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Computer Information Systems Pathways
Click on each computer information systems (CIS) pathway to see the recommended quarter-by-quarter classes and other recommendations.
This pathway assumes:
- You will be a full-time student.
- You will start in the fall.
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level classes.
If not, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make adjustments. Talk with your advisor to customize your plan.
The CIS program strongly recommends placement into MATH 94 and ENGL 92 or above prior to beginning CIS courses.
To remain in the program, you must maintain at least a C (2.0) grade in all CIS courses and demonstrate professional work behavior exhibited through class attendance, punctuality, and timely completion of class assignments.
The recommended course sequence for the AAS pathway will vary slightly depending on which specialty option you choose (cloud computing, data utilization, networking, or unmanned aircraft systems). If you're not sure which specialty option you want, refer to the general sequence.
The computer information systems degree prepares students for employment in a variety of fields, including technical support/help desk positions, network administration, network technician, and information security specialist. Students with prior experience are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator for placement in the program.
Talk with your advisor about adapting this course sequence for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (16 credits)
CIS 105 Computer operating systems I (4 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
EDPL 100 College success: An orientation for new students (2 credits)
Any course designated as Computation (CP) (5 credits)
Recommend CS& 141 or MATH& 146
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join a club related to program, e.g., IT Pros, WiCyS
Action items:
- Have transfer-in credits evaluated
- Meet with advisor for Starfish plan
- Attend program fall mandatory meeting
- Confirm math pathway
- Exploration workshop
- Math assessment
Quarter 2 (13 credits)
CIS 110 Introduction to computer security (3 credits)
CIS 116 Virtualization (3 credits)
BUS 170 Customer service for professionals (3 credits)
or Any CMST or CMST& course designated OC (5 credits)
Any college level course 100 or above (2 or 4 credits)
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join area-of-interest club
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
- Apply for scholarships
- Explore career outcomes
- Explore internship options
- Identify bachelor pathway
- Identify career focus area
- Attend intercultural center event
Quarter 3 (17 credits)
CIS 106 Open source operating systems (5 credits)
CIS 180 Technical internship and career preparation (2 credits)
CIS 205 Computer operating systems II (5 credits)
CIS 236 Cisco networking I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 4 (12 - 15 credits)
CIS 206 Computer support I (4 credits)
CIS 214 Network security I (5 credits)
CIS specialty class (3 - 6 credits)
Career exploration:
- Draft a CV/resume – visit career and transfer center
- WCC university field trips and/or attend university transfer events
- Consider a club leadership role
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 5 (13 - 16 credits)
CIS 215 Network security II (5 credits)
CIS 225 Computer forensics (5 credits)
CIS specialty class (3 - 6 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Apply for graduation (by Friday of third week of quarter)
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 6 (16 - 19 credits)
CIS 104 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) piloting (3 credits)
(Students taking the UAS specialty should take CIS 104 in year 1)
CIS 190 Technical internship (5 credits)
CIS 216 Industrial control systems security (5 credits)
CIS specialty class (3 - 6 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
- Attend a club fair
The computer information systems degree prepares students for employment in a variety of fields, including technical support/help desk positions, network administration, network technician, and information security specialist. Students with prior experience are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator for placement in the program.
Talk with your advisor about adapting this course sequence for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (16 credits)
CIS 105 Computer operating systems I (4 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
EDPL 100 College success: An orientation for new students (2 credits)
Any course designated as Computation (CP) (5 credits)
Recommend CS& 141 or MATH& 146
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join a club related to program, e.g., IT Pros, WiCyS
Action items:
- Have transfer-in credits evaluated
- Meet with advisor for Starfish plan
- Attend program fall mandatory meeting
- Confirm math pathway
- Exploration workshop
- Math assessment
Quarter 2 (13 credits)
CIS 110 Introduction to computer security (3 credits)
CIS 116 Virtualization (3 credits)
BUS 170 Customer service for professionals (3 credits)
or Any CMST or CMST& course designated OC (5 credits)
Any college level course 100 or above (2 or 4 credits)
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join area-of-interest club
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
- Apply for scholarships
- Explore career outcomes
- Explore internship options
- Identify bachelor pathway
- Identify career focus area
- Attend intercultural center event
Quarter 3 (17 credits)
CIS 106 Open source operating systems (5 credits)
CIS 180 Technical internship and career preparation (2 credits)
CIS 205 Computer operating systems II (5 credits)
CIS 236 Cisco networking I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
CIS 104 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) piloting (3 credits)
CIS 115 Introduction to internet of things (IoT) (3 credits)
CIS 206 Computer support I (4 credits)
CIS 214 Network security I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Draft a CV/resume – visit career and transfer center
- WCC university field trips and/or attend university transfer events
- Consider a club leadership role
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 5 (15 credits)
CIS 215 Network security II (5 credits)
CIS 220 Cloud foundations (5 credits)
CIS 225 Computer forensics (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Apply for graduation (by Friday of third week of quarter)
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 6 (14 credits)
CIS 190 Technical internship (5 credits)
CIS 216 Industrial control systems security (5 credits)
CIS 221 Cloud security (4 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
- Attend a club fair
The computer information systems degree prepares students for employment in a variety of fields, including technical support/help desk positions, network administration, network technician, and information security specialist. Students with prior experience are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator for placement in the program.
Talk with your advisor about adapting this course sequence for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (16 credits)
CIS 105 Computer operating systems I (4 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
EDPL 100 College success: An orientation for new students (2 credits)
Any course designated as Computation (CP) (5 credits)
Recommend CS& 141 or MATH& 146
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join a club related to program, e.g., IT Pros, WiCyS
Action items:
- Have transfer-in credits evaluated
- Meet with advisor for Starfish plan
- Attend program fall mandatory meeting
- Confirm math pathway
- Exploration workshop
- Math assessment
Quarter 2 (13 credits)
CIS 110 Introduction to computer security (3 credits)
CIS 116 Virtualization (3 credits)
BUS 170 Customer service for professionals (3 credits)
or Any CMST or CMST& course designated OC (5 credits)
Any college level course 100 or above (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study virtual lounge
- Join area-of-interest club
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
- Apply for scholarships
- Explore career outcomes
- Explore internship options
- Identify bachelor pathway
- Identify career focus area
- Attend intercultural center event
Quarter 3 (17 credits)
CIS 106 Open source operating systems (5 credits)
CIS 180 Technical internship and career preparation (2 credits)
CIS 205 Computer operating systems II (5 credits)
CIS 236 Cisco networking I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 4 (17 credits)
CIS 104 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) piloting (3 credits)
CIS 201 Introduction to database design (5 credits)
CIS 206 Computer support I (4 credits)
CIS 214 Network security I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Draft a CV/resume – visit career and transfer center
- WCC university field trips and/or attend university transfer events
- Consider a club leadership role
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 5 (14 credits)
CIS 215 Network security II (5 credits)
CIS 225 Computer forensics (5 credits)
CIS 240 Introduction to data analytics (4 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Apply for graduation (by Friday of third week of quarter)
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 6 (13 credits)
CIS 190 Technical internship (5 credits)
CIS 216 Industrial control systems security (5 credits)
CIS 245 Machine learning foundations (3 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
- Attend a club fair
The computer information systems degree prepares students for employment in a variety of fields, including technical support/help desk positions, network administration, network technician, and information security specialist. Students with prior experience are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator for placement in the program.
Talk with your advisor about adapting this course sequence for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (16 credits)
CIS 105 Computer operating systems I (4 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
EDPL 100 College success: An orientation for new students (2 credits)
Any course designated as Computation (CP) (5 credits)
Recommend CS& 141 or MATH& 146
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join a club related to program, e.g., IT Pros, WiCyS
Action items:
- Have transfer-in credits evaluated
- Meet with advisor for Starfish plan
- Attend program fall mandatory meeting
- Confirm math pathway
- Exploration workshop
- Math assessment
Quarter 2 (13 credits)
CIS 110 Introduction to computer security (3 credits)
CIS 116 Virtualization (3 credits)
BUS 170 Customer service for professionals (3 credits)
or Any CMST or CMST& course designated OC (5 credits)
Any college level course 100 or above (2 or 4 credits)
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join area-of-interest club
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
- Apply for scholarships
- Explore career outcomes
- Explore internship options
- Identify bachelor pathway
- Identify career focus area
- Attend intercultural center event
Quarter 3 (17 credits)
CIS 106 Open source operating systems (5 credits)
CIS 180 Technical internship and career preparation (2 credits)
CIS 205 Computer operating systems II (5 credits)
CIS 236 Cisco networking I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
CIS 206 Computer support I (4 credits)
CIS 214 Network security I (5 credits)
CIS 237 Cisco networking II (6 credits)
Career exploration:
- Draft a CV/resume – visit career and transfer center
- WCC university field trips and/or attend university transfer events
- Consider a club leadership role
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 5 (16 credits)
CIS 215 Network security II (5 credits)
CIS 225 Computer forensics (5 credits)
CIS 238 Cisco networking III (6 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Apply for graduation (by Friday of third week of quarter)
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 6 (13 credits)
CIS 104 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) piloting (3 credits)
CIS 190 Technical internship (5 credits)
CIS 216 Industrial control systems security (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
- Attend a club fair
The computer information systems degree prepares students for employment in a variety of fields, including technical support/help desk positions, network administration, network technician, and information security specialist. Students with prior experience are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator for placement in the program.
Talk with your advisor about adapting this course sequence for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (16 credits)
CIS 105 Computer operating systems I (4 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
EDPL 100 College success: An orientation for new students (2 credits)
Any course designated as Computation (CP) (5 credits)
Recommend CS& 141 or MATH& 146
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join a club related to program, e.g., IT Pros, WiCyS
Action items:
- Have transfer-in credits evaluated
- Meet with advisor for Starfish plan
- Attend program fall mandatory meeting
- Confirm math pathway
- Exploration workshop
- Math assessment
Quarter 2 (13 credits)
CIS 110 Introduction to computer security (3 credits)
CIS 116 Virtualization (3 credits)
or Any CMST or CMST& course designated OC (5 credits)
Any college level course 100 or above (2 or 4 credits)
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join area-of-interest club
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
- Apply for scholarships
- Explore career outcomes
- Explore internship options
- Identify bachelor pathway
- Identify career focus area
- Attend intercultural center event
Quarter 3 (18 credits)
CIS 104 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) piloting (3 credits)
CIS 106 Open source operating systems (5 credits)
CIS 205 Computer operating systems II (5 credits)
CIS 236 Cisco networking I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
CIS 180 Technical internship and career preparation (2 credits)
CIS 204 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) fleet management (4 credits)
CIS 206 Computer support I (4 credits)
CIS 214 Network security I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Draft a CV/resume – visit career and transfer center
- WCC university field trips and/or attend university transfer events
- Consider a club leadership role
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 5 (15 credits)
CIS 215 Network security II (5 credits)
CIS 224 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) mapping/imaging (5 credits)
CIS 225 Computer forensics (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Apply for graduation (by Friday of third week of quarter)
- Meet with your advisor
Quarter 6 (13 credits)
CIS 190 Technical internship (5 credits)
CIS 216 Industrial control systems security (5 credits)
CIS 245 Machine learning foundations (3 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action item:
- Meet with your advisor
- Attend a club fair
This CIS certificate prepares students to work as network administrators, performing network support.
Talk with your advisor about adapting this course sequence for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (14 credits)
CIS 105 Computer operating systems I (4 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
Any course designated as Computation (CP) (5 credits)
Recommend CS& 141 or MATH& 146
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join a club related to program; e.g., IT Pros, WiCyS
Action items:
- Have transfer-in credits evaluated
- Meet with advisor for Starfish plan
- Attend program fall mandatory meeting
- Confirm math pathway
- Math assessment
Quarter 2 (11 or 13 credits)
CIS 110 Introduction to computer security (3 credits)
CIS 236 Cisco networking I (5 credits)
BUS 170 Customer service for professionals (3 credits)
or Any CMST or CMST& course designated OC (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
- Explore career outcomes
- Attend intercultural center event
Quarter 3 (16 credits)
CIS 106 Open source operating systems (5 credits)
CIS 205 Computer operating systems II (5 credits)
CIS 237 Cisco networking II (6 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Apply for graduation (by Friday of third week of quarter)
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
CIS 206 Computer support I (4 credits)
CIS 214 Network security I (5 credits)
CIS 238 Cisco networking III (6 credits)
Career exploration:
- Draft a CV/resume - visit career and transfer center
This CIS certificate prepares students to work as technical support specialists, performing hardware and software support and basic network support.
Talk with your advisor about adapting this course sequence for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (14 credits)
CIS 105 Computer operating systems I (4 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
Any course designated as Computation (CP) (5 credits)
Recommend CS& 141 or MATH& 146
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
- Join a club related to program; e.g., IT Pros, WiCyS
Action items:
- Have transfer-in credits evaluated
- Meet with advisor for Starfish plan
- Attend program fall mandatory meeting
- Confirm math pathway
- Math assessment
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
CIS 110 Introduction to computer security (3 credits)
CIS 116 Virtualization (3 credits)
CIS 206 Computer support I (4 credits)
Any college level course 100 or above (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Attend Area of Study lounge
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
- Explore career outcomes
- Attend intercultural center event
- Apply for graduation (by Friday of third week of quarter)
Quarter 3 (17 credits)
CIS 190 Technical internship (2 or 4 credits)
CIS 205 Computer operating systems II (5 credits)
CIS 236 Cisco networking I (5 credits)
BUS 170 Customer service for professionals (3 credits)
or Any CMST or CMST& course designated OC (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Explore options and apply for internships
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor
Prepares students to support, operate, maintain and manage a fleet of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Equips students with the required FAA flight and safety regulations when operating a UAS.
If taken as a stand-alone certificate, this can only be completed on a part-time basis. Students who are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the CIS AAS degree should follow that course sequence.
Quarter 1 (3 credits)
CIS 104 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) piloting (3 credits)
Quarter 2 (4 credits)
CIS 204 Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) fleet management (4 credits)