Residential classes

Jan

next start date

week semester

year locked-in tuition

Online & night classes

Oct

next start date

week sessions

$375

undergraduate tuition

Available program formats: Online: AS In class: AS

Columbia College Associate in Science in Computer Information Systems

Study Computer Programming and Software Development at Columbia College.

Learn how to solve business problems using computers

The computer information systems program provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of computer programming and software development. You’ll also be introduced to the process of creating a web-based database.

You will also gain an understanding of business basics such as accounting and business communication.

Additionally, you’ll select from a liberal arts general education core that includes ethical reasoning, creative thinking and global awareness.

Opportunities to study:

Computer programming
Agile software development
Databases
Statistics
Accounting
Business communication
Computer information systems

Prepare for a career as a computer programmer

Your degree will prepare you to help a business develop software to improve their operations. You will be able to write code and design databases. You’ll also be able to communicate with clients and customers throughout the software development process from determining business requirements to testing prototypes.

Employment of computer support occupations is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate through 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some possible paths include:

Computer programmer
Database administrator
Web development
Computer support
Database support
Programming support

Associate vs. Bachelor: What's the difference?

Associate degree programs focus primarily on general education and can typically be completed in two years. Graduates are prepared to either enter the workforce or transition into a bachelor's program. Bachelor's degree programs provide advanced study in a specific subject area and can increase career opportunities.

Columbia College Global offers traditional classroom instruction for many courses at nationwide locations. Students at nationwide locations are expected to engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree. Columbia College offers on-campus programs with traditional classroom instruction at the Residential Campus in Columbia, Missouri.

Dr. Yihsiang Liow

"In some areas of study where you study the theory, in computer science, you actually implement the theory. You can understand the logic behind a computer game, and then you can write your own game."

Read about Yihsiang
View more faculty profiles

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Contact Information

Questions about admissions? Call the main line.

Main line: (573) 875-8700

Want to know more about our programs? Contact the department.

Department phone: 573-875-7271
Office: STC 231
Email: NSM@CCIS.edu

Enjoy small classes

Columbia College students benefit from small, personalized classes. Our professors and instructors are leaders in their respective fields.

Your degree starts here Take these courses

Available program formats

Associate in Science

Core requirements 35-36 credit hours
Total degree requirements 60 credit hours

Some courses you may take

CISS 201 - AGILE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT - 3 hours

This course is an introduction to software development with agile processes. Topics include: Scrum, Lean, Extreme Programming, Kanban, agile requirements, coding, testing, version control, and project management. Prerequisites: CISS 170, CISS 171, or CISS 176.

CISS 202 - INTRODUCTION TO DATABASES - 3 hours

This course is an introduction to the basic techniques and theory in relational databases. Topics include: database concepts and architecture, data modeling, database design, normalization, denormalization, SQL, relational algebra, and database programming. Prerequisites: CISS 170 or CISS 171 or CISS 176.

CISS 145 - INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON PROGRAMMING - 3 hours

This course introduces students to computer programming. Students design and build a substantial system using the Python language. The system will be selected from the following: 2-D/3-D games, CD player, image authoring tool. Prerequisites: C or higher in MATH 150 or MATH 180, or higher level math class other than MATH 250, or a score of 26 or higher on the math portion of the ACT, or a score of 610 or higher on the math portion of the SAT.

CISS 241 - C++ PROGRAMMING I - 3 hours

Program design and development using C++. A disciplined approach to problem solving and algorithm development is stressed using top-down design. Topics include syntax and semantics, input/output, selection, iterative constructs, functions, data types, arrays, strings, pointers, and recursion. Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher in MATH 150, or a score of 24 or higher on the math portion of the ACT or 540 or higher on the math portion of the SAT.

See all course requirements