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Degree at a Glance

Degree Type

Associate of Applied Science

Location

Greeley Campus

Credits

64

Tuition*

In-District
$6,013
In-State
$9,085
WUE
$13,245
Out-of-State
$31,421

*Check Cashier's Office for current tuition rates

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Computer Information Systems

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Computer Information Systems

Computer Information SystemsRequirements

Build your computer skills from using basic programs to actually writing programs. In the first semester, you'll learn operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Microsoft Office. Next, you’ll learn the basics of programming and building a website. Discover the basics of databases and set up and run queries on a database. You’ll also learn the basics of networking and hardware, including the parts of the computer, how to troubleshoot basic problems with hardware and how to connect on a network.

In the second year, you’ll choose a focus involving advanced classes in two or more specialties that appeal to you. For example, a mobile apps focus allows you to build Android and iOS apps that are great for portfolios. A database administration focus covers how to set up your own database system and run advanced queries. A network security focus teaches advanced security techniques. Over the course of the degree program, you will earn at least one certificate and create a project. Both are major differentiators for employers in addition to your degree.
 

Degree Requirements

  • This course introduces basic computer terminology, file management, and PC system components. Provides an overview of office application software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Includes the use of a web browser to access the Internet. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces the basic concepts of relational databases, data storage, and retrieval. Covers database design, data modeling, transaction processing, and introduces the Structured Query Language (SQL) for databases. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Prepares students for the CompTIA A+ certification examination. PC hardware and operating system installation, configuration and troubleshooting are practiced and reviewed using A+ techniques. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4
  • Provides students with the knowledge necessary to understand, identify and perform necessary tasks involved in supporting a network. Covers the vendor-independent networking skills and concepts that affect all aspects of networking, such as installing and configuring the TCP/IP. This course also prepares students for the Networking II: Network + course. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on a general introduction to computer programming. This course emphasizes the design and implementation of structured and logically correct programs with good documentation. It is centered on basic programming concepts, including control structures, modularization, and data processing. A structured programming language is used to implement program designs. It emphasizes the writing of multiple programs following the software development process, from start to finish, including design, implementation, and testing. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    3
  • Introduces the C# programming language. This course covers all syntactical components of the language including arrays, structures, methods and classes. Content will focus on writing clear, properly structured, and well-documented programs using object-oriented methodology, .NET Framework, and the Visual Studio environment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4
  • Introduces students to the discipline of computer science and programming. Algorithm development, data representation, logical expressions, sub-programs and input/output operations using a high-level programming language are covered. Intensive lab work outside of class time is required. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    Course Prerequisites
    CSC 1019 or CSC 2036 with a grade of "C" or better.
    4
  • Explores the complete set of web authoring skills using HTML and/or other languages. The course covers links, backgrounds, controlling text and graphic placement, tables, image maps and forms. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
Total Degree Required Credits 23-24

General Education Requirements

  • Combines the basic theories of communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social, and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Develops skills one can apply to a variety of technical documents. Focuses on principles for organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for industry, business, and government. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on a variety of functions and the exploration of their graphs. Topics include: equations and inequalities, operations on functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, linear and non-linear systems, and an introduction to conic sections. This course provides essential skills for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) pathways. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4
  • Select two courses (minimum of 6 credits) from the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Approved Electives list, excluding courses with a CTE prefix.
Total General Education Credits 16

Areas of Study

Students must complete a total of 24 elective credits by fulfilling the requirements of at least one certificate. If a student selects smaller certificate options, they must complete multiple certificates to meet the 24-credit elective requirement. This structure allows flexibility while ensuring a focused area of study.  

C# Programming

  • Introduces the C# programming language. This course covers all syntactical components of the language including arrays, structures, methods and classes. Content will focus on writing clear, properly structured, and well-documented programs using object-oriented methodology, .NET Framework, and the Visual Studio environment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4
  • Focuses on advanced features of the C# programming language and .NET Framework by having students write complex Windows Applications. The relationships between C# and the .NET Platform and Framework are explored. Students will develop clear, properly structured, and well-documented C# programs that emphasize writing and utilize classes as abstract data types, collections, inheritance, and generics. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    CSC 2036 with a grade of "C" or better.
    4
Total C# Programming Credits 8

Cyber Security Specialist

  • Explores the structure and fundamentals of the Unix operating system including the file system and file processing, various utility programs, shell, multi-user operation, text processing, and communications. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Delivers a comprehensive overview of network security, including general security concepts. Communication Security is studied, including remote access, e-mail, the Web, directory and file transfer, and wireless data. Common network attacks are introduced. Cryptography basics are incorporated, and operational/organizational security is discussed as it relates to physical security, disaster recovery, and business continuity. Computer forensics is introduced. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces fundamental content on cloud computing including system analysis, requirements, configuration, deployment, and testing. This course includes information on management, business continuity, security, maintenance, updating, and troubleshooting as related to cloud computing. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces concepts of cloud architecture, cloud security, and the law as it pertains to cloud deployment. Focuses on the mechanics of security in the cloud service models: Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces students to the design and implementation of firewalls. Covers such topics as firewalls using CISCO Routers, Microsoft server platform and UNIX platform. Focuses on how firewalls function in these environments and the basic steps to plan and implement firewalls. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Presents students with an introduction to vulnerability assessment. Vulnerability assessment skills are necessary to understand how companies address vulnerabilities in the business environment. Students gain a better understanding of how information technology security integrates into the corporate world and how a balance must be achieved between security and functionality. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Exposes the student to the field of digital computer forensics and investigation. This class provides the student with methods to properly conduct a digital forensics investigation including a discussion of ethics. Topics covered include fundamental concepts, history of computer forensics, file structures, data recovery techniques, computer forensic tools and analyses. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4
  • To be determined by the individual instructor. A Course Description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style Guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcome, and Topical Outline guidelines. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please call or email the Computer Information Systems department for more information. See the department web page at  https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/computer-information-systems for contact information. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    0 to 12
Total Cyber Security Specialist Credits 25

Data Analytics

  • Introduces the application of fundamental business principles to local, national, and international forums. This course examines the relationship of economic systems, governance, regulations, and law upon business operations. It surveys the concepts of career development, business ownership, finance and accounting, economics, marketing, management, operations, human resources, regulations, and business ethics. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on statistical study, sampling, organizing and visualizing data, descriptive statistics, probability, binomial distributions, normal distributions, confidence intervals, linear regression, and correlation. Intended for business majors. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces basic to advanced features of spreadsheet software to design and create accurate, professional worksheets for use in business and industry. The course includes entering data, creating formulas, professional formatting, creating charts, creating, sorting and filtering tables, creating and using templates, applying built-in functions, creating pivot tables, applying "what-if analysis" with data tables, creating macros, and using solver features. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    3
  • Introduces Structured Query Language (SQL) including creation of database structures and how to store, retrieve, and manipulate data in a relational database. This course also covers creating tables and views, using indexes, and developing stored procedures and triggers. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces the concepts and techniques of managing computer-based information resources. Includes hardware, software, personnel, control techniques, and the placement and integration of information systems resources within the organization. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on the analysis and design of visual representations of statistical information. The analysis and evaluation of existing graphics are combined with principles from disciplines such as statistics, computer science, and graphic design to define the criteria for a quality visualization. Various software tools are used to develop static and interactive visualizations to identify patterns, convey messages, make decisions, and tell stories with data. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    CIS 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.
    3
Total Data Analytics Credits 18

Database Administration

  • Explores an array of database skills. Includes table, query, form, and report creation and modification. Also includes application integration. Course is not repeatable for credit..
    Course Prerequisites
    CIS 1018 or CIS 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.
    3
  • Introduces Structured Query Language (SQL) including creation of database structures and how to store, retrieve, and manipulate data in a relational database. This course also covers creating tables and views, using indexes, and developing stored procedures and triggers. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Expands knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL). Covers advanced techniques for complex queries and manipulation of data in a relational database. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    CIS 2043 with a grade of "C" or better.
    3
Total Database Administration Credits 9

Full Stack Web Developer

  • Covers control of presentational elements of documents by effectively separating page structure from the presentation or design of that page using a style language, controlling page formatting, image inclusion, page layout, and hyperlinks. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    Course Prerequisites
    CWB 1010 with a grade of "C" or better.
    3
  • Explores the client-side programming skills necessary to create dynamic web content using a markup embeddable and procedural scripting language executed on the client web browser. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    Course Prerequisites
    CSC 1019 and CWB 1010 with grades of "C" or better.
    3
  • Explores the creation of dynamic web pages and applications using server-side scripting with database interactivity, server-based scripting languages, and database manipulation languages. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    Course Prerequisites
    CSC 1019 and CWB 1010 with grades of "C" or better.
    3
  • Explores the use of open source Content Management Systems (CMS) to simplify the creation and maintenance of web sites. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    CWB 2004 with a grade of "C" or better.
    3
Total Full Stack Web Developer Credits 12

Network Analyst

  • Introduces the concepts and techniques of managing computer-based information resources. Includes hardware, software, personnel, control techniques, and the placement and integration of information systems resources within the organization. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Continues to provide students with the knowledge necessary to implement and support a network. Focuses on the vendor-independent networking skills and concepts that affect all aspects of networking. The Networking I and II: Network + courses prepare students for the Network + certification. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    CNG 1024 with a grade of "C" or better, may be taken concurrently.
    3
  • Delivers a comprehensive overview of network security, including general security concepts. Communication Security is studied, including remote access, e-mail, the Web, directory and file transfer, and wireless data. Common network attacks are introduced. Cryptography basics are incorporated, and operational/organizational security is discussed as it relates to physical security, disaster recovery, and business continuity. Computer forensics is introduced. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides an opportunity to gain experience in applying their skills and/or to develop specific skills in a practical work setting. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credits.
    Course Prerequisites
    CNG 1025 with a grade of "C" or better.
    0 to 12
Total Network Analyst Credits 12

Object-Oriented Programming: Mobile Applications

  • Introduces students to the discipline of computer science and programming. Algorithm development, data representation, logical expressions, sub-programs and input/output operations using a high-level programming language are covered. Intensive lab work outside of class time is required. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    Course Prerequisites
    CSC 1019 or CSC 2036 with a grade of "C" or better.
    4
  • Learn how to develop mobile apps using key features and frameworks. Students will learn application design and development using a mobile development platform software development kit (SDK) and corresponding programming language. Main features include: handling UI triggered and touch events, data management, simple and complex UI views, drawing, location and application settings. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    Course Prerequisites
    CSC 1060 with a grade of "C" or better.
    3
  • CSC 2046 - Mobile App Development: (platform)
    3
Total Object-Oriented Programming: 10 Mobile Applications Credits

UNIX

  • Explores the structure and fundamentals of the Unix operating system including the file system and file processing, various utility programs, shell, multi-user operation, text processing, and communications. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Continues to provide students with the knowledge necessary to implement and support a network. Focuses on the vendor-independent networking skills and concepts that affect all aspects of networking. The Networking I and II: Network + courses prepare students for the Network + certification. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    CNG 1024 with a grade of "C" or better, may be taken concurrently.
    3
  • Delivers a comprehensive overview of network security, including general security concepts. Communication Security is studied, including remote access, e-mail, the Web, directory and file transfer, and wireless data. Common network attacks are introduced. Cryptography basics are incorporated, and operational/organizational security is discussed as it relates to physical security, disaster recovery, and business continuity. Computer forensics is introduced. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides an opportunity to gain experience in applying their skills and/or to develop specific skills in a practical work setting. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credits.
    Course Prerequisites
    CNG 1025 with a grade of "C" or better.
    0 to 12
Total UNIX Credits 12
Total Credits from Completed Certificates 24
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree 63-64