Mar 29, 2024  
2014-2015 Catalog (never published – original transition from digarc) 
    
2014-2015 Catalog (never published – original transition from digarc) [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Computer Sciences and Information Systems: Associate of Science


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61 credits minimum

Computer Sciences and Information Systems Division
Taylorsville Redwood Campus, BB 109, (801) 957-5150
General Information, (801) 957-4073

www.slcc.edu/csis
CSIS Academic Advisor, BB 130A, (801) 957-4286

Program Faculty:
Professors − Jimmy Chen, Gordon Frisbey, Susumu Kasai, Randy Koziatek, Lorna Wells, Bruce Worthen
Associate Professors − Paul Anstall, Robert Baird, Marilyn Hibbert, Philip Nielson
Assistant Professors − Zahra Atashi, Roderick Buhler, Edward Walsh
Instructors − Dan Pope, Margarethe Posch

Program Description:

The Computer Sciences and Information Systems AS Degree prepares students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in a variety of highly technical degree programs such as a BS in Computer Science or Business Information Systems. The CSIS Department offers Certificates of Proficiency (CP) in the following areas:

Business and Personal Computing CP  (18 credits)
Computer Science Fundamentals CP  (16 credits)
Database Information Systems and Technology CP  (16 credits)
Linux System Administration CP  (16 credits)
Mobile Application Development CP  (16 credits)
Network and Cyber Security CP  (16 credits)
Network and System Administration CP  (16 credits)
Network Routing and Switching CP  (16 credits)
Software Development CP  (17 credits)
Software Engineering CP  (16 credits)
Web Programming and Development CP  (16 credits)
Windows System Administration CP  (16 credits)

Gen Ed + Certificate + Certificate = Dipolma

Choose any two (2) of the above Certificates of Proficiency. Completion of the General Education requirements (34 CREDITS) and two (2) Certificates of Proficiency (27 CREDITS MINIMUM) allows a student to be eligible to apply for an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Sciences and Inormation Systems.

The AS Degree is designed as a transfer degree for students who intend to continue their studies towards a Bachelor’s Degree at a 4-year institution. Articulation between different 4-year institutions and the above Certificates of Proficiency vary. The student is strongly encouraged to discuss this with the CSIS Academic Advisor to help choose two Certificates of Proficiency and maximize the number of articulated courses with the institution to which the student intends to transfer. Some Bachelor’s Degrees are offered at Salt Lake Community College through the University Center.

Career Opportunities: Computer and Information Scientist, Computer Programmer, Computer Software Engineer, Computer Support Specialist, Computer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Network and Computer Systems Administrator, Computer Security Specialist, Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst, Software Quality Assurance Engineer and Tester, Network Designer, Web Developer, Web Administrator, Database Architect, Data Warehousing Specialist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Information Technology Project Manager, Game Designer, Document Management Specialist.

Transfer/Articulation Information: The Computer Sciences and Information Systems AS degree is designed to transfer to different programs throughout the state of Utah, including Dixie State College, Southern Utah University, University of Utah, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University and Westminster College. Students transferring into a Computer Science program at a 4-year institution should select the Computer Science Fundamentals (CP) and Software Development (CP) for ease of transfer. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss their areas of study and specific transfer requirements with the CSIS Academic Advisor.

Estimated Time to Completion: Time to completion is four semesters if the student follows the suggested semester schedule.

Specialized Accreditation: The Computer Sciences and Information Systems associate degree programs are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation represents the achievement of meeting the high national standards established for associate degree granting business programs.

Program Student Learning Outcomes Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
  1. From a set of requirements; analyze, design, code, test and document programs to meet requirements.
  2. Create and utilize database tables, forms, reports and queries.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of operating systems and its interaction with programs, data, hardware, and users.
  4. Understand the mapping between software and hardware solutions.
  5. Perform network management tasks.
  6. Efficiently use common business software including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  7. Develop Web applications.
1 - Acquire Substantive Knowledge
  1. Communicate effectively electronically
  2. Communicate effectively verbally.
2 - Communicate Effectively
  1. Use appropriate functions, filters and queries to perform data analyses and make informed decisions.
  2. Perform the necessary numerical calculations and operations to solve problems.
3 - Develop Quantitative Literacy
  1. Extract relevant data from complex information, process it appropriately, and draw reasonable conclusions.
  2. Analyze a set of requirements for software or network solutions.
  3. Design a database that will organize complex data.
4 - Think Critically
  1. Develop the awareness and skills to take leadership roles in the classroom and in group activities.
5 - Develop Knowledge and Skills for Civic Engagement
  1. Work cooperatively with fellow students through group work and course assignments.
  2. Understand and develop the skills to effectively participate in a business organization.
6 - Work with Others in a Professional Manner
  1. Use hardware and software to complete assignments.
  2. Gather and analyze information using databases and other resources.
  3. Understand and securely use computer technology and information in an ethical manner.
7 - Develop Computer and Information Literacy

NOTE: See Specialized Accreditation above. Students are encouraged to choose General Education courses in Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Finance and Credit, Marketing Management, and Paralegal Studies. 

General Education Requirements


Core Skills:


Quantitative Literacy (QL) (3-5 Credits)


  • Any approved QL course

Institutional Requirements:


Lifelong Wellness (LW) 1 Credit


Student Choice (IN or DEPTH)


  • Any approved IN course or
  • Any second course from one of the Distribution Areas

Distribution Areas:


Choose one course (three credit hours) from each of the following distribution areas. One of the courses must also be a Diversity course (DV).

Biological Science (BS)   3-4
Fine Arts (FA)   3-4
Humanities (HU)   3
Interdisciplinary (ID)   3
Social Science (SS)   3
Physical Science (PS)   3

NOTE: It is recommended students take:

ECON 2020  as Social Science (SS)  distribution course for University of Utah
PSY 1010  or SOC 1010  as Social Science (SS)  distribution course for Utah State University 

Required and Elective Courses: (27 Credits Minimum)


Choose any two (2) of the following Certificates of Proficiency:

Business and Personal Computing CP  (18 credits)
Computer Science Fundamentals CP  (16 credits)
Database Information Systems and Technology CP  (16 credits)
Linux System Administration CP  (16 credits)
Mobile Application Development CP  (16 credits)
Network and Cyber Security CP  (16 credits)
Network and System Administration CP  (16 credits)
Network Routing and Switching CP  (16 credits)
Software Development CP  (17 credits)
Software Engineering CP  (16 credits)
Web Programming and Development CP  (16 credits)
Windows System Administration CP  (16 credits)

Students should refer to the specific Certificates of Proficiency for the list of courses, requirements, and scheduling suggestions to complete their degree.

Sample Schedule


Fall Semester


  • Certificate of Proficiency 1 (1st Half) 8
  • General Education 8

Total: 16


Spring Semester


  • Certificate of Proficiency 1 (2nd Half) 8
  • General Education 8

Total: 16


Fall Semester


  • Certificate of Proficiency 2 (1st Half) 6
  • General Education 9

Total: 15


Spring Semester


  • Certificate of Proficiency 2 (2nd Half) 5
  • General Education 9

Total: 14


Advising Notes:


It is the student’s responsibility to examine each course description for the details of recommended and prerequisite classes. Students with significant work experience or background knowledge may wish to contact the CSIS Academic Advisor to determine if they have sufficient prior experience for success in a particular course.

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