Computer Information Systems Associate of Science and Transfer Preparation

The Associate of Science degree in Computer Information Systems for Transfer Preparation prepares students to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and Technology at California State University San Bernardino. CSUSB offers four different BS options including Cyber Security, Intelligence, CIS, and Public Administration as well as Masters in Cyber Security and MIS, among others.  Furthermore, their Cyber Security Center was just designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense/Information Assurance.

Computer support technicians provide technical assistance to computer users. They may answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. They may provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Computer network technicians analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Projected Annual Completers 60

Enrollment Projections 180

Employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow over 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software. According to EDD (Employment Development Department) and EMSI (Economic Modeling Specialist International) projection numbers for California-wide employment as “Computer Support Specialists” and “Computer Specialist” in general is expected to grow at double-digit rates through 2026. Employment for “Computer and Information Systems Managers” will have a percent change of nearly 18%.

Demand for these workers, and in other Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) areas, should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. The ICT industry cluster is the largest, and among the fastest growing, sectors in California. 

The AS degree in Computer Information Systems for Transfer Preparation will prepare students to acquire the following basic core Information Technology competencies:

• Apply fundamental computing knowledge and current technology techniques, skills and tools.

• Locate, critically evaluate and solve business problems with technology solutions using qualitative and quantitative information.

• Design, implement and evaluate computer-based systems, processes, components or programs to meet desired needs.

• Understand the professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities in the information technology domain.

• Communicate and function effectively with a range of audiences to accomplish a common goal.

• Analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.

• Understand the relevance of continuing professional development in the information technology domain.

• Identify and analyze user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems. 

• Explain the use of best practices and technology standards, and their application in an organizational context.

• Increase one’s professional net worth, and start on a path toward career advancement.

• Prepare to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology to further your knowledge and marketability.

The CIS department is aligned with the College of the Desert's mission to provide excellent educational programs career and technical education, certificate, transfer preparation, associate degrees, noncredit and distance education. Our programs and services contribute to the success, learning and achievement of our diverse students and the vitality of the Desert Community College District, surrounding areas and beyond.

The A.S. Degree in Computer Information Systems meets both the state of California’s CTE program Career advancement and California Community College goals. The development of this degree program is the result four main factors:

1. The release of the Department of Labor (DOL) Information Technology (IT) Competency Model. The IT Competency Model identifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for workers to perform successfully in the field of information technology (IT). The model is depicted as a pyramid consisting of several tiers.

Tiers 1 through 3 represent the “soft-skills” and work readiness skills that most employers demand.

Tier 1 – Personal Effectiveness Competencies are often referred to as "soft skills".

Tier 2 – Academic Competencies are primarily learned in a school setting. They include cognitive functions and thinking styles and apply to all industries and occupations.

Tier 3 - Workplace Competencies represent motives and traits, as well as interpersonal and self-management styles.

Tier 4 – Industry-Wide (IT) Technical Competencies cover the general knowledge and skills and abilities from which workers across the industry can benefit, regardless of the IT sector in which they operate.

The DOL model is rather a compilation of competencies that can be included as 

a basis for preparation in an IT occupation. The A.S. degree in Computer Information Systems will help students meet these Information Technology work-place competencies.

2. The ACM Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges (CCECC), at the direction of the ACM Education Board, convened a task force to produce curricular guidance for associate-degree programs in Information Technology. In fulfilling its charge, the CCECC identified the body of knowledge as a set of fifty student learning outcomes that constitute core Information Technology (IT) competencies for all IT-related associate-degree programs. These learning outcomes were created with the intent of being adaptable, not overly technology specific, and remain current for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, these core IT learning outcomes were primarily influenced by:

• current and future needs of business and industry,

• professional and industry certifications,

• government and standards bodies, and

• related-IT curricula, including the ACM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree program in Information Technology, and the U.S. Department of Labor Information Technology Competency Model.

3. Another factor leading to the creation of the A.S. Degree in Computer Information Systems is the support from C-ID (http://www.c-id.net/degreereview.html) for the Intersegmental Model Curricula (ISMCs) for Information Technology. The A.S. degree in Computer Information Systems meets the requirements of the Model Curriculum.

4. The final factor in the creation of this degree is to provide students with an opportunity to transfer to California State University, San Bernardino. CSUSB offers Information and Decision Systems B.S. and M.S. degrees and its Cyber Security Center was just designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense/Information Assurance.