Computer Information Systems
The goal of the Computer Information Systems (CIS) program is to train students for employment or transfer within the ever-expanding field of computer technology. This expansion is driven by widespread technology use across all sectors and continual industry evolution.
The CIS program offers 15 courses across two Associate of Science (AS) degrees covering subjects such as general IT support, Cyber Security, software development, and data analytics. Courses are designed to meet industry standards for certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, and Certified Ethical Hacker, and are aligned with C-ID (ITIS descriptors). The CIS program also proudly offers dual enrollment options with CVUSD and DSUSD.
Students can pursue two pathways:
- AS Employment Preparation prepares students for jobs through industry-aligned courses
- AS Transfer Preparation facilitates transfer to four-year universities such as CSUSB's IST Program
These paths aim to equip students with the necessary skills to tackle real-world challenges and innovate within the rapidly changing tech landscape.
Advisors:
Martin Flores
maflores@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.674.7819
Felix Marhuenda-Donate
fmarhuenda@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.773.2523
Patrick Jacobs
pjacobs@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.776.7286
Computer Information Systems (CIS)
CIS 009 Mathematical Modeling for Business Units: 3
The study of functions including polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, absolute value, logarithmic, and power equations and functions. Applications to business, technology, government, science, and other fields. Use of spreadsheets and other technologies for visualization, experimentation, and problem solving. This college level course is designed for students majoring in Business Administration or Computer Information Systems (CIS) for transfer to California State University system.
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: MATH 040 or MATH 049 .
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C4b CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 010 Introduction to Information Systems Units: 4
Examination of information technologies and information systems used in business. Focus on information systems, database management systems, networking, ethics and security, computer hardware, and software applications and development. Lab sessions on popular software applications and enterprise resource planning systems are provided. (C-ID ITIS 120; BUS 140)
Lecture Hours: 54 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: AIS 005.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C5 CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 023A Introduction to Amazon Web Services Units: 2
This course introduces the fundamentals of cloud computing including the different cloud computing models; Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Software as a Service on cloud platform. This course reviews the basic concepts of server, networking, and storage virtualization. Course participants will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively demonstrate an overall understanding of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Environment.
Lecture Hours: 18 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 030 Introduction to Linux Operating System Units: 3
Introduction to the Linux operating system primarily focused on command line usage. Covers the history, kernel, file systems, shells and user utilities. Also introduces students to the fundamentals of shell programming, processes, communications, and basic security.
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 040 Information & Communication Technology,Essentials Units: 4
CompTIA certifications help students build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help them earn employment in technology-related careers. The CompTIA A+ certification assures employers that their applicant is prepared to enter the workforce as an entry-level computer support technician. Computer support technicians provide technical assistance to computer users. They may answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. They may provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Completion of this course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) industry certification exams. (C-ID ITIS 110)
Lecture Hours: 54 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 053 Computer Networks and Security Units: 3
This course ensures a student has the knowledge and skill to design and implement functional networks, configure, manage and maintain essential network devices, use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks, identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations, implement network security, standards, and protocols, troubleshoot network problems, support the creation of virtualized networks. Successful completion of this course prepares the student to take the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 certification exam. C-ID: ITIS 150
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 054 Routing and Switching Essentials Units: 3
This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this course students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1, RIPv2, single-area and multi-area OSPF, virtual LANs, and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. This course, along with CIS 053 - Computer Network Fundamentals, should prepare students for the current version of the Cisco Certified Entry-level Network Technician (CCENT) certification exam. C-ID: ITIS 151
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: CIS 053 or equivalent.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 055 Systems and Network Administration Units: 3
This course will provide a student with the knowledge and skills at the administrator level to be able to do the job in any environment. The course covers essential hardware and software technologies of on-premise and hybrid server environments including high availability, cloud computing, and scripting. The course includes performance-based questions that require the candidate to demonstrate multi-step knowledge to securely deploy, administer and troubleshoot servers. This course requires the student to build, maintain, troubleshoot and support server hardware and software technologies. The student will be able to identify environmental issues; understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical/software security procedures; become familiar with industry terminology and concepts; understand server roles/specializations and interaction within the overall computing environment. This course will prepare students to take the current version of CompTIA's Server+ Certification exam. C-ID: ITIS 155
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: CIS-053.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 060 Information Systems Security Units: 3
This course ensures that students gain hands-on practical skills, ensuring they are better prepared to problem solve a wider variety of today's complex issues. The baseline cybersecurity skills are applicable across more of today's job roles to secure systems, software, and hardware. This course covers the most core technical skills in risk assessment and management, incident response, forensics, enterprise networks, hybrid/cloud operations, and security controls, ensuring high-performance on the job.
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 064 Intro to Ethical Hacking Units: 3
This course introduces the network security specialist working in a red team environment to the various methodologies for attacking a network and gaining access to networks, applications, databases, and other critical data on a secured system. Students will be introduced to the concepts, principles, and the latest hacking techniques, supplemented by hands-on exercises, for attacking and disabling a network within the context of properly securing a network, along with the most advanced hacking tools and exploits, the appropriate defenses, and countermeasures. Students will receive course content information through a variety of methods: lecture and demonstration of hacking tools will be used in addition to a virtual environment. Students will experience a hands-on practical approach to penetration testing measures and ethical hacking. (C-ID ITIS 164)
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: CIS 060 or equivalent.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 065 Computer Forensics Fundamentals Units: 3
This course is an introduction to the methods used to properly conduct a computer forensics investigation beginning with a discussion of ethics while mapping to the objectives of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification. Topics covered include an overview of computer forensics as a profession, the computer investigation process, understanding operating systems boot processes, and disk structures, data acquisition and analysis, technical writing, and a review of familiar computer forensics tools. C-ID: ITIS 165
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: CIS 060 or equivalent.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 080 Database Management Systems Units: 3
This course provides the students with an introduction to the core concepts in data and information management. It is centered around the core skills of identifying organizational information requirements, modeling them using conceptual data modeling techniques, converting the conceptual data models into relational data models and verifying its structural characteristics with normalization techniques, and implementing and utilizing a relational database using an industrial-strength database management system. The course will also include coverage of basic database administration tasks and key concepts of data quality and data security. Moreover, students will develop practical skills in the use of SQL for data design, manipulation, interrogation, and application development. In addition to developing database applications, the course helps the students understand how large-scale packaged systems are highly dependent on the use of Database Management Systems (DBMSs). Building on the transactional database understanding, the course provides an introduction to data and information management technologies that provide decision support capabilities under the broad business intelligence umbrella. C-ID: ITIS 180
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: CIS 010.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 081 Introduction to Data Analytics Units: 3
This course presents a gentle introduction to the concepts of data analysis, the role of a Data Analyst, and the tools that are used to perform daily functions. The student will gain an understanding of the data ecosystem and the fundamentals of data analysis, such as data gathering or data mining. The student will then learn the soft skills that are required to effectively communicate your data to stakeholders, and how mastering these skills can give you the option to become a data-driven decision-maker. This course will help the student differentiate between the roles of a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, and Data Engineer. They will learn the responsibilities of a Data Analyst and exactly what data analysis entails. They will be able to summarize the data ecosystem, such as databases and data warehouses. You will then uncover the major vendors within the data ecosystem and explore the various tools on-premise and in the cloud. Continue this exciting journey and discover Big Data platforms such as Hadoop, Hive, and Spark. By the end of this course, you will be able to visualize the daily life of a Data Analyst, understand the different career paths that are available for data analytics, and identify the many resources available for mastering this profession.
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: CIS-080 CIS-087.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 082C Front End Web Development Units: 3
This course teaches students to format World Wide Web pages using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and other technologies including Content Management Systems (CMS). Emphasis is placed on development of effective pages. Students learn to incorporate text, graphics, audio files, video files, animation, forms, and eCommerce databases, among others, into their web pages.
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 085C Dynamic Website Design Units: 3
This course teaches the fundamentals of client-side and server-side web programming, using JavaScript, PHP, Perl and MySQL. Students learn how to understand and use simple variables, proper programming syntax, arithmetic and string operations, conditional and logical operators, functions and subroutines, loops and arrays, data file operations and database concepts
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: CIS 082C.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 086 Visual Basic Programming Units: 3
This is an introductory course in computer programming concepts. Students design, write and debug programs using the principles of structured programming. Topics covered include programming language structure and syntax; algorithm development, logic and design considerations and program development tools; error handling and debugging; functions, subprograms and parameter passing; conditional and relational operators; selection and looping structures; array processing; sequential and random file access; and an introduction to object oriented programming. C-ID: ITIS 130
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: CIS 010.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 087 Introduction to Programming Using,Python Units: 3
This course provides an introduction to programming and business applications using Python. The course focuses on developing the fundamental concepts and models of application development including the basic concepts of program design, debugging, data structures, structured and object-oriented programming, problem solving, programming logic, and fundamental design techniques. C-ID: ITIS 130
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 088 Introduction To Programming Using Java Units: 3
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals concepts of computer programming using Java. The course focuses on learning the basic concepts of program design, problem-solving, data structures, and programming logic. The course heavily relies on hands-on experience using Java and a modern integrated development environment (IDE) such as but not limited to Eclipse or IntelliJ. C-ID: ITIS 130
Lecture Hours: 36 Lab Hours: 54 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 095A Computer Information Systems Work,Experience Units: 1-5
This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Computer Information Systems.
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 270 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 097 CODe Computer Lab Units: 0.5
CODe Computer Lab is an open entry/open exit lab designed to develop coding and programming skills for all students in the College community. Emphasis is on high school concurrent enrollment for students who wish to do so. Enrollment in CODe Summer Computer Lab is not a requirement for participation in the CODe Program. Lab will focus on a one-to-one tutorial approach, with time devoted to completing assigned lab projects.
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 27 Repeatable: No
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 323A Introduction to Amazon Web Services Units: 0
This course introduces the fundamentals of cloud computing including the different cloud computing models; Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Software as a Service on cloud platform. This course reviews the basic concepts of server, networking, and storage virtualization. Course participants will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively demonstrate an overall understanding of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Environment.
Noncredit Hours: 72 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 330 Introduction to Linux Operating System Units: 0
Introduction to the Linux operating system primarily focused on command line usage. Covers the history, kernel, file systems, shells and user utilities. Also introduces students to the fundamentals of shell programming, processes, communications, and basic security.
Noncredit Hours: 90 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 340A Information & Communication Technology,Essentials I Units: 0
CompTIA certifications help students build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help students earn employment in technology-related careers. The CompTIA A+ certification assures employers that their applicant is prepared to enter the workforce as an entry-level computer support technician. Computer support technicians provide technical assistance to computer users. They may answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. They may provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Completion of this course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ 220-901 industry certification exam.
Noncredit Hours: 27 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 340B Information & Communication Technology,Essentials II Units: 0
CompTIA certifications helps students build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help them earn employment in technology-related careers. The CompTIA A+ certification assures employers that their applicant is prepared to enter the workforce as an entry-level computer support technician. Computer support technicians provide technical assistance to computer users. They may answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. They may provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Completion of this course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ 220-902 industry certification exam.
Noncredit Hours: 27 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: CIS 340A.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 353A Computer Network Fundamentals I Units: 0
CompTIA certifications help students build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help students earn employment in technology-related careers. The CompTIA Network+ certification assures employers that their applicant is prepared to enter the workforce as a network support technician. Computer network technicians analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. Completion of the this course, in conjunction with CIS 353B, prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ N10-006 industry certification exam.
Noncredit Hours: 27 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 353B Computer Network Fundamentals II Units: 0
CompTIA certifications help students build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help students earn employment in technology-related careers. The CompTIA Network+ certification assures employers that their applicant is prepared to enter the workforce as a network support technician. Computer network technicians analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. Completion of this course, together with CIS 353A, prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ N10-006 industry certification exam.
Noncredit Hours: 27 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: CIS 353A.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 360A Information Systems Security I Units: 0
An introduction to the fundamental principles and topics of Information Technology Security and Risk Management at the organizational level. It addresses hardware, software, processes, communications, applications, and policies and procedures with respect to organizational Cybersecurity and Risk Management. CompTIA certifications help students build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help students earn employment in technology-related careers. The CompTIA Security+ certification provides a global benchmark for best practices in IT network and operational security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. Completion of this course prepares students for part of the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.
Noncredit Hours: 27 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: CIS 353B or CIS 053.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
CIS 360B Information Systems Security II Units: 0
An introduction to the fundamental principles and topics of Information Technology Security and Risk Management at the organizational level. It addresses hardware, software, processes, communications, applications, and policies and procedures with respect to organizational Cybersecurity and Risk Management. CompTIA certifications help students build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help students earn employment in technology-related careers. The CompTIA Security+ certification provides a global benchmark for best practices in IT network and operational security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. Completion of this course prepares students for part of the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.
Noncredit Hours: 27 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: CIS 360A.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None