The associate degree in Computer Information Systems, based on guidelines from the Association for Computing Machinery, prepares students for transfer to business- or technically-oriented four-year degree programs at the junior level.

Careers for graduates from related four-year degree programs include business application programmer, business process specialist, database administrator, information systems analyst, network engineer, and system sales associate.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Transfer to a four-year college as a junior;
• Explain, interpret, and develop computer information policies and procedures;
• Create, edit, and use printed and online technical documentation and literature;
• Understand business organizations and practices, and the role of information technology in organizations;
• Develop, describe, understand, and apply network protocols and technology;
• Determine the feasibility of a computer information system, estimate its cost, and manage its implementation;
• Design, program, implement, and document a computer application or website to install and implement computer systems;
• Work effectively individually and in workgroups to install and implement information systems;
• Communicate in written documents and in oral presentations in technical or business settings.

Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of high school algebra, geometry, and computer literacy. Applicants must demonstrate competency in English composition, reading and mathematics as determined by placement testing. Students who are required to complete foundations courses must plan their curriculum with an academic advisor.

Mercer County Community College has articulation agreements for Information Systems graduates to transfer to Drexel University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and NJIT. Other institutions that students have successfully transferred to include Rider University, Penn State, The University of Maryland, and The University of Delaware.

The Database Administration certificate of proficiency teaches the skills to manage and maintain database management systems (DBMS) software and advanced functionalities of Microsoft Excel to support administrative decision-making, including mainstream products such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. Students who demonstrate solid academic performance will be encouraged to complete the MCDBA core examination and Oracle certification exams.

SEE ALSO:
Computer Science degree program
Computer Science certificate program
Computer Support Specialist certificate program
Data Analytics certificate program
Database Concepts and Skills Associate certificate program
Information Technology degree program
Information Technology: Cybersecurity degree program
IT System Analyst Associate certificate program
Mobile and Web Computing certificate program
Oracle SQL Programming and Database Design Specialist certificate program
Web Development certificate program