Computer Information Systems

A.A.S. - Occupational Degree


This program is for students pursuing a two-year degree with the intent of eventual employment in the computer industry with aspirations of attaining the position of (1) computer programmer, (2) programmer/analyst, or with further study (3) computer systems analyst. Programmers are responsible for writing a detailed set of logically ordered instructions that tell the computer to perform the necessary tasks, in the correct sequence, to process data into useful information. Systems analysts are responsible for the analysis of existing systems and the design development and installation of new or redesigned systems that provide information necessary to successfully operate businesses and other organizations. Students receive sufficient background in business and accounting to seek entry-level employment in the information processing environment. This program articulates with the B.A.S. degree in Technology Management offered by NAU-Yuma Branch Campus.

Program Purpose


Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in computer information systems that will prepare them to obtain an entry-level position within the field and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.

Learning Outcomes


  •  
  • Effictively use a modern office suite, operating system, and computer for everyday needs.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the potential dangers and ethical concerns of using a computer and the Internet.
  • Create logical designs for programs and other processes.
  • Create programs from either logical representations or information directly obtained from users using a modern programming language.
  • Create data stores from either logical representations or information directly obtained from users using a modern database.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the business world and computers affect each other.
  • Maintain a modern small business computer, including repairs and upgrades.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how to use networks effectively for a business and design and maintain a smaill network.
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Program Map


Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements

This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after). Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.

The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.

First Semester (Fall)

Course Course Title Credits Area
ACC 211 Financial Accounting 3 Major Requirement
BUA 100 Survey of Business 3 Major Requirement
CIS 105
 
Introduction to Business Information Systems
 
3 Major Requirement
ENG 101
or 
ENG 107
Freshman Composition I/GE 3 GE-Written Communication
PHI 103 Introduction to Logic/GE (recommended)
or another course from Arts & Humanities
3 GE-Arts & Humanities
    15  

Second Semester (Spring)

Course Course Title Credits Area
CIS 260 Introduction to Operating Systems 3 Major Requirement
MAT 151 College Algebra/GE (or higher-level math)
(pre-requisite for QBA 211)
4 GE-Quantitative Reasoning 
SPC 110 Introduction to Speech Communication (recommended) 
or another course from Written & Oral Communication 
3 GE-Written & Oral Communication
EMPH Select 1-2 courses from one emphasis: Programming, Security, or Web Development (see Program Check Sheet and Load Sample Course Plan in Self-Service Student Planning) 3-6 Departmental Requirement
    13-16  

Third Semester (Fall)

Course Course Title Credits Area
QBA 211 Quantitative Analysis 3 Major Requirement
BUA 110
or 
CIS 121
Business Application Concepts
or
Spreadsheet (recommended)
3 Major Requirement
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology/GE (recommended)
or another course from Social & Behavioral Sciences
3 GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences
EMPH Select 1-2 courses from one emphasis: Programming, Security, or Web Development (see Program Check Sheet and Load Sample Course Plan in Self-Service Student Planning) 3-6 Departmental Requirement
    12-15  

Fourth Semester (Spring)

Course Course Title Credits Area
CIS 295 Structured System Analysis and Design 3 Major Requirement
ENV 101 Environmental Science/GE (recommended)
or another course from Natural Sciences
4 GE-Natural Sciences
POS 130 State & Local Politics/GE
or another course from Institutions in the Americas
3 GE-Institutions in the Americas
EMPH Select 1-2 courses from one emphasis: Programming, Security, or Web Development (see Program Check Sheet and Load Sample Course Plan in Self-Service Student Planning) 3-6 Departmental Requirement
    13-16  
Open the program map above to view the recommended classes to complete the program. You can also print the program map using the button above.