Computer and Information Science, Associate of Science
Cyber and Information Security Technology concentration
Software Development concentration
Program Overview
The Associate of Science in Computer and Information Science (CIS) degree covers all aspects of the use of computers and information systems in today’s organizations, including operating systems, software programs, networking, and security. There are two concentrations in the Associate of Science in Computer and Information Science degree: (1) Cyber and Information Security Technology and (2) Software Development. These employer-driven hands-on interactive educational programs equip students with cyber, networking and software development skills required for career-entry positions in a wide range of companies.
Program Outcomes
Students in the Associate of Science in Computer and Information Science program develop implementation and support skills in operating systems, networking, software programs, and cybersecurity. Students develop additional focused skills based on which concentration the student pursues. Students also learn principles of excellent customer service to assist clients with technical issues.
Upon successful completion of the Associate of Science in Computer and Information Science, graduates are able to:
- Use processes, tools, and technologies common to the profession
- Work as a member of a technical team
- Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical environments
- Identify and use appropriate technical literature
- Engage in continuous professional development through user groups, associations, conferences, readings, research, and other channels
- Use ethical best practices in the maintenance and security of information and systems
For additional information about the program link to http://www.ecpi.edu/technology/?intcmp=technology-btn. To see the Student Consumer Information link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/student-consumer-services, which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see Information About ECPI University on the ECPI website.
In 1.5 years, through our year-round schedule, you can earn an Associate of Science in Computer and Information Science or an Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Science (South Carolina only).
About Computer and Information Science
Graduates with a computer and information science degree have many career options. They often implement computer software systems including business applications. They may test software applications to ensure their correct implementation. Graduates also may assist network architects with design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks, including wireless networks.
Some positions may require background checks, drug screening, and/or security clearances, depending on the position and industry. Student must have a general education background related to database programming including: Database Development, ASP.Net, SQL, C#, Object Oriented Design, MS Access, SQL Server, Oracle, Java, HTML, and Web Development. A student should also have examples of work, as well as other related skills to include MS Office, OS, and Certifications.
Some entry-level job titles for associate degree graduates include Help Desk Analyst, PC Technician, Technical Support Analyst, Hardware Technician, Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, Programmer Analyst, entry- level Database Programmer, entry-level Programmer Analyst, entry-level Application Developer, entry-level Web Programmer, entry-level Mobile Programmer, Assistant Game Programmer, entry-level .Net Programmer. CIS graduates are required in many industries, so employment opportunities exist in military, business, medical, and government settings.
Recommended Certifications
Certifications are not required for completion of this program; however, ECPI encourages student to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers which allow the student to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program include Microsoft, Cisco, and Oracle certifications, Linux+, A+, Network+, and Security+.
Program Outline
To receive the Associate of Science in Computer and Information Science or the Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Science (SC only), students must earn 70 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 5 semesters, which is equivalent to 16 months or 65 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:
Program Requirements
Core Curriculum
21 semester credit hours
| CYB120 | Introduction to Python Programming | 3 |
| SDC100 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| CYB260 | Introduction to Cloud Solutions | 3 |
| CST160 | Introduction to Networking | 3 |
| CST200 | Linux Administration | 3 |
| CYB250 | Principles of Cybersecurity | 3 |
| ***ONE OF THESE TWO COURSES: | |
| BUS121 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| CST290 | Associate Externship | 3 |
*CST290, CIS291, CIS292, CIS293, and CIS294 do not transfer to the BS program.
**A combination of the following CIS externship courses may be substituted in lieu of CST290, provided that they total 3 credits: CIS291, CIS292, CIS293, CIS294.
Arts and Sciences*
15 semester credit hours
| COM115 | Principles of Communication | 3 |
| ENG110 | College Composition | 3 |
| HUM205 | Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3 |
| MTH131 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PSY105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.
Self-Integration
9 semester credit hours
| CST140 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| CIS108 | Office Applications | 2 |
| FOR110 | Essentials for Success | 3 |
| COR191 | Career Orientation | 1 |
Cyber and Information Security Technology Concentration
Cyber and Information Security Technology Concentration Overview
Organizations have ever-increasing requirements to allow users to connect to various information systems both inside and outside the organization. Organizations are also challenged by increasingly sophisticated attempts to attack their data files. Computer networking defines the combination of hardware and skills required to provide secure access to data for individuals and organizations.
This employer-driven, hands-on, interactive educational program equips students with the networking and security skills required for career-entry positions in a wide range of organizations. Students are introduced to a variety of operating system environments, networking technologies, and associated security practices.
Cyber and Information Security Technology Concentration Outcomes
In addition to the Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Science program outcomes, students in the Cyber and Information Security Technology Concentration learn about installing, securing, testing and maintaining computer networks.
Upon successful completion of the Cyber and Information Security Technology concentration, graduates are able to:
- Configure and administer a network and security infrastructure
- Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot a network and security infrastructure
- Implement technical and/or non-technical security controls to protect an organization from threats and vulnerabilities.
Required Courses
25 semester credit hours
| CST120 | Computer Configuration I | 3 |
| CYB220 | Introduction to Routing and Switching | 3 |
| CYB220L | Introduction to Routing and Switching Lab | 1 |
| CYB320 | Intermediate Routing and Switching | 3 |
| CYB330L | Network Routing and Switching Lab | 1 |
| CYB200 | Network Protocols and Services | 3 |
| CYB240 | Windows Client and Server | 3 |
| CYB240L | Windows Client and Server Lab | 1 |
| CYB360 | Advanced Windows Server | 3 |
| CIS256 | Windows Active Directory | 3 |
| CIS256L | Windows Active Directory LAB | 1 |
Software Development Concentration
Software Development Concentration Overview
Computer programs tell the computer what to do, which database information to identify and access, how to process it, and what equipment to use. Programs vary widely depending upon the type of information to be assessed or generated.
This hands-on, interactive educational program equips students with the computer programming and information processing skills required for career entry positions in a wide range of organizations. Students are introduced to a variety of operating system environments and programming languages.
Software Development Concentration Outcomes
- Develop software solutions from plans and designs
- Test and deploy software solutions
- Administer and maintain software solutions
Required Courses
25 semester credit hours
| CIS121 | Logic and Design | 3 |
| SDC100L | Introduction to Programming Lab | 1 |
| SDC355 | Javascript | 3 |
| SDC200 | Introduction to Databases | 3 |
| SDC310 | Server-Side Scripting with PHP | 3 |
| CIS226 | Introduction to Object Oriented Programming | 3 |
| SDC250 | Structured Query Language | 3 |
| SDC260 | Web Interface Design | 3 |
| ***ONE OF THESE TWO COURSES: | |
| SDC220 | Object-Oriented Programming Using C# | 3 |
| SDC230 | Object-Oriented Programming Using Java | 3 |