Information Systems Associate Degree

Today’s modern business world could not function properly without online information retrieval, storage and data. Computers, advancing technology and the Internet have made experts in information system technology an imperative part of a business team. These specialists ensure that a company’s intranet and Web site operate properly and without error. Because the Web, computers, software and online technologies are continuously changing and developing, information systems professionals must consistently stay current with online computer trends and methods.

The Associate’s Degree in Information Systems program at Potomac College gives students the educational degree foundation that allows them flexibility in choosing their future careers. The information systems management career curriculum was created to provide students with the ability to interpret and manage the technological information resources of a business or organization. This course of study at Potomac College teaches a basic and thorough comprehension of information system management fundamentals. This allows students to function successfully in a wide variety of corporate environments.

Potomac’s offers courses online and at two convenient locations - Washington, D.C. and Virginia. The program helps students obtain a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the logical and physical information system processes and its components through in-depth courses. These career-oriented classes provide exposure to data and information storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission, communication, presentation and analysis. Students also study the computer’s substantial and ever-changing impact on the corporate world.

Information Systems Associate Degree Information

Program Information

Program Length - Potomac College students can earn an associate's degree in as little as 20 months.

On-Time Graduation Rate - 100% of our students who graduated from this program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, did so within 6 years.

Median Loan Debt - For all students completing this program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, the median cumulative loan debts for each of the following are:

• Federal student loans: N/A
• Private loans: $0
• Institutional finance plans: $0
  
  Note: This preliminary median loan data is pending confirmation from the U.S. Department of Education. It reflects total debt, including costs of living, while the median loan amount prescribed under the Department’s gainful employment regulations excludes such costs of living.

Program Costs - Cost information for Potomac College programs is available at http://www.potomac.edu/financial-aid/tuition. The tuition and fees for the entire program, at current full-time tuition rates, are $31,750. The total estimated cost for books and supplies for the entire program is $2,500.

For information on jobs related to this program, as well as the U.S. Department of Labor Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Codes, please click on the links below to the O*NET website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Information Systems Program Mission

The mission of an Associate of Science degree in Information Systems is to prepare students for entry level positions as assistants to information system personnel. Students gain knowledge of information storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission, communication, presentation and analysis.

Program Learning Goals
Graduates of the Associate of Science in Information Systems are able to:
•    Demonstrate a technical level of proficiency in the application of the technical knowledge associated with course content.
•    Demonstrate written and oral communication skills through the organization of a project or presentation.
•    Apply knowledge of emerging technology, together with new and/or updated software and hardware in the information systems discipline.
•    Integrate business and technology skills in a sector context.
•    Select and implement an appropriate technology for solving a business issue or case.

Program Outline
To receive an Associate of Science degree in Information Systems, students must earn 60 semester credit hours. Unless noted otherwise, all courses carry three semester credits hours. Program requirements are as follows:

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS
General Education Requirements 18 Credits
COMP 125 Computer Fundamentals
ENGL 101 English Composition I
ENGL 102 English Composition II
GNED 112 Student Success Strategies
MATH 106 College Mathematics
MATH 110 College Algebra
Core Courses 42 Credits
Required Management Courses (12 Credits)
BUS 110 Foundations of Business
BUS 202 Critical Thinking and Decision Making
BUS 240 Business Ethics- Legal and Societal
MGMT 210 Introduction to Project Management
Required Computing and Management Courses (30 Credits)
CBSC 225 Security and Loss Prevention
CBSC 230 Computer Forensics
COMP 140 Introduction to Data Communication and Networking
COMP 150 Information Systems Essentials
COMP 215 Security Administration I
COMP 216 Security Administration II
COMP 226 Introduction to Database
COMP 235 Introduction to Programming and Logic
COMP 236 Survey of Operating Systems
COMP 251 Computer Systems Technology
TOTAL CREDITS 60 CREDITS