the business and professional writing process. Students will learn how to write thoughtful, expressive, and well-developed documents for colleagues or management.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status or Permission of the Department Chairperson Number: GEN342 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN363 | Conflict, Communication and Resolution » | 3 |
| This course will examine how communication can be used to effectively resolve conflicts between people, organizations, and cultures. Conflicts resulting from differences in gender and ethnicity in the contexts of work and personal relationships will also be emphasized. The course will have an interdisciplinary emphasis through the use of cases from history, psychology, sociology, and current events.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status or Permission of Chair. Number: GEN363 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN421 | Business Communication and Research Methods » | 3 |
| This course will emphasize the necessary written, oral, and visual communication needed for today’s global business environment. The course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the importance of professionalism in the workplace, especially in the competitive business environment. Both interpersonal skills as well as research skills will be developed throughout the course. Throughout the semester, students will learn how utilizing creative skills and being flexible will be valuable in many career scenarios.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status, or Permission of Chair. Number: GEN421 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| Total General Education Credits | 36 | |
| General Education Elective | ||
| General Education Electives (8) | 24 | |
| Elective | ||
| Elective (2) | 6 | |
120 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
Online Training Suited to Your Schedule
The Computer Information Systems program is offered entirely online. You get the technical skills and practical industry knowledge it takes to pursue a rewarding IT career, with the convenience and flexibility of online training.
Is a Rewarding Career as a Computer Information Systems Professional Right For You? Get More Info…
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For immediate questions, call 1-833-768-2842.
*Program length when completed in normal time.