Sinclair Community College
Academic Areas of Study

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Sinclair is moving to semesters for fall 2012. These pages reflect curriculum data as of Sinclair's 2011–2012 quarter-based academic year. In preparation for the transition, students are urged to consult an academic advisor before registering for a course or program.

Computer Information Systems

You Can Be in Demand… Let CIS Help You Network Toward Your Future

The computer information systems (CIS) programs are the ideal preparation for careers in the rapidly expanding information technology industry. Our CIS programs emphasize state-of-the-art technology along with the most popular object-oriented programming languages and software.

This program might be for you if:

  • You enjoy working with computers and technology.
  • You like to be a part of a team, even as a decision-maker or IT manager.
  • You are interested in information technology support.
  • You would like to learn more about how to use new technologies to maximize business productivity.
  • You are interested in computer forensics and the investigation and prevention of computer crimes.

CIS majors choose from seven areas of degree concentration: network engineer; network manager; software development; help desk and user support; Web development and programming; Microsoft security specialist; and cyber investigation technology.

Through the program’s use of leading edge, competency-based models designed to build critical skills to compete in the job market, our graduates are well equipped to advance in a variety of technical fields.

Certificate Programs

One-year Technical Certificate

Cyber Investigation Certificate

The Cyber Investigation Certificate will prepare students for careers in the areas of computer network protection, managing networks and operating systems, and IT criminal investigation, which includes evidence procedures and computer forensics.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Already know the program that is right for you?

Fill out an online admissions application to get started or visit the Sinclair Admissions Web site to find out more.

Short-term Technical Certificate

Advanced Networking Engineer

includes wired and wireless networks, networking equipment such as wireless routers and low to mid-level firewall hardware. This certificate helps prepare students for careers as network installers, wireless network administrators, network security analysts, systems engineers, hardware and support specialists.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Business Operations Systems Support (BOSS) I

Students completing this certificate will have the written and oral communication skills as well as the computer skills needed to effectively support computer operations for a small, medium, or large company. The skills apply equally well to an entry level help desk support position. Technical course work emphasizes operating systems and troubleshooting skills.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Business Operations Systems Support (BOSS) II

This short term certificate has been created to provide a path for working students as they continue their professional development and education. The BOSS I certificate has attracted working professionals as they strive to improve their preparedness for increasing responsibility in the work place. This BOSS II certificate builds on the course work completed in BOSS I and provides a logical progression towards degree completion.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Data Analytics

This certificate is designed to prepare students for entry level data analytics positions responsible for the knowledge, setup and usage of data analysis and business intelligence solutions. Data analytics is expanding in businesses, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations to allow companies or organizations to make better business decisions based on data and information. Students will have the ability to understand how to structure the data and prepare reports in a way that is meaningful to business users. Coursework will include data base concepts, data modeling, SQL, data analysis, data mining tools, mathematical and statistical techniques, project management and systems analysis. Strong communication skills in order to interact with key business users and understand their requirements is emphasized.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Fast Track Programmer Analyst Enterprise Specialization

This certificate is designed to provide an individual with the latest programming skills. It is intended for experienced programmers or individuals wishing to make a career change into the Information Technology field. The certificate focuses on current programming languages, database theory, object oriented concepts and team building. Students concentrate on enterprise development.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Fast Track Programmer Analyst Web Development Specialization

This certificate is designed to provide an individual with the lastest programming skills. It is intended for experienced programmers or individuals wishing to make a career change into the Information Technology field. The certificate focuses on current programming languages, database theory, object oriented concepts and team building. Students concentrate on web development technologies.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Geospatial Technology Programming Specialist

This certificate will help to prepare individuals who want to obtain a background in geospatial (GIS) programming in order to build upon existing job skills or to enhance employment opportunities. This one year certificate will provide additional knowledge in the practice of GIS which can be applied within a wide variety of fields.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Help Desk Analyst

The Help Desk Analyst certificate is designed to prepare students for entry level positions that provide technical support, assistance, hardware and software troubleshooting, system maintenance and training and documentation to computer users. This certificate includes general knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, software and network operation, and specific skills in troubleshooting, problem solving and customer service. Common job titles include User Support Specialist, Customer Support Representative, Software Trainer, P.C. Technician and Help Desk Technician/Analyst. Course work in this program helps prepare students for help desk industry certification exams.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Information Systems Security

This certificate will help prepare students and working professionals to perform effectively in the Information Assurance area of Information Technology. The courses required for this certificate have been reviewed and validated by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS), an agency of the United States Government, to fully meet the CNSS 4011 standard. Students completing the courses outlined here will receive the 4011 Certificate jointly issued by Sinclair Community College and the CNSS. Because the specified content in these six courses has been approved, course credit earned by articulation, transfer, or proficiency cannot be accepted.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Linux Security and Network Essentials

The Linux Security and Network Essentials short term certificate is an information technology certificate concentrating on the development and mastery of specific skills pertaining to the fundamentals of the Linux operating system, Linux security and network and data communications.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Network Engineering Associate

This certificate program will provide the student with state-of-the-art networking skills and is taught via the Cisco Networking Academy Curriculum, teaching all aspects for an introductory network engineering position. This program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to understand and participate in basic networking design, installation, programming and troubleshooting corporate network infrastructure. Included in this one-year program are networking theory, OSI model, networking media, physical and logical design, programming, installing, maintaining and troubleshooting networking equipment, designing and implementing IP schemas, the basics of all current internal routing protocols, beginning security information and safety.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Security for the Networking Professional

This certificate is designed for the networking professional or student who has completed the Network Manager track or the Network Engineer track in the CIS program. The certificate focuses on the technical skills necessary to assess security risks to existing networks. Students will learn to establish an information security plan and policy as well as learn to install and configure various security measures such as intrusion detection, data encryption, and other methods needed to decrease vulnerability.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

User Support Technician

The User Support Technician certificate is designed to prepare students for entry level positions that provide technical support, assistance, hardware and software troubleshooting, system maintenance and training and documentation to computer users. This certificate includes general knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, software and network operation, and specific skills in troubleshooting, problem solving and customer service.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Web Programming Certificate Java Track

The Web Programming certificate is designed to provide an individual with current web application development skills. It focuses on designing, writing and deploying web applications using the latest technologies. It is intended for experienced programmers who wish to update their skills or for individuals wishing to make a career change into the Information Technology field. The certificate focuses on web application development using Java in a client/server networked environment.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Web Programming Certificate Visual Basic Track

The Web Programming certificate is designed to provide an individual current web application development skills. It focuses on designing, writing and deploying web applications using the latest technologies. It is intended for experienced programmers who wish to update their skills or for individuals wishing to make a career change into the Information Technology field. The certificate focuses on web application development using VB in a client/server networked environment.

Interested in learning more about this certificate program?

Already know the program that is right for you?

Fill out an online admissions application to get started or visit the Sinclair Admissions Web site to find out more.

Click here to view semester programs

Degree Programs

Associate of Applied Science - Computer Information Systems

The rapid spread of computers and computer-based technologies over the past two decades has generated a need for skilled, highly trained workers in information technology positions. Students take core CIS classes to learn fundamental IT skills such as flowcharting and documenting structured programs, network administration, computer and network operating systems, progamming logic and business applications. Students learn to use commercially available network and application software on local area networks and computers. Employment opportunities in this expanding field include entry level positions such as programmers, Web developers, help desk analysts, network administrators, user support specialists, and network engineers.

Interested in learning more about this degree program?

Associate of Applied Science - Computer Information Systems Microsoft Security Specialist

The Microsoft Security Specialist area of concentration prepares students to work in the area of computer and network security in a Microsoft Windows environment. Microsoft specific content in network protocols, encryption, wired and wireless security techniques and other topics are included. Vendor independent concepts are also included. Students will learn both day-to-day administrative skills and design concepts to achieve a more secure network setting.

Interested in learning more about this degree program?

Associate of Applied Science - Computer Information Systems Network Engineer

how to use network protocol models to explain the layers of communication; describing the importance of addressing and naming schemes at various levels; how a router or switch works and their role in networks; the characteristics of routing protocols; troubleshooting concepts; the impact of VoIP applications on a network; implement basic security on a router or switch. Course emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and the practical application of skills. Sinclair is a Regional Academy within the Cisco Academy program.

Interested in learning more about this degree program?

Associate of Applied Science - Computer Information Systems Network Manager

The ever increasing importance of networked computers and solutions to business problems over the past two decades has generated a need for skilled, highly trained workers in network management positions. Students in the Computer Information Systems program are provided technical skills for entry level positions in this field. Students are prepared to work in the areas of network administration, network operating systems and protocols, and business applications dependent on a networked environment. Students learn to use commercially available network and application software on local area networks and microcomputers. Employment opportunities in this expanding field include entry level positions such as network administrators, user support specialists, and network engineers.

Interested in learning more about this degree program?

Associate of Applied Science - Computer Information Systems Software Development

The rapid spread of computers and computer based technologies over the past two decades has generated a need for skilled, highly trained workers in programming positions. Students in the Computer Information Systems Software Development track are provided skills for entry level information systems positions. Students are prepared in the areas of program design and documentation of structured, object oriented programs in business applications using languages such as Java, C++ and Visual Basic .NET. Employment opportunities in this field include entry level programmers. There has been an increased demand for higher skill level in the Software Development track beyond the associate degree that can be earned at Sinclair resulting in a 2 + 2 articulation agreement with Wright State University to transfer this associate degree to their Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science General and their Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science with a Business concentration.

Interested in learning more about this degree program?

Associate of Applied Science - Computer Information Systems User Support

The rapid spread of computers and computer-based technologies over the past two decades has generated a need for skilled, highly trained workers in user support. Students in this concentration develop technical skills for entry level user support positions and learn how to install, support and troubleshoot PC Hardware and operating systems for the business and commercial environments as well as personal use. In addition, students are prepared in the areas of flowcharting and documenting structured programs, network administration, microcomputer and network operating systems administration, how to use business applications. Students also learn soft skills needed to work with customers and employees in a group environment.

Interested in learning more about this degree program?

Associate of Applied Science - Computer Information Systems Web Development

The rapid spread of computers and computer based technologies has generated a need for skilled, highly trained workers in web programming and web site development. Students are prepared in the areas of developing and maintaining websites, flowcharting and documenting structured programs, network administration, computesr and operating systems managment, and programming applications using computer languages such as php, Java, and C++. Employment opportunities in this expanding field include positions such as web programmers developers.

Interested in learning more about this degree program?

Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Investigation Technology

The Cyber Investigation Technologies degree will prepare students for careers and transfer degrees in the areas of computer network protection, managing networks and operating systems, and IT criminal investigation, which includes evidence procedures and computer forensics. The degree incorporates preparation for industry-recognized certifications, articulated credit for law enforcement and corrections academies, and prepares students for four-year degree transfer opportunities.

Interested in learning more about this degree program?

Already know the program that is right for you?

Fill out an online admissions application to get started or visit the Sinclair Admissions Web site to find out more.

Transfer Opportunities

Make the most of your education by starting at Sinclair Community College. Our quality programs and low tuition make it a great place to start even if you intend to further your education beyond an associate degree or certificate. You would be surprised at the money you could save by completing your first two years of study at Sinclair—just take a look at our low tuition and see the savings for yourself. You can also learn more by visiting Sinclair’s Transfer Web site »

Articulation & Transfer Agreements

Sinclair works directly with many four-year schools in Ohio and beyond to ensure the college credit you earn will transfer easily to those schools. By developing articulation agreements, formal agreements between colleges detailing the recognition of college credit between the schools, you will know you are meeting the requirements needed at the four-year school of your choice. Learn more about articulation and transfer »

Computer Information Systems Agreements

Sinclair Community College has worked to develop program-specific agreements to assist you in a more seamless process when transferring from a specific Sinclair degree program to a bachelor’s degree program in the same area of study.

Programs & Articulation Agreements

Computer Information Systems, A.A.S.

Articulation agreements are in place for transfer to:

  • Wright State University (Computer Science)

Transferring Individual Classes

In addition to transferring with a degree, college credit for many courses, including those in computer information systems, are accepted at other colleges and universities. Learn more about course equivalency »

General Agreements

While at Sinclair, if you plan to complete any associate degree program, there are agreements in place to help you easily transfer into a variety of bachelor’s degree completion programs.

Your transfer opportunities
may include:

  • Antioch University McGregor
  • Franklin University
  • Kaplan University
  • Ohio Dominican University
  • Ohio University
  • Purdue University
  • Strayer University
  • Wilberforce University
  • Wright State University
  • and more…

View articulation agreements »

Ohio Transfer Module

The Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degree programs fulfill the requirements for the Ohio Transfer Module at other public colleges and universities. Students in applied associate degree programs may complete some individual transfer module courses within their degree program or continue beyond their program to complete the entire transfer module.

Upon completion of the Ohio Transfer Module, students will be able to enter most Ohio four-year colleges and universities as a junior with your general education requirements completed. Find out more about the Ohio Transfer Module…

Please Note: Sinclair continues to work with other colleges and universities to provide more opportunities through new articulation and transfer agreements. Please consult with an academic advisor for the most up-to-date information.

Related Programs

Sinclair Community College offers a wide variety of certificate and degree programs. With so many to choose from, we are sure that you can find a program that suits your needs. If you are interested in the computer information system programs, you might also be interested in learning more about these programs at Sinclair: