The Field

The trend in business today is to build an alignment between information systems and the functional areas of a business. Expertise in data processing, word processing, and all other computer technologies, as well as skills in general management, supervision, accounting, fiscal management, and planning, are in great demand.

The changing business environment also demands new data- and information-processing skills. These include the creation, editing, manipulation, storage, and retrieval of data. These processing functions transform and communicate data and words into meaningful information necessary to direct business activities.

As a result, the Computer Information Systems program has been designed as a computer-based management program to prepare students for many opportunities in the information systems management area.

Career possibilities include positions as a business systems analyst, applications programmer, business consultant, manager of computer operations, office automation specialist, administrative assistant, and office manager. These opportunities exist in government as well as many industries, including manufacturing, retailing, and service organizations.

The Instructional Program

The Computer Information Systems program is designed to integrate computer-based technology into the business education program. The content of the program is structured to provide competence in business management and the information systems that support business decisions. The program also integrates instruction in data processing, word processing, management accounting, and networks. In addition, the instructional program includes computer programming, computer operation, operating systems, and Internet basics.

After two years of study, graduates of the program are well qualified for employment. However, students are also qualified to transfer to baccalaureate programs in the field, including the Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees at SUNY Delhi.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code:  0581

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 63 credit hours and minimum mathematics competency.

Admissions Requirements

Satisfactory completion of a high school curriculum and interest in a business administration and/or marketing career are the key admission requirements. It is recommended that applicants should also have completed high school Mathematics Course A.

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Computer Information Systems A.A.S. program should be able to:

1. Understand and apply the terminology and concepts associated with computer systems hardware and software through the construction of personal computers and the installation, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of systems software. 
2. Demonstrate facility with microcomputer software used in business.
3. Exhibit problem-solving skills using a programming language through writing, testing, and debugging programs related to various disciplines.
4. Demonstrate understanding of data communications concepts, terminology, and hardware and software associated with data communications systems.
5. Prepare financial statements and maintain accounting records. 
6. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the different types of accounts (assets, liabilities, equities, revenues, and expenses) and be able to compare proprietorship, partnership, and corporation accounting procedures.
7. Express him/herself effectively through written and oral business communications.
8. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of business organization, scientific management, decision making, business forecasting, and economic analysis.
9. Understand the fundamentals of economic theory.