Computer Information Systems: Generalist (CISG-AS)

CT State Community College Catalog 2023-2024 New students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2023 will begin as students of Connecticut State Community College under this catalog.  Continuing students from one of the 12 community colleges will be transitioned into a CT State program in this catalog as of the start of the Fall 2023 term. The policies, courses and programs described are applicable as of the Fall 2023 term and may be updated as circumstances require.

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree program offers students a diverse technical curriculum that provides an understanding of many areas of information technology (IT). The program features a core of technical courses that cover topics such as database design, operating systems, and project management, and differentiated options that allow students to concentrate their learning in a particular area.

Students also have an opportunity to experience the workplace in an internship course, or via a simulated workplace capstone that allows them to work directly with employers or in a case study environment. They can leverage the skills acquired in this diverse program to prepare for employment, industry-recognized certification credentials or to pursue baccalaureate degrees.  The CIS program allows students to tailor their degree to their interests by offering a wide range of electives. Certificates are also provided as a guide to assist students in the selection of electives.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop the ability to analyze and design solutions through knowledge and comprehension of information systems concepts and skills.
• Develop strategic and critical thinking skills through development of the ability to identify, gather, measure, summarize, verify, analyze, design, develop and test programs.
• Develop the ability to identify and solve unstructured problems in unfamiliar settings and exercise judgment based on facts.
• Develop mastery in communication by gaining proficiency in oral/written/electronic communication skills and the ability to explain systems development concepts and related technical issues to various stakeholders.
• Develop leadership skills by learning to work collaboratively with a diverse team, including organization, control, and assessment of group-based work, and provide leadership when appropriate.
• Develop the skills to apply current technology, analyze business problems, and design software and solve technical issues; apply word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, email, and collaborative software skills in a professional context.
• Develop the skills to communicate using network technologies, access information via the internet, and understand information integrity and security issues.
• Understand and respect the employer-employee relationship and appreciate the need to produce high quality work.
• Demonstrate sufficient understanding of information technology for entry-level employment and advancement in the field.

Generalist Option

The Generalist option allows a student to explore many areas of CIS, IT, MIS, or Networking. Students may customize a computer technology program that will suit their needs. The curriculum leaves space for elective courses in fields other than computers to accommodate students who wish to apply computer technology to other fields.

Learning outcomes:

• Describe current and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of computer information systems which includes computer programming skills, network essentials, and systems analysis and design, operating systems, or other courses related to student interest.
• Demonstrate desirable attitudes and work habits- creative thinking, the ability to solve problems, cooperation, good judgment, responsibility, and self-reliance.
• Demonstrate sufficient understanding of information technology for entry-level employment and advancement in the field.