Computer Science

Mr. Terry Ayers, Department Chair
256.352.8104
terry.ayers@wallacestate.edu
 

Associate in Applied Science Degree (5 semesters)

Short-Term Certificates (1 semester)

At a Glance

Computer security specialists may plan, coordinate, and implement an organization’s information security. These workers may be called upon to educate users about computer security, install security software, monitor the network for security breaches, respond to cyber-attacks, and in some cases, gather data and evidence to be used in prosecuting cybercrime. The responsibilities of computer security specialists has increased in recent years as there has been a large increase in the number of cyber-attacks on data and networks.

Computer programmers write, test, and maintain detailed programs that computers must follow to perform their functions, as well as conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computers. Computer programs tell the computer what to do – which information to identify and access, how to process it, and what equipment to use. Many programmers update, repair, modify, and expand existing programs. 

Computer support specialists and help-desk technicians provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and other users. These troubleshooters interpret problems and provide technical support for hardware, software, and systems. 

Network administrators design, install, and support an organization’s local-area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network segment, Internet, or intranet system. They provide day-to-day on site administration support for software users in a variety of work environments. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users. 

Web designers are responsible for developing and maintaining World Wide Web (WWW) sites for public and private organizations. Business and industry (both large and small) need web professionals to develop and maintain corporate web sites (intranet, extranet, and internet sites).

Program Description 

The Computer Science Program is designed to prepare students for employment in industry or business. Emphasis is on the knowledge and skills needed in the small business computer environment.

Career Path 

Job prospects should be best for college graduates who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies. Employers will continue to seek computer specialists who possess a strong background in fundamental computer skills combined with good interpersonal and communication skills. 

The median annual wage for computer support specialists was $60,810 in May 2023.  The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Employment of computer systems specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022-2032, as fast as average for all occupations. Growth in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and mobile networks will increase demand for these workers. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics).

If Math courses are taken for math elective credit, the course must be higher level than College Algebra. Computer Science courses DO NOT meet this requirement.

Typing proficiency is a prerequisite for CIS 146 and other programming courses. Students that are not proficient should take a keyboarding class prior to enrollment in computer science courses.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

CIS 111 : Word Processing Software Applications

This course provided students with hands-on experience using word processing software. Students will develop skills common to most word processing software by developing a wide variety of documents. Emphasis is on planning, developing, and editing functions associated with word processing.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

CIS 113 : Spreadsheet Software Applications

This course provided students with hands-on experience using spreadsheet software. Students will develop skills common to most spreadsheet software by developing a wide variety of spreadsheets. Emphasis is on planning, developing, and editing functions associated with spreadsheets.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

CIS 115 : Presentation Graphics Software Applications

This course provided students with hands-on experience using presentation graphics software. Students will develop skills common to most graphics software by developing a wide variety of presentations. Emphasis is on planning, developing, and editing functions associated with presentations.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

CIS 117 : Database Management Software Applications

This course provided students with hands-on experience using database management software. Students will develop skills common to most spreadsheet software by developing a wide variety of databases. Emphasis is on planning, developing, and editing functions associated with database management.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

CIS 134 : IT Fundamentals

This is an introductory level course that covers the fundamentals of software, hardware, security, and networking, as well as basic IT skills such as workstation set-up, operating system navigation, simple support services, backup protocols, and safety. Upon completion of the course, students will understand the essential functions of IT professionals and be better positioned to make decisions about a career in information technology.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

CIS 146 : Computer Applications

 This course is an introduction to computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software. This course will introduce students to concepts associated with professional certifications. 

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by program

CIS 149 : Digital Literacy

This course is an introduction to computers and their impact on society. The course covers the development of computers, their impact on society, as well as future implications of development of computer and related communication technologies.  This course introduces programming and computer operating systems.  Upon completion, students will have basic knowledge of computer technology and will be able to perform basic functions with a computer system.  The course will help prepare students for the IC3 certification.

NOTE: There is an approved standardized plan-of-instruction for this course.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CIS 150 : Introduction to Computer Logic and Programming

This course includes logic, design and problem solving techniques used by programmers and analysts in addressing and solving common programming and computing problems. The most commonly used techniques of flowcharts, structure charts, and pseudocode will be covered and students will be expected to apply the techniques to designated situations and problems.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 151 : Graphics for the World Wide Web

This course will provide an overview to the theory, tools, and techniques necessary for creating high-quality graphics using design software tools.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 157 : Introduction to App Development with Swift

This introductory one-semester course is designed to help students build a solid foundation in programming fundamentals using Swift as the language. Students get practical experience with the tools, techniques, and concepts needed to build a basic iOS system.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 171 : Linux I

This course presents fundamental applications in Unix/Linux. Included in this course are skills development for OS installation and setup, recompile techniques, system configuration settings, file/folder structures and types, run levels, basic network applications, and scripting. Additionally, the course presents security features from an administrative and user consideration.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 196 : Commercial Software Applications

This is a “hands-on” introduction to software packages, languages, and utility programs currently in use, with the course being able to repeat for credit for each different topic being covered. Emphasis is placed on the purpose capabilities and utilization of each package, language or program. Upon completion, students will be able to use the features selected for the application covered.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 197 : Advanced Commercial Software Applications

This course provides the student with hands-on experience in using the advanced features of software packages, languages, and utility programs currently in use. Each offering focuses on one software package with credit being received for each different package. Upon completion, students will be able to use the features selected for the application covered.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 196 and/or as required by college

CIS 197 E : Advanced Spreadsheet Application- Excel

This course provides the student with hands-on experience in using the advanced features of software packages, languages, and utility programs currently in use. Each offering focuses on one software package with credit being received for each different package. Upon completion, students will be able to use the features selected for the application covered.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 196 and/or as required by college

CIS 197 W : Advanced Word Processing

This course provides the student with hands-on experience in using the advanced features of software packages, languages, and utility programs currently in use. Each offering focuses on one software package with credit being received for each different package. Upon completion, students will be able to use the features selected for the application covered.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 196 and/or as required by college

CIS 199 : Network Communications

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of computer networks. Emphasis is placed on gaining an understanding of the terminology and technology involved in implementing net worked systems. The course will cover the OSI and TCP/IP network models, communications protocols, transmission media, networking hardware and software, LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks), Client/Server technology, the Internet, Intranets and network troubleshooting. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to design and implement a computer network. Students will create network shares, user accounts, and install print devices while ensuring basic network security. They will receive hands-on experience building a mock network in the classroom.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 202 : Python Programming

This course is an introduction to the Python programming language. Topics include input and output, decision structures, repetition structures, functions, working with files, strings, object-oriented programming and inheritance. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 203 : Introduction to the Information Highway

This course introduces the student to the basic principles of the information highway. Students will be exposed to different network information tools such as electronic mail, network news, gophers, the World Wide Web, browsers, commercial information services and the use of appropriate editors or software to introduce construction of Web environments.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 205 : Control Language and Utilities Applications

This course introduces computer operation and the job of executive language on a mini- or mainframe computer using both batch and on-line techniques.  Utilities including sorts, screen design aids, and control programs while operating system concepts such as scheduling are introduced.  Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CIS 207 : Web Development

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to use specified markup languages to develop basic Web pages.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 209 : Advanced Web Development

This is an advanced Web design course emphasizing the use of scripting languages to develop interactive websites. Upon completion students will be able to create data driven websites. This course helps prepare students for the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Foundations certification.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 211 : Principles of Information Assurance

This course is designed to introduce students to information security principles. Topics covered in this course will include the need for security, risk management, security technology, cryptography, and physical security. Security policies and legal/ethical issues will also be covered.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 212 : Visual Basic Programming

This course emphasizes basic programming using a graphical user interface. The course will emphasize graphical user interfaces with additional topics on such topics as advanced file handling techniques, simulation, and other selected areas. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 214 : Pen Testing

This course introduces students to the concept of security analysis, or penetration testing, of information systems. Students will evaluate the security of a computer system or network, assessing security risks from the position of a potential attacker. Emphasis is on identifying security flaws and providing technical solutions programming.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CIS 219 : Android App Development

In this course students learn to program apps for an Android© operating system using a specified programming language. Student will be able to develop, build, deploy, and optimize an app for an Android© operating system.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 222 : Database Management Systems

This course will discuss database system architectures, concentrating on Structured Query Language (SQL). It will teach students how to design, normalize and use databases with SQL, and to link those to the Web.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CIS 238 : Cloud Computing: Infrastructure and Services

This course focuses on cloud infrastructure, deployment, security models, and the key considerations in migrating to cloud computing. Coverage includes the technologies and processes required to build traditional, virtualized, and cloud data center environments, including computation, storage, networking, desktop and application virtualization, business continuity, security and management.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CIS 245 : Cyber Defense

The course provides students with information on the concept of cyber defense. Topics include information relative to legal aspects of cyber attacks, threats to various levels of national and local social infrastructure, financial systems, personal data, and other direct and indirect threats. As part of this course students explore current and historical cyber threats and U.S. policy regarding infrastructure protection.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 246 : Ethical Hacking

This course emphasizes scanning, testing, and securing computer systems. The lab-intensive environment provides opportunities to understand how perimeter defenses work and how hackers are able to compromise information systems. With awareness of hacking strategies, students learn to counteract those attempts in an ethical manner.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 245 or CIS 280

CIS 248 : Introduction to IOT (Internet of Things)

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of the IOT.  Emphasis will be on understanding how the IOT is bridging the gap between operational and information technology systems and the security concerns that must be considered, when implementing IOT solutions.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CIS 249 : Microcomputer Operating Systems

This course provides an introduction to microcomputer operating systems. Topics include a description of the operating system, system commands, and effective and efficient use of the microcomputer with the aid of its system programs. Upon completion, students should understand the function and role of the operating system, its operational characteristics, its configuration, how to execute programs, and efficient disk and file management.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 251 : C++ Programming

This course is an introduction to the C++ programming language including object oriented programming. Topics include: problem solving and design; control structures; objects and events; user interface construction; and document and program testing.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 255 : JAVA Programming

This course is an introduction to the JAVA programming language. Topics in this course include object-oriented programming constructs, Web page applet development, class definitions, threads, events and exceptions. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 263 : Computer Maintenance

This course provides students with hands-on practical experience in installing software, operating systems, trouble-shooting, and maintaining systems.  The class will help to prepare participants for the A+ Certification sponsored by CompTIA.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CIS 267 : Enterprise Virtualization

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to implement enterprise visualization.  Students will gain hands-on experience installing, configuring, and managing enterprise virtualization technologies.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CIS 270 : Cisco CCNA I

This course is the first part of a four part curriculum leading to CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. The content of this course is based on current requirements from the CISCO Networking Academy certification standards.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 271 : Cisco CCNA II

This course is the second part of a four part curriculum leading to CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. The content of this course is based on current requirements from the CISCO Networking Academy certification standards.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 272 : Cisco CCNA III

This course is the third part of a four part curriculum leading to CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. The content of this course is based on current requirements from the CISCO Networking Academy certification standards. As needed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 276 : Server Administration

This course introduces network operating system administration. Topics included in this course are network operating system software installation, administration, monitoring, and maintenance; user, group, and computer account management; shared resource management; and server hardware management. Students gain hands-on experience in managing and maintaining a network operating system environment.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 280 : Network Security

This course provides a study of threats to network security and methods of securing a computer network from such threats. Topics included in this course are security risks, intrusion detection, and methods of securing authentication, network access, remote access, Web access, and wired and wireless network communications. Upon completion students will be able to identify security risks and describe appropriate counter measures.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

CIS 281 : System Analysis and Design

This course is a study of contemporary theory and systems analysis and design. Emphasis is placed on investigating, analyzing, designing, implementing, and documenting computer systems. Upon completion, the student will been able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics through the completion of programming projects and appropriate tests.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 284 : Internship

This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to work in a degree/program related environment. Emphasis is placed on the student’s “real world” work experience as it integrates academics with practical applications that can relate meaningfully to careers in the computer discipline. Significance is also placed on the efficient and accurate performance of job tasks as provided by the “real world” work experience. Grades for this course will be based on a combination of the employer’s evaluation of the student, and the contents of a report submitted by the student. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to a “real world” work experience.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

By permission of instructor

CIS 291 : Case Study in Computer Science

This course is a case study involving the assignment of a complete system development project for analysis, programming, implementation, and documentation. Topics include planning system analysis and design, programming techniques, coding and documentation. Upon completion, students should be able to design, code, test and document a comprehensive computer information system. As needed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college

CIS 294 : Special Topics

This course allows study of currently relevant computer science topics, with the course being able to be repeated for credit for each different topic covered. Course content will be determined by the instructor and will vary according to the topic being covered. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the course topic through completion of assignments and appropriate tests.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

By permission of instructor

CIS 299 : Directed Studies in Computer Science

This course allows independent study under the direction of an instructor. Topics to be included in the course material will be approved by the instructor prior to or at the beginning of the class. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics as specified by the instructor as needed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

As required by college