Computer Information Systems A.S.

Career Opportunities  |  Transfer Opportunities  | Degree Requirements | For More Information
Apply for Admission  | General Education Requirements | Articulation Agreements

The Program (HEGIS Code 5104)

This career program will prepare students for employment as computer information technologists in a variety of industrial, business, government, and public-service settings.

Specifically, the CIT A.A.S. program will educate students as generalists in multiple computer-related skill areas, including programming, web design, networking technology, database design, and applications. The program is intended to prepare computer “generalists” who will be employable in small organizations typical in the North Country, which often have the resources to hire only one or two computer-related staff members and which are not large enough to employ an array of computer “specialists.”

The program will provide students with hands-on experience in a variety of information technology areas, including 34 credit hours of coursework that focuses on software application use and customization, programming, database design and implementation, web page development, and networking technology. An additional six credit hours provide students with general business/management communications principles.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Computer Information Technology program with an A.A.S. degree will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Effectively analyze and determine client/user needs
• Demonstrate the ability to customize software applications
• Design, implement, and maintain computer networks
• Understand database design principles
• Understand web page design principles
• Develop basic computer programs
• Prepare written technical documentation

The required courses develop problem definition, problem solution, and application coding skills. Students who are enrolled in this program attend hands-on laboratories associated with most computer courses. This program includes courses in the areas of applications customization, web design, database design, networking technology, and programming.

Students wanting to pursue advanced studies may consider SUNY Morrisville, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and SUNY Canton. Those planning to transfer are advised to research baccalaureate requirements to maximize transfer credit.

Computer Requirements

Students entering this program are required to purchase or lease a professional microcomputer system for home use. Computers are an integral part of all course instruction within the Computer Information Technology program. Computer specifications are available at www.sunyjefferson.edu or upon request.

Career Opportunities

Computer information technology is among the growing fields in business, industry, government, and education, with average growth expected through the year 2016. The number of entry-level positions available in this field continues to exceed the number of qualified persons to fill them.

This program provides students with skills and knowledge that match the needs of local employers for technology generalists who have a broad background and the ability to solve problems with a wide variety of technology tools. The program parallels national standard in Information Technology Education developed by the Association for Computing Machinery.

Typical career opportunities for graduates of this program include:

Networking

• Local Area Network Technician
• Network Maintenance and Operations
• Network Technician

Information Services and Database

• Database Administrator
• Database Analyst
• Database Developer

Programming and Software Development

• Entry (Junior Level) Programmer
• Programmer Analyst
• Software Applications Specialist
• Software Designer
• Software/Application Support
• Systems Analyst

Interactive Media, Multi-media and Web

• Web Content Designer
• Web Designer

Technical and Customer Support

• Call Center Support Representative
• Customer Service Representative
• Help Desk Technician
• LAN Applications Support Analyst
• Software Application Specialist
• Technical Sales Consultant

Systems Engineering and Staff Analyst

• Computer Analyst
• Programmer Analyst
• Systems Analyst

* Students considering transfer to a SUNY baccalaureate program should use these electives to fulfill additional SUNY General Education requirements.

For More Information

Jack Donato, Associate Professor of Computer Science
jdonato@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2455

C.J. Jackson, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
cjackson@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2429

Application and Admissions Information
Office of Admissions
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2277 or Toll Free 1-888-435-6522