Computer Information Systems

This outline covers all four semesters of your at-home degree program. You will receive credit for previous college coursework if you meet Penn Foster standards. If you wish to receive credit for previous coursework, contact the college you attended and ask that your transcripts be forwarded to Penn Foster for evaluation. There is a non-refundable transcript processing fee of $30. All previous college work must have been completed with a grade of "C" or better, and as much as 50% of the required credits may be transferred. We will also credit your tuition for all the courses that are acceptable.

System Requirements
You will need access to a computer to complete this program. Penn Foster recommends the following as minimum specifications: Pentium® III or better processor, 128MB RAM, 20GB hard drive, a CDRW/DVD drive, and Microsoft® Office® 2007. You will also need Internet access and an email account.

Online Library and Librarian
Students at Penn Foster College have access to an online library during their college studies. Students can use the library to do the required course research or for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via e-mail and will assist students in research activities.

SEMESTER ONE

Basic Skills Assessment All degree applicants are required to complete two Basic Skills Assessments, one in reading and one in math, to determine the level of readiness for beginning their selected program. Additional studies may be required. CSC100 - Internet Technology Orientation (1 credit) Overview of Internet technology course; role of technology in society; strategies for completing the Internet Technology program as an independent learner. Introduction to distance learning; study skills and techniques; reading textbooks and study guides; reviewing for examinations; impact of technology on individuals, business, the workplace, education, and society; the global economy; careers in technology. CSC101 - Computer Applications (3 credits) Hardware and software; computer networks; information systems; personal computer systems; legal and ethical dilemmas. Textbook included. ENG100 - English Composition (3 credits) Addresses writing difficulties; grammar review (sentences, parts of speech, punctuation marks, and paragraphs); defining unfamiliar terms; finding ideas through freewriting and brainstorming; organizing ideas; principles of revising and editing; figures of speech; writing for senses; getting the readers' attention; descriptive writing; first-person narratives; reflective and persuasive essays; thesis statements. Textbooks, Study Guide, and Learning Aid included. CSC105 - Introduction to Programming (3 credits) Examines the basic logic common to all programming languages; shows students how to create their own programs not based on any particular programming language; concentrates on the basic guidelines and best practices for developing good programming skills. Textbook and Study Guide included. ENG101 - Information Literacy (1 credit) Teaches students to become effective in finding and utilizing information at libraries and other information centers and through electronic resources available in libraries and on the Web. Study Guide included. Graded Project. College Algebra (3 Credits) INT114 - Internet Marketing and E-Commerce (3 credits) Provides a concise introduction to electronic commerce with balanced coverage of both technology and business topics; contains a comprehensive online companion that links the concepts in the book to real online examples; security, implementation, ethics, and legal issues in electronic commerce; case studies of real businesses. Textbook included. Proctored Examination*

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SEMESTER TWO

Social Science Elective (3 credits)

CSC221 - Advanced PC Applications (3 credits)
Database applications; integrating word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications.

Science Elective (3 credits)

INT120 - HTML Coding (3 credits)
Teaches how to create web pages with hypertext links, tables, frames, and forms; covers cascading style sheets, programming with JavaScript, working with content and layout, controlling mouse and keyboard events, and creating new frames and windows.

INT125 - Internet Server Environment (3 credits)
Explores the fascinating world of Internet server environments, while teaching industry terminology, domain name registration techniques, and characteristics of Web-hosting services. Examines Unix servers, Windows 2000® servers, and tools that are used to remotely connect to these servers. Covers the many features and elements involved when working with the Internet server environment.

Proctored Examination*

SEMESTER THREE

Humanities Elective (3 credits)

Pre-Calculus (3 credits)

INT128 - Network Protocols and Internetworking (3 credits)
Covers topics related to how computers communicate with each other, how computers are grouped together to form networks, networking concepts and issues that are key to the successful implementation of computer networks, and the different networking implementation strategies and technologies currently available.

CSC218 - Visual Basic® .NET (3 credits)
Introduction to Visual Basic® and managing controls; dialog boxes and controls; nature of Visual Basic® programs; Visual Basic® forms, files, and output; graphics, multimedia, and form templates; ActiveX and ADO controls; Internet access, Help files, and distributing programs; multidimensional arrays and the Windows® API.

INT225 - Introduction to Database Technology (3 credits)
Offers an overview of essential database concepts, with a focus on the relational model of database management; covers Structured Query Language (SQL), design methodology, functions of a database management system, and database administration; includes advanced topics such as object-oriented (OO) databases, data warehouses, and client server systems.

Proctored Examination*

SEMESTER FOUR

INT215 - Programming in Java™ (3 credits)
Introduces object-oriented techniques early; features short code examples built from the bottom up; offers more thorough coverage of the basics, explanations and examples using the StringBuffer class; devotes an entire chapter to Swing; designed to teach Java™ to those studying programming for the first time, but is also appropriate for those building on experiences in another programming language.

CIS235 - Structured Systems Analysis (3 credits)
The system development cycle; information gathering and reporting activities on the analysis phase; interaction of various participants in the systems process.

CIS240 - Systems Design (3 credits)
Role of the systems analyst in developing business applications; hierarchy charts; IPO; decision tables; structured English.

Core Elective (3 credits)

Core Elective (3 credits)

Proctored Examination*

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

* As a Degree candidate, you will take a proctored examination at the end of each semester. We make it easy because you pick the location and the person you want to supervise the examination, as long as they meet the established policy and qualifications of Penn Foster College. Complete information packets with procedures will be provided well in advance, before completion of final semester coursework.

NOTE: Advanced standing student shipments may vary from the above schedule.

A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this degree program. Although this outline covers all four semesters of the Computer Information Systems Degree Program, you receive lesson materials for each semester as you enroll.

Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Microsoft Office and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Visual Basic.NET is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.