Computer Information Systems, A.S. - SUNY Niagara

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Computer Information Systems, A.S.

Program Overview


The Computer Information Systems degree program prepares students with both problem solving and technical skills needed to assist organizations in conducting business and operating more efficiently. The demand for individuals with experience in software, hardware, data, and networks increases daily as all organizations rely on computer and information technology.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects computer information systems related occupations to grow 12 percent through 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $88,240 in May 2019. Employment is expected to grow as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies. The need for computer specialists to use their knowledge and skills in a problem-solving capacity will be a major factor in the rising demand for information systems specialists.

Career choices for students in this curriculum include computer programmer, systems analyst, information systems specialist, information technology specialist, network administrator, and database administrator.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • Apply technical knowledge and skills to provide practical solutions to real-world problems.
  • Design, implement, test, and debug programs that employ fundamental programming constructs.
  • Utilize the three basic principles of object-oriented design: encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism.
  • Work as a team member in a problem-solving situation.

Program Learning Outcomes

The assessment of student learning outcomes is not only a key indicator of program effectiveness, it is also one of the standards of excellence identified by the Middle States Commission (Standard 5) and is required through the SUNY assessment initiative.

View Learning Outcomes.

Career information and opportunities

Computer Information Systems, A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Computer Information Systems A.S. teaches you programming, data, networks and the business side of technology. It is built for transfer to a bachelor’s degree in computing.

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What careers does a Computer Information Systems A.S. lead to?

  • Applications programmer
  • Systems analyst
  • Database administrator
  • Network administrator
  • Information systems specialist
  • Information technology specialist

Most of these careers need a bachelor’s degree. Your A.S. is the first two years of that path.

What will I learn to do?

  • Design, write, test and debug programs
  • Use object-oriented programming
  • Work with software, hardware, data and networks
  • Solve real-world problems on a team

You also take accounting, so you understand the business side of the systems you build.

Sources

How much can I earn?

Median yearly pay in the U.S., May 2025
JobMedian per year
Software developers$135,980
Information security analysts$129,180
Computer systems analysts$105,850
Database administrators$104,620
Network and computer systems administrators$99,130
Computer network support specialists (an associate degree is often enough)$76,220

Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. Most of these jobs need a bachelor’s degree.

Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook?

  • Information security analysts: Jobs are expected to grow 21% from 2025 to 2035. That is much faster than average.
  • Software developers: Jobs are expected to grow 10%. That is much faster than average.
  • Computer systems analysts: Jobs are expected to grow 8%. That is much faster than average.
  • Database administrators: Little or no change is expected.
  • Network and computer systems administrators: Jobs are expected to drop 4%.

The average for all jobs is 3%. Computer jobs as a group are expected to grow 6%, twice the average.

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Where do computer professionals work?

  • Software and tech companies
  • Banks and insurance companies
  • Hospitals and health care
  • Manufacturers
  • Government agencies
  • Schools and colleges

Almost every organization depends on computer systems, so IT skills are useful in nearly any industry.

Can I work while I finish my degree?

Possibly. Computer support jobs, like help desk and network support, often need an associate degree, some college or IT certifications. They have about 48,700 openings each year and can be a way to earn experience while you study.

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How do I get there?

  1. Learn programming, computer systems and statistics.
  2. Choose CIS, computer science or networking electives that fit your goals.
  3. Finish your A.S. and transfer to a four-year school.
  4. Earn a bachelor’s degree in computing or information systems.

You can compare your courses with the SUNY Transfer Path for Computer Science (opens in a new window). Your advisor can help you plan your transfer.

Which courses prepare me?

  • CIS 119 Introduction to Computer Systems
  • CPS 120 Computer Science I
  • CPS 130 Computer Science II
  • CIS/CPS 200-level Electives (four courses)
  • MAT 164 Introduction to Statistics
  • ACC 116 Financial Accounting
  • ACC 117 Managerial Accounting

You also complete general education courses that four-year schools expect.

Sources
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