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Computer Information Specialist Certificate

Program Codes: CISC
Certificate

The Computer Information Specialist Program is designed to provide students with sufficient exposure to those computer based problem-solving techniques needed to secure an entry-level position in the growing field of computer operations. The program provides an introduction to programming, as well as coursework in microcomputer applications and computer hardware.

Students are introduced to Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Upon completing this program, students will be prepared for entry-level positions as programmer trainees or microcomputer specialists. With experience, one may qualify for promotion to a higher-level supervisory position.

Students must earn an overall GPA of 2.0, along with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each certificate-required course to meet graduation requirements. After completing this program a student may transfer to one of the two-year or four- year degree programs. Many of the courses with a grade of C or better can be applied toward the degree requirements. A minimum of 30 credits is required for the completion of this certificate program.

Computer Information Specialist Certificate (31 Credits)
Required Courses (30 credits)

TYPOGRAPHIC FOUNDATIONS
Course Code:
ART 220
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This entry-level course introduces students to basic design theories and skills. Students create a variety of exercises and a sample file of professional works to better understand design. Theoretical exercises, typography projects and readings introduce students to lifelong design issues and tasks. Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are utilized in this course.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Studio
Total hours: 22.5
Prerequisites:

ART-100,ART-128

x
ART 220
TYPOGRAPHIC FOUNDATIONS
3
COMPOSITION
Course Code:
COMP 110
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Offers a practical introduction to academic writing, including instruction on essential components of the argumentative essay such as thesis statements, transitions, and paragraphing. Emphasis is placed on planning and organizing a persuasive argument, writing for an audience, and revising drafts based on feedback.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
COMP 110
COMPOSITION
3

OR

RESEARCH & WRITING
Course Code:
COMP 120
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
Focuses on developing sustained academic arguments supported with research. The class emphasizes skills in reading, thinking critically, identifying research topics, gathering and assessing both print and electronic sources, and composing well-structured, focused arguments.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
x
COMP 120
RESEARCH & WRITING
3
MACROECONOMICS
Course Code:
ECON 105
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
A study of mixed capitalism in aggregate form designed to provide the student with a knowledge of the American economic system. Topics include the causes of recession, unemployment, inflation and the uses of fiscal and monetary policies. 3 credits.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ECON 105
MACROECONOMICS
3
PROGRAMMING I
Course Code:
MATH 146
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:
An introduction to computer programming, with an emphasis on the development of good programming habits and skills utilizing Python an object-oriented language. Topics will include programming basics such as loops, decisions, lists, functions, file I/O, arrays, objects, classes, inheritance. Prerequisite: MATH Placement score of at least 46. 4 credits.
Credit:
4
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 22.5
x
MATH 146
PROGRAMMING I
4
Computer Applications
Course Code:
MIS 101
Course Description:

This introductory computer course provides students with a working knowledge of computer terminology. Topics also include Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel, Access and Power-Point and their applications in business.

Credit:
3
x
MIS 101
Computer Applications
3
Web Management I
Course Code:
MIS 106
Course Description:

This course introduces the student to the basics of a webpage creation using current markup standards. Students will design, maintain, and upgrade webpages, using both text editors and design programs.

Credit:
3
x
MIS 106
Web Management I
3
ADVANCED COMPUTER APPS
Course Code:
MIS 110
Course Description:
This course focuses on the use of spreadsheets and databases to manage information. Topics studied include systems analysis, basic database design, and applications development using Microsoft Excel and Access.
Credit:
3
x
MIS 110
ADVANCED COMPUTER APPS
3
Computer Operations I
Course Code:
MIS 140
Course Description:

This course introduces the basics of computer architecture and how the operating system enables it to function. Students will gain knowledge and skill in installing and configuring computer hardware components including drives, motherboards, memory, network/communications interfaces, printers and other peripherals. Students will work with latest Microsoft OS and be introduced to a Linux OS. Students will install and evaluate software. Students will use software utilities to do diagnostics, perform backups, and utilities for security and virus detection.

Credit:
3
x
MIS 140
Computer Operations I
3
NETWORKS
Course Code:
MIS 260
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
This is a course about the transmission and communication of data over a network. Topics include network hardware, the OSI reference model and TCP/IP working model, network protocols, Ethernet, IP addressing, data packets, subnets and virtual subnets, and sharing and management of network resources. Also included are the basics of cabling and wireless, and network design. The network software utilized includes the latest Microsoft server software, LDAP (active directory), TCP/IP client/server software, Linux network software and virtualization.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
MIS 260
NETWORKS
3
CELLULAR&MOLECULAR BIO
Course Code:
BIO 142
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL, CHEMISTRY MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:

BIO 143

x
__ __
ELECTIVE
3

(REACH Course Recommended)

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