Associate Degree in 
Computer Information Systems (CIS)

It’s not just that every business uses computer information systems; every business depends on them to remain competitive. That means businesses depend on the people who keep those systems functioning. From healthcare to finance to fashion, every organization needs people who can show them how to use computer technology to achieve their goals. 

Monroe’s Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS) is designed to help you become one of those people. Businesses everywhere need user advocates who can a) help them determine the right tools for the job and b) show them how best to use those tools. 

Earning your AS in Computer Information Systems at Monroe’s School of Information Technology will do more than prepare you for a rewarding career. It will prepare you to stay ahead of the curve in a field that is always changing. 

Find Out About Our Online Computer Information Systems Associate Degree

We’re used to seeing technology advance at a rapid pace. Most of us take it for granted now — and most of us have no idea how any of it really works. There’s always a need for skilled, ethical professionals who not only understand new technologies but know how to use them to devise creative business solutions. 

As technology continues to evolve, the need is only going to continue to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2031, overall employment in computer and information technology will grow by 15%, producing about 682,800 new jobs. That’s nearly three times greater than the average growth rate for all occupations.

By earning your CIS degree, you’ll be preparing yourself to take full advantage of those trends. Graduates of Monroe’s School of Information Technology have launched their careers at some of the most prestigious corporations in the world. With an Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems, you can build the skills you need to join their ranks.

The Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems will provide you with a solid foundation in: 

• Database management
• Web design
• Systems analysis & design
• Wireless technology
• Security 
• Programming logic
• Cisco networking

As you train on industry-standard hardware and software, you’ll develop proficiencies in various programming languages, including: Structured Query Language (SQL), C++, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). 

As your knowledge base grows, so will your readiness to earn the certifications you’ll need to be competitive, like the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA),  CompTIA A+  and CompTIAA Security +.

Just as important as the curriculum itself are the people who teach it. Your professors will be leaders in the IT field: chief information officers (CIOs), network analysts, database administrators, project managers, web designers, and software engineers. You’ll learn both the hard and soft skills that will help you thrive in your future IT career.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems?

We designed the AS in Computer Information Systems to take just four (4) semesters on campus. If you’re studying full-time, that means you can finish in less than a year and a half.

Computer Information Systems Degree Requirements:

• 60 total credits
  • 27 credits of major-related courses
  • 33 credits of general education and related courses

The School of Information Technology also offers both fully-online and hybrid options to provide CIS students with greater flexibility. 

Learn more about the requirements for an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems.

Candidates for an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems must fulfill the following admissions requirements: 

• Candidates must possess either a high school graduation credential or high school equivalency diploma, or a recognized college associate degree or higher as listed in the transfer admissions policy.
• Candidates must also submit a completed application for admission, as well as a personal statement or essay.

CIS applicants also participate in a pre-admission interview.

Learn more about how to apply to Monroe College.

Year after year, U.S. News & World Report ranks Monroe College as one of the Best Value Schools in Regional Universities North. That’s because in addition to offering affordable tuition and fees, our financial aid office works hard to help you find every scholarship, grant, and loan for which you qualify. Your financial aid counselor will even help you to find work-study employment and devise a manageable payment plan. 

Monroe has also partnered with more than 400 companies and organizations to provide Corporate Partnership Grants to employees who are looking to broaden their skill sets. If you work for any one of these organizations, you may be able to receive up to 20% off your tuition costs.  

Learn more about financial aid opportunities.

When most people think about information technology (IT) professionals, they tend to think only about the technology sector — but the truth is you can find IT professionals in every kind of organization. No matter where your interests lie, with a CIS degree there’s a place for you in:

• Health care
• Fashion
• Music
• Finance
• Hospitality
• Government
• Nonprofits

Graduates of Monroe’s School of Information Technology have gone on to launch their careers at organizations as diverse as IBM, Citigroup, the New York City Department of Education, Montefiore Medical Center, Verizon, Infosys, and Salesforce (and many others) —  and in positions including: 

• Computer network support specialist
• Certified computer technician
• Systems analyst
• Application developer
• Web designer

Those are only a few of the jobs in computer information systems. A CIS degree can help you get your foot in the door in almost any industry you can think of. So choose a door — we’ll help you find the key.

Real-world learning is one of the hallmarks of a Monroe education. That’s why we provide many opportunities for you to work with, learn from, and connect with both your fellow students and industry professionals, including: 

• The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) - Headquartered right here in New York City, ACM is the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society. Members of ACM’s Monroe chapter have access to competitions, seminars, lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities held throughout the year.
• Monroe’s Information Technology Student Association (ITSA) - In addition to weekly meetings to share ideas and insights, the club volunteers their services to local businesses, hosts visiting speakers, and organizes tech challenges and other related events. 

Your education doesn’t end once you walk out of the classroom. The way we see it, that’s when it’s just beginning.

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