Computer information systems (CIS) is the study of the tools and techniques used to effectively and efficiently transform raw data into useful information.

Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in CIS commonly include office administration, general business, web design, software installation and maintenance, software quality control, database management, electronic bookkeeping, network administration and customer support.

Careers in the discipline that generally require higher level degrees include programming, system analysis, database design, network design and administration, security management.

Even students who choose not to major in CIS find that coursework in the field can improve their ability to think analytically, solve problems, organize thoughts and information, and utilize new technology more efficiently and effectively.

Our discussions with industry representatives indicate that in today’s world employers expect and demand a certain minimum of computer skills as a given, much as they expect an employee to be able to read, write, and use basic math. College of the Desert’s CIS curriculum includes course offerings that provide a general overview of the discipline, as well as courses dealing with more advanced software concepts, and tools used in the business environment.

The College offers appropriate certificates and degrees in computer information systems. In addition to the immediate employment benefits of certificates and associate degrees, coursework at College of the Desert prepares the way for further study at the Baccalaureate level within the California State Universities and University of California sytems, and other colleges nationwide. For more information please call (760) 773-2571.

Advisors: Z. Becker, C. Decker , T. Gillman

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION
Dept.	No.	Title	Units
Required Courses (9 units):
CIS	70A	Computer Business Appl / Windows	3
CS	73	Intro to Computer Science	3
BUSM	94	Business Communications	3
Business Applications Emphasis (18 units):
CIS	72D	Excel	3
CIS	73C	Access	3
CIS	74	PowerPoint	3
CIS	75	Expression Web	3
CIS	76B	Word	3
CIS	82C	Web Publishing I	3
Elective Courses (Select 3 units):
CIS	83C	Web Publishing II / Javascript	3
CIS	83D	Computer Graphics II	3
CIS	84C	Web Publishing III/Perl	3
CS	86	Visual Basic Programming I	3
CS	87	Assembler Language Programming	4
CS	89	C++ Programming I	3
CS	89A	C++ Programming II	3
BUAC	1A	Financial Accounting I	3
BUAC	66	Fundamental Accounting Procedures	3
BUMA	10	Intro to Business	3
BUMA	28	Small Business:Dev/Mgmt	3
		Required Courses	9
		Business Applications	18
		Electives	3
		CERTIFICATE TOTAL	30
Note: To ensure an individualized educational plan, we strongly urge students to meet with an Academic Advisor before selecting courses from these categories. Some course substitutions may be approved.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE FOR EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION
Dept.	No.	Title	Units
Required Courses (9 units):
CIS	70A	Computer Business Appl / Windows	3
CS	73	Intro to Computer Science	3
BUSM	94	Business Communications
3Business Applications Emphasis (18 units):
CIS	72D	Excel	3
CIS	73C	Access	3
CIS	74	PowerPoint	3
CIS	75	Expression Web	3
CIS	76B	Word	3
CIS	82C	Web Publishing I	3
Elective Courses (15 units)
CIS	83C	Web Publishing II / Javascript	3
CIS	83D	Computer Graphics II	3
CIS	84C	Web Publishing III / Perl	3
CS	86	Visual Basic Programming I	3
CS	87	Assembler Language Programming	4
CS	89	C++ Programming I	3
CS	89A	C++ Programming II	3
BUAC	1A	Financial Accounting I	3
BUAC	66	Fundamental Accounting Procedures	3
BUMA	1	Principles of Management	2
BUMA	10	Intro to Business	3
BUMA	28	Small Business: Dev/Mgmt	3
BUMA	31	Business Calculations	3
		Required Courses	9
		Emphasis Courses	18
		Electives	15
		General Education Requirements	18
		Physical Education Activities	2
		DEGREE TOTAL	62