Computer Information Systems

The goal of the Computer Information Systems (CIS) program is to provide students the training necessary for employment or transfer within a computer-related field.

The CIS program consists of 15 courses and two Associates' of Science (AS) degrees. Our varied course offerings range from IT to Cyber Security and are aligned with industry certifications (e.g. CompTIA, Cisco, Certified Ethical Hacker, etc.), C-ID (ITIS descriptors), dual enrollment (CVUSD and DSUSD), National University, Boise State or California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) IST Cyber Security program. 

Our degrees present students with two pathways to follow, career employment or transfer to a four year university. Students who chose AS Employment Preparation can select from courses that align with industry certifications that will prepare them for entry-level jobs in IT. Those in the AS Transfer Preparation, can choose to transfer to CSUSB's Cyber Security Program, National University Cyber Security Program, or Boise State Cyber Operations. These colleges offer Bachelor's of Science (BS) degrees, and higher, in Cyber Security.  

Advisors:

Martin Flores
maflores@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.674.7819

Felix Marhuenda-Donate
fmarhuenda@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.773.2523

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  Computer Literacy   Units: 4

The study of computer concepts and basic proficiency in modern computer application software. Computer concepts focus on historical development of computers; hardware and software definitions and terminology; categories of system software and application software, overview of machine language and high-level programming languages; the systems development process; careers in data processing; principles of networking; overview of e-commerce; security; the legal, moral and ethical issues associated with computers. Students also develop basic skills in applications including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and database query. (C-ID ITIS 120; BUS 140)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: CIS 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. C-ID: ITIS 160
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 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