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.

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.  Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who will assist and guide them through their educational experience.

After completion of the program, graduates are well qualified for employment. They are equally qualified to transfer to baccalaureate programs in the field, including the Bachelor of Business Administration program at SUNY Delhi, providing they meet all entry performance qualifications.

Students are encouraged to participate in the Delhi Computer Club, which provides an extracurricular organization for students interested in the broad range of computer-related technologies. Activities include LAN-based computer gaming, website development, special computer projects, and opportunities to provide technical support to both the campus and the community. Students complement their academic experience by sharing their interests and engaging in a variety of technical pursuits.

Career Options

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.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code:  0581

SUNY General Education Requirements: Students who intend to receive A.A., A.S., or baccalaureate degrees must satisfy SUNY and campus General Education (GE) requirements to graduate. Students should be aware that GE requirements may vary by academic program. Consult with your academic advisor. For general information, see the "General Education" section of this catalog.

A.A.S. and A.O.S. degree students may not be required to fulfill General Education (GE) requirements; however, any student who may wish to transfer should complete as many GE courses as possible. Consult with your academic advisor.

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 63 credit hours

Notes

¹ English is by placement according to competency.

² Mathematics is by placement according to competency.  The minimum mathematics requirement for this degree is College Algebra.

³ See the General Education statement above.  Work closely with your academic advisor.

Technical Standards: In addition to academic requirements, all applicants must also be able to meet the minimum Technical Standards for the program, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:

• be a high school graduate with a minimum 75% overall average or a minimum 2500 GED test score
• have 73% or higher on the Algebra Regents exam

Student Learning Outcomes

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.
7. Express themselves 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.