Computer Information Systems - A.A.S.

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) at SUNY Canton provides you with the essential technical skills, general education, and practical knowledge demanded by the fast-paced field of Information Technology. You'll gain hands-on experience working with computer systems, databases, networks, and web development. Our program is designed to prepare you directly for a wide range of entry-level positions in the computer industry upon graduation. In addition, the A.A.S. degree provides a seamless path into SUNY Canton's Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) program in Information Technology—a four-year degree requiring just two more years of study. The courses are offered on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format, providing flexible options that accommodate each student’s individual circumstances.

Four students view iPads and laptops in a smart classroom.

Students in this Major:

  • Preparation for In-Demand IT Careers: Develop the knowledge, technical skills, and work ethic for diverse roles in the computer industry.
  • Hands-On, Real-World Learning: Get practical experience using well-equipped on-site and remotely accessible campus computers.
  • Flexible Degree Options: Courses are offered on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format, with a variety of electives available for both on-campus and online study.
  • Flexible Financial Aid Options: Designed to accommodate different student needs and circumstances
  • Development of Professional Skills: Our curriculum emphasizes teamwork and effective communication, skills crucial in today's IT environments.
  • Clear Transfer Opportunities: Our program offers a defined pathway to a bachelor's degree, specifically to the B.Tech. in Information Technology at SUNY Canton, requiring two additional years of study.
Placement Rates

Employment statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023-2033 Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Career Opportunities

  • IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Technician
  • System Technician or Junior System Administrator
  • Network Technician or Junior Network Administrator
  • Technical Sales or Customer Support Representative
  • Cybersecurity Technician (by selecting relevant electives in CYBR)
  • Junior Programmer
  • Systems Manager
  • Web Developer
  • Technical Representative

Recent Employers of SUNY Canton Graduates

  • Alcoa, Inc.
  • AmeriCU
  • BOCES (St Lawrence-Lewis County BOCES)
  • Clarkson University
  • Claxton Hepburn Hospital
  • Corning, Inc.
  • Eclipsys
  • Ellucian Software
  • Fused Solutions
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • IBM
  • REDCOM Laboratories
  • SUNY Canton
  • St. Lawrence University
  • Whiteface Lodge
  • Xerox

Transfer Opportunities

This A.A.S. degree provides a clear pathway to several four-year programs, including:

Admission Requirements

  • Refer to the table of high school course prerequisites for admission.
  • Applicants should demonstrate readiness for Intermediate Algebra (MATH 106) and Composition and the Spoken Word (ENGL 101). Incoming freshmen will be assessed for appropriate placement in English and math courses.
  • High school computer coursework is beneficial but not required for admission.
  • Transfer applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  • Meeting all prerequisites is recommended. However, applicants who do not meet them may still be admitted, though additional coursework may be required, potentially extending the program beyond two years.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (Curriculum 0581-01)

The following shows the typical course sequence and program requirements.

Semester I Credits

Prefix Course Name Credits
BSAD 100 Introduction to Business 3
CITA 152 Computer Logic 3
CITA 163 Survey of Information Technology 3
ENGL 101 Composition and the Spoken Word (GER 10) 3
  Mathematics Quantitative Reasoning4 3
  TOTAL CREDITS 15

Semester II Credits

Semester III Credits

Prefix Course Name Credits
ACCT 104 Survey of Accounting6 4
CITA 220 Data Communications and Network Technology 3
CITA 221 Data Communications and Network Technology Lab3 1
ECON 101
ECON 103
Macroeconomics OR
Microeconomics 
3
  Program Electives: SOET, Business School, CYBR, DATA, GAME, and GMMD 3
  Program Electives: SOET, Business School, CYBR, DATA, GAME, and GMMD 3
  TOTAL CREDITS 17

Semester IV Credits

Prefix Course Name Credits
CYBR 250 Information Security 3
  GER - Social Science 3
  Program Electives: SOET, Business School, CYBR, DATA, GAME, and GMMD 3
  Electives Liberal Arts 3
  GER - Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Science
  TOTAL CREDITS 15

 

NOTE:

  1. To be eligible for graduation, all CITA courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher, or must be accepted as transfer credits
  2. A maximum of three (3) CITA credits from courses numbered below CITA 150 can be counted towards graduation.
  3. Online students can substitute CITA 175 and CITA 221 credits with two (2) lower-level program elective credits (CITA/CYBR/DATA).
  4. The minimum required math course is MATH 106. For those planning to continue in the IT program, MATH 121 or higher is recommended.
  5. For those planning to continue in the IT program, BSAD 200 is recommended.
  6. For those planning to continue in the IT program, ACCT 101 is recommended.
  7. Writing intensive course

Computer Information Services
Tatsuhito Koya, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator
315-386-7362
koyat@canton.edu

Fall Enrollment Trends

  FT PT Total
2024 9 0 9
2023 12 2 14
2022 12 3 15
2021 8 4 12
2020 11 1 12


Graduation Rate Trends*

Cohort Entering Cohort Size %
Fall 2021 2 0%
Fall 2020 4 0%
Fall 2019 5 20%
Fall 2018 1 100%
Fall 2017 4 0%


*Graduate rates are based on first-time, full-time, degree-seeking freshmen entering in fall and graduating within 150% of time.

Degrees Conferred

  Total
2023-24 6
2022-23 4
2021-22 2
2020-21 7
2019-20 3