(Also see Computer Applications for Business, Computer Networking and Systems, and Electronics and Computer Technology)
The CIS program offers computer courses for students with various levels of computer proficiency. Course offerings allow students to learn emerging technologies and upgrade technical skills. Students who want to become computer professionals can learn the technical, analytical, and communication skills needed in computer careers, such as entry-level computer programmer, business analyst, computer support specialist, Web site developer, Webmaster, Linux administrator, or database administrator. Courses are geared towards students who plan to continue their education at another institution of higher learning, as well as students who are relatively new to using a computer or who want to improve personal computer skills.
Course offerings include computer literacy; programming logic; programming languages; mobile programming; Web scripting; cascading style sheets; database-driven Web sites; Web authoring software; operating systems; technical writing; information systems management; systems analysis and design; project management; and database management including database concepts, SQL, Oracle database administrator, and database programming. Courses are also offered to create “just-in-time” short training modules to support basic training and updating of skills. Most courses are held in the computer lab where students receive hands-on training. Opportunities for internships are available.
Oakton offers the A.A.S. Degree with emphasis in either Software Development or Computers and Information Systems. In addition, 14 certificate programs are offered. These include: Software Developer; PC Support Specialist; Oracle Database Administrator (DBA); Linux; Internet and Computer Core (IC3); Computer User; Essential Applications of AI; Microsoft Project Management Preparation; Management of Information Systems (MIS); Web Site Support and Maintenance; Web Site Developer; and Advanced Web Site Developer. The Computer Technology certificate gives the student an opportunity to select specific coursework as part of the “build your own” technology certificate. The General Programmer certificate gives the student the opportunity to select classes as part of a “build your own” programming curriculum. Many of these certificates may lead to Oracle, Linux, or Microsoft industry certifications.
Students in Computer Information Systems (CIS) curricula must receive a minimum grade of C in all CIS, CAB, CNS, CSC, ELT, and MGT courses leading to a CIS degree or CIS certificate.
- Computers and Information Systems A.A.S.
- Software Developer A.A.S.
- Software Developer Certificate
- Computer Technology Certificate
- Computer User Certificate
- General Programmer Certificate
- Internet and Computer Core (IC3) Certificate
- Linux Certificate
- Management of Information Systems (MIS) Certificate
- Microsoft Project Management Preparation Certificate
- Oracle Database Administrator (DBA) Certificate
- PC Support Specialist Certificate
- Web Site Developer Certificate
- Web Site Support and Maintenance Certificate
- Advanced Web Site Developer Certificate
- Essential Applications of AI Certificate
Computer Information Systems Courses
Course focuses on introductory computer skills and basic terminology. Content includes starting the computer; desktop configuration; management of files and folders; searching the Internet; send, receive and attach a file to an email; create, format, edit, save, and print documents; create, format, edit, chart, save, and print spreadsheets. Intended for those with little to no experience in operating the hardware and commonly used software applications.
Fee: $10
Course introduces computers and information systems. Content includes fundamental concepts of hardware and software as applied to computers in a business environment; programming, operating systems, the Internet, data communications, systems development life cycle, and information systems; use of typical software packages including word processing, spreadsheeting, database and presentation graphics. Hands-on experience with personal computers in labs. Intended for those seeking a career as a computer professional, an understanding of the role of Information Systems in the business community, or introductory “end user” computer skills.
Fee: $10
Course introduces business application software and fundamental concepts of computer hardware. Hands-on experience in word processing, spreadsheeting, database development, presentation graphics, digital imaging and photo editing, diagramming software, Windows operating system, computer security, and Internet (Web browsers, email, and Web site development) software. Intended for students seeking careers as Information Technology (IT) professionals or for those needing exposure to various software applications.
Fee: $30
This zero-code course introduces fundamental principles, techniques and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students will explore theoretical foundations of AI and gain practical experience working with different AI systems. They will develop skills necessary to create AI applications for solving problems and improving real-world processes, such as intelligent agent design.
Fee: $30
Course focuses on understanding the structure of the Internet, how it works, and issues surrounding its use. Content includes hands-on activities, examination and application of theoretical concepts, as well as use of Internet basics, Web browsers, URLs, Web pages, search engines, navigation tools, transferring files, electronic mail, discussion lists and newsgroup usage, “netiquette,” and ethical, legal, security, and societal issues.
Fee: $5
Course introduces ethical and legal aspects relevant to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. Students will examine the implications of policies surrounding AI technologies and become aware of the ethics, moral principles and accountability standards in the development of AI tools and their uses.
Course introduces programming concepts using hierarchy charts, program flowcharts, pseudocode, and the Visual Basic .NET programming language to solve business-related problems. Content includes fundamentals of structured programming, arithmetic calculations, decision making, looping, data input and output, numeric and string variables, functions and procedures, arrays, file creation, data retrieval, and developing and debugging Visual Basic programs. Object-oriented theory and terminology will be introduced.
Fee: $10
Course presents theoretical and hands-on instruction using the Microsoft Windows operating system environment. Content includes customizing the environment, optimizing performance, managing file systems, optimizing disks, performing file and folder operations, evaluating system performance, exploring the Windows registry, using troubleshooting tools, enhancing the computer’s security, and evaluating installation issues.
Fee: $5
Course teaches theoretical and hands-on instruction using the LINUX operating system environment. Content includes basic LINUX operating system concepts, terminology, file management, general utility commands, command processor (shells), and editors.
Course introduces AI language models. Students will examine patterns and approaches for writing effective prompts for large language models utilized in various industrial sectors. Primary focus will be placed on analysis, design, and evaluation of different prompt systems, including their purpose, benefits, and limitations. Students will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to generate new content, including text, code, artwork, video, and more. By the conclusion of the course, they will be prepared for potential careers as prompt engineers and related occupations in Generative AI.
Fee: $30
Course introduces theoretical and hands-on instruction on the processes needed to create customized and interactive Web pages using HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Content includes commands (tags) to create, format, and link documents; tables, graphics, styles, forms, multimedia (audio, video), navigation bar, introduction to scripting, and other features of a Web page and guidelines for designing effective Web pages and Web sites.
Fee: $5
Course introduces principles of agile project management in software development, from the initial stages to completion. Students will explore the differences between agile and traditional project management methodologies. Course focuses on the Scrum agile framework designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the software development process and ensure the delivery of the highest quality product within budgetary and scheduling constraints.
Course provides theoretical and hands-on instruction on data server technology. Content includes relational databases concepts, SQL syntax, SQL commands to create and maintain database objects and to store, retrieve, display, query, and manipulate data, functions, blocks of application code that can be shared by multiple forms, reports, and data management applications; and commands to execute blocks of code.
Fee: $10
Course provides a foundation in the administrative tasks performed by a database administrator. Topics include Oracle database architecture and how each component functions and interacts. Students will learn how to design, develop, install, maintain, manage, and troubleshoot an Oracle database. Performance monitoring, database security, user management, and backup/recovery techniques will be discussed. This class prepares the student for the Oracle Database Administrator Certified Associate exam.
Fee: $40
Course provides a general introduction to the basic framework of a database-driven web site. Content includes sample databases and a popular, industry standard software tool for creating site definitions; and to plan, develop, and implement a web database application.
Fee: $10
Course introduces Web development tools, including HTML editors and Web site managers as well as graphics manipulation tools. Content includes use of these tools to create interactive Web Sites which integrate style sheets, DHTML components and Javascript.
Fee: $20
Course expands basic development of Web pages to build additional interaction and functionality into them. Content includes style sheets, data-base queries, basic scripting, applets, and Dynamic HTML as incorporated into the Web page code; Web site organization and navigation strategies.
Fee: $10
Course introduces programming using the Visual Basic .NET programming language to solve business-related problems. Content includes program development and design, object-oriented programming, screen design, structured programming techniques, and event-driven programming using objects. Programming assignment concepts include arithmetic calculations, decision making, looping, soft and hard copy display, subroutines and functions, data validation, working with arrays, introductory concepts of file creation and data retrieval and accessing, updating, and querying data in a database.
Fee: $20
Course introduces Active Server Pages (ASP+). Content includes hands-on activities and lectures to increase familiarity with developing advanced Web applications using Active Server Pages (ASP+); advanced Internet architecture, using advanced Web development tools; the Active Server Page model, processing forms, integrating Web applications with data; and other server based applications, configuring Web applications, and using Web services to integrate Web applications.
Fee: $20
Course explores the types of information used in business, the flow of information through an organization, and a framework for examining characteristics of Accounting Information Systems in relation to other information system components. Content includes transaction processing systems, internal management reporting, and the day-to-day operational support. Course also covers Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Fee: $25
Course focuses on how to analyze and manage the fundamentals of a computer information system, with emphasis on design, implementation, control, evaluation, and strategic use. Content includes hands-on experience with business software and Enterprise Resource Systems, emphasizing the managerial and strategic aspects of information technology. Course provides an overview of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and/or development/purchase of an information system. Student completes an in-depth business needs analysis, including software and hardware recommendations, plus procedures, prototypes, and a Request for Proposal.
Fee: $25
Course introduces the systems development life cycle of a computer system. Content includes the investigation, analysis, design, implementation and evaluation phases of a business system, tools (e.g. CASE) and techniques used by the systems analyst.
Fee: $10
Course explores various types of written communications used in the computer environment. Content includes steps, techniques and tools necessary to produce a variety of documents while using the basic skills necessary for clear, succinct writing. Focus is on development of computer documentation such as user manuals, technical reports, standards manuals and feasibility studies.
An introductory course of computer security principles and practices with applications to databases and software systems. An emphasis is placed on securing database authentication and authorization processes; and, securing systems through responsible software development and scripting techniques. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both CIS 206 and CSC 206.
Fee: $20
Course introduces programming using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to automate or customize operations in Word, Excel, and Access. The Visual Basic editor will be used to code, compile, execute, and debug programs. Content includes programming logic and writing VBA code that uses variables, looping, decision-making, functions, procedures, and SQL.
Fee: $20
Course offers instruction in designing and developing a business application using a representative microcomputer database management package. Content includes macros, VBA programming, database security, and complex queries, forms, and reports to complete a database case study that demonstrate analysis, design, and development of a business application.
Fee: $10
Course concentrates on writing programs that use files and databases to enter, store, and display data. Content includes various data controls, grids, and data bound controls used with the access technologies provided by Visual Basic; principles of database usage, use of Structured Query Language (SQL) to provide access to data, Data Access Objects, Remote Data Objects, ODBC, and Active X Data Objects.
Fee: $20
Course continues to develop the knowledge needed to write object-oriented, interactive, business-related applications and applets using the Java programming language. Topics include inheritance, polymorphism, exception handling, graphical user interfaces and event-handling, input/output streams, collections, and generic programming. Students will code, compile, execute and debug Java programs. Fundamental of Java programming will be reviewed.
Fee: $20
Course introduces machine learning models to classify information, perform data analysis and create data predictions. The machine learning models are created using a machine learning platform with an interactive user interface and no code. Students will learn modeling methodology to understand and prepare data, create machine learning models, evaluate results, and deploy models. Topics in ethics for machine learning will be discussed.
Course concentrates on writing complex programs using Visual Basic .NET concepts and commands. Content includes object-oriented concepts and design, configuring Visual Basic, user interfaces, .NET Framework controls, add-ins and utilities, dynamic control and object creation, creating a multiple document interface application (MDI), using the Windows API, Registry and INI files, Web Services, adding an Online Help system to applications, and deployment of applications.
Fee: $20
Course presents technical and people management skills needed to set up and maintain a Web site. Content includes hands-on activities and lectures to increase familiarity with technical and Web development skills required to setup and maintain both Internet and Intranet Web sites. Involves team work in Web site development, to create, plan, implement, test and evaluate Web sites.
Fee: $20
Course introduces Intel microprocessor assembly language instruction set. Content includes assembly, link and executing code to write business-oriented programs and subroutines to include such concepts as screen manipulating, table searching, disk processing, calling assembly language subroutines, communicating with programs written in higher-level languages, debugging techniques and machine language execution.
Fee: $20
Course provides theoretical and hands-on instruction using the LINUX operating system fundamentals and open-source concepts, as well as the essentials of the Linux command line. Credit toward graduation cannot be received in both CIS 218 and CNS 218.
Fee: $10
Course introduces procedural-oriental programming using the C programming language to solve business-related problems. Content includes writing, compiling, executing, and debugging programs, essential elements of the language, syntax, operators, data types, program controls, pointers, arrays, structures, and unions, input/output, and disk processing.
Fee: $20
Course provides students, who already have an understanding of Java programming basics, with knowledge of file and database programming using Java. Students will write Java programs that update random access files and write Java programs that connect to a database (e.g. Microsoft Access). Database concepts and the Structured Query Language (SQL) to provide access to data will be covered.
Fee: $45
Course introduces programming using the C# programming language to solve business-related problems. Content includes program development and design, visual and object-oriented programming, screen design, structured programming techniques, and event-driven programming using objects. Programming assignment concepts include arithmetic calculations, decision making, looping, reports to screen and paper, subroutines and functions, interactive processing, working with arrays, and introductory concepts of file creation and access to data.
Fee: $20
Course is designed to teach students about the Linux operating system through both theoretical and practical instruction. Students will explore the system architecture, installation procedure, command line interface, and file system of Linux. They will learn the fundamental structures and components of Linux, such as the kernel, system libraries, and essential utilities. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both CIS 228 and CNS 228.
Fee: $10
Course examines topics in various Java technologies. Content includes inner classes, multithreading, reflection, collection classes, Swing, TCP/IP networking, Java database connectivity (JDBC), remote method invocation (RMI), CORBA (interactive data language), servlets, and Java server pages (JSP). Students will be able to develop distributed object applications and write Web pages using advanced server side programming through servlets and Java server pages.
Fee: $20
Course combines hands-on activities and lectures to increase familiarity with developing web applications with JavaScript, PHP, XML, or another contemporary web language. Content includes enhancing web pages using interactive features, manipulating built-in objects and validating and processing forms. Course may be taken for credit up to four times on different topics.
Fee: $20
Course introduces principles of Project Management as defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Content includes experiential exercises and team participation to gain experience with computer-based project management procedures, and to increase basic familiarity with state-of-the-art project management software. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both CIS 236 and MGT 236.
Fee: $10
Course teaches students the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to administer small to medium networks in today's computing environments. Throughout this course, students will delve into the shell features, command-line interfaces, shell scripting, protocols, configurations, system logging, networking, security, and troubleshooting. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both CIS 238 and CNS 238.
Fee: $10
Course introduces management of database systems including design, development, implementation, recovery, and security of databases. Content includes database models, entity-relationship (E-R) modeling, normalization, data warehousing; an introduction to SQL; the database life cycle, transaction management, distributed databases, client/server systems; using databases in e-commerce and on the Internet, and the role of the database administrator.
Fee: $10
Course continues to develop the knowledge needed to perform the tasks of a database administrator. Topics include methods to backup, restore, and recover the database given various different scenarios, transporting data between databases and the utilities used, networking concepts and configuration parameters, solving common network problems, and configuring network parameters to allow the database clients to communicate with the database server. This course leads to the Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional certification.
Fee: $40
Course focuses on maximizing the performance of the database from the design to using the database in a production environment. Course focuses observing, defining, and diagnosing the problem, and implementing a solution using various methods, techniques, and diagnostic tools. Students will learn how to observe, monitor, identify, troubleshoot, tweak, and resolve common performance-related problems. This course leads to the Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional certification.
Fee: $10
Course introduces Web database technologies. Content includes hands-on activities and lectures to increase familiarity with methods used to create dynamic Web applications that interact with a data source, such as a relational database. Elective for majors of World Wide Web program.
Fee: $20
Course consists of direct work experience in a computer information systems related environment at an approved business or industrial firm applying knowledge and skills learned to their daily assigned responsibilities. The student will meet with a Computer Information Systems instructor who will evaluate their on-the-job technical skills. Arrangements for the work experience will be worked out in conjunction with the Computer Information Systems coordinator. In addition, the student will discuss work-related situations with the instructor.
Course offers an intensive review of project management concepts and the application of these concepts to various business scenarios in preparation for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both CIS 253 and MGT 253.
Course covers the fundamentals needed to develop iOS applications for the iPad and iPhone mobile platforms. Introduced is Swift (the programming language), Xcode (the development environment), and Cocoa Touch (the framework for building software programs). Content includes program design and development, designing user interfaces including swipe gestures and rotation, visual and object-oriented programming, and event-driven programming using user interface objects and controls. Learn to sell apps in Apple’s App store.
Fee: $20
Course covers the fundamentals needed to develop Android applications for mobile devices. The Java for Android programming language and Eclipse (the development environment) will be used. Topics include designing and developing user interfaces, layouts, development tools, recognize gestures and touches, display text and images, store data, and graphics.
Fee: $20
Course covers the advanced concepts needed to build rich iOS applications for the iPad and iPhone mobile platforms. Students will code, compile, execute, and debug mobile applications using the Swift programming language to develop programs using advanced programming concepts such as Storyboarding, Master-Detail viewability, Push Notification, etc. SQLite databases will be introduced including database design techniques for mobile devices. Deploying apps to the Apple Store will be included.
Fee: $20
Course covers the advanced concepts needed to build rich Android applications for the Android mobile platform. Student will code, compile, execute, and debug mobile applications using the Java for Android programming language and Eclipse to develop programs using advanced programming concepts. Topics include SQLite databases, locations and maps, background processing, User-Interface components and advanced controls, and web content.
Fee: $20
Course provides students with an advanced understanding of software deployment and testing using industry-standard tools and practices. Students will gain hands-on experience with applications such as Jenkins and Kubernetes for deployment and JUnit and Jest for software testing.
Course covers a variety of different topics current with technological advances in Computer Information Systems. Topics will be identified for each section of the course and students may repeat the course three times with different topics. Fee Varies. Prerequisite may vary by topic.