Computer Information Systems
Computer Information Systems
Frequently Asked Advising Questions
5/22/03
GENERAL:
Can I obtain the ATA degree and either of the certificates at night?
Yes. With the exception of the Database Technologies degree, and the Network Security Certificate which are only offered at night, the other CIS degrees and certificates may be obtained either in the day or at night. Please see an adviser to plan your schedule accordingly.What is the difference between CIS classes on the main campus and CIS classes at the Beresford Building?
The location and teachers are different. The Computer, Electronics and Networks department teaches many of the CIS courses as part of their degree and certificates. Classes are located at the Beresford Building.Where can I go to get more information on the courses in the CIS program?
Our Web Site at http://cis.edcc.edu or email our program manager at cispa@edcc.eduHow much math do I need to have to begin the CIS program?
You must either place at the Math 80 (Fundamentals of Algebra) level or complete the courses to get up to Math 80. Placement is the result of taking the Accuplacer test in Entry Services. You do not have to take Math 80, just place at the level to enter Math 80.How much math do I have to have to complete the CIS program?
The Math requirement for our program is completion of either CIS 114 Math and Problem Solving, or Math 131 Pre- Calculus I or Math 140 Intro to Finite Math (or any Math number higher). You may complete one of the following tracks to meet the Math requirements for our program:- Take Math 60, then CIS 114
- Place in Math 80, then take CIS 114
- Take Math 80, then Math 90, then Math 131, or Math 140
- Take Math 60, then CIS 114
CMPSC 115 is part of the CIS program and the pre-req for it is Math 90 so how could I take CMPSC 115 without completing Math 90?
If you have taken CIS 114 Math and Problem Solving, you may use it as your official pre-requisite for CMPSC 115 instead of Math 90.Is there a course substitution for CMPSC 115 that will meet the graduation requirements for the CIS program?
No, please see an advisor.Do any of your courses transfer to a University?
Yes, any course numbered 100 or above can transfer as an elective towards EdCC's AA degree, up to 15 credits. They do not usually transfer individually although some private schools may make exceptions. Other than that, they have to be a part of the AA "package" to transfer as general electives. Some additional CIS courses may transfer depending on the University, and some Universities transfer most, if not all of our courses.
Some of the colleges known to accept the majority of CIS credits are:- Western Washington University
- Central Washington University
- Phoenix University
- Evergreen State College
Contact the college you plan to attend to see if additional CIS courses transfer.The planning sheets state that you must have a 3.0 GPA in order to graduate. Does this mean that you must earn at least a 3.0 in every course you take?
No. GPA stands for Grade Point AVERAGE. You must average 3.0 in the program requirements.If I am taking the Web development series (CIS 241, CIS 242 and CIS 243) do I have to take the Systems Analysis and Design series (CIS 233 and CIS 234)?
It depends. CIS 233 and 234 are HIGHLY recommended, however if you take any of the following 3-quarter series: Web Development, Java, C, Unix or Cisco, you may substitute the last two courses in the series for the Systems Analysis and Design series. If you are planning to receive an area of specialization in a series such as Web Development, you will not be able to if you use the classes towards Systems Analysis and Design.
In other words, once you use classes towards satisfying the Program Requirements credits, you cannot then use them again towards an area of specialization, otherwise, the total number of credits you have upon graduation will be less than 90 and you will not graduate. You must pick a different area of specialization in order to be awarded the degree.If I am taking a 3-quarter series in Computer Science such as Unix, Java or C++ do I have to take the Systems Analysis and Design series (CIS 233 and CIS 234)?
Please see answer to question 9.If I am taking the Cisco series of courses (CIS 171, CIS 172 and CIS 173) do I have to take the Systems Analysis and Design series (CIS 233 and CIS 234)?
Please see answer to question 9.Do you offer the Cisco courses at night on the main campus?
Yes. The series begins at night Winter quarter. The Fall sequence start time is 3:00p. In addition, you can take Cisco networking courses through the Business Technology Center. Though more expensive, they may offer a more flexible schedule.-
What is the difference between the Business Technology Center¹s Cisco courses and the CIS Cisco courses?
The Business Technology Center has more flexible time/days offerings so the courses can be completed more quickly, and the courses are more expensive. Generally the curriculum is quite similar, but in the CIS courses, you are assessed on your performance and are awarded a grade at the end of the course. At the BTC you will receive only an S/U grading option. Do the Cisco courses at the Business Technology Center transfer to the CIS program?
Yes, up to 20 credits. Here is the current agreement: Up to 30 credits taken at BTC can be transferred towards the CIS ATA Degree. The CIS department will waive graduation requirements for the appropriate courses on our planning sheets. We will then apply BTC credits to our general area of specialization and then students (with their advisor) would select appropriate additional courses from CIS/CMPSC/CEN to round out remaining requirements.Example: If a student took the CCNA 4-course series at BTC, we would give them the number of credits awarded by BTC towards the CIS general area of specialization, then waive CIS 171, 172 and 173 and they would have to take additional CIS/CMPSC/CEN courses to replace those credits.
Example: If a student took A+ certification credits at BTC, we would give them the number of credits awarded by BTC towards the CIS general area of specialization, then waive CIS 125 and CIS 161. Students would then have to take additional CIS/CMPSC/CEN courses to replace those credits.
One of the Cisco 3-quarter series on the main campus has a Winter start. Does this mean you must attend summer quarter?
Not necessarily, please speak to an adviser to learn about additional times when the courses are offered.Why is there a larger lab fee on the Cisco courses?
The Cisco courses include many hands-on exercises requiring specialized lab equipment (routers, hubs and switches). The lab fee is used to cover the maintenance and support of this equipment and to pay for a Cisco Intern, which allows us to have open lab time.Can I just take the 3-quarter series in Web Development, without taking the entire Web certificate or CIS ATA degree?
Not recommended, but yes. However remember that CIS 241 has a pre-req of CIS 100, and CIS 241 has a pre req of CMPSC 115 or concurrent enrollment in CMPSC 115.Is the CIS Web Development series (241, 242, 243) a set of programming courses?
Basically yes. If you are interested in the artistic/design side of web sites, you should check into the Visual Communication department on campus.New Program Questions:
Is the new CIS ATA in Database Technologies available?
Yes, it is currently being offered as a night program, though some of the classes are available on-line and during the day.When will the new CIS Network Security Certificate be available?
This program is available now and is being offered as a night program.When will the new CIS ATA in Network Design/Security be available?
Unsure at this time, we are awaiting decisions on grants and resources, but hope to have it in place by Fall 2004.
