Associate Degree Information Systems

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 school locations, in both Washington, D.C. and Virginia, help current 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 Degree 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 technology personnel. Students gain knowledge of information storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission, communication, presentation and analysis.

Information Systems 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 knowledgeassociated 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 technology 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 listed on the following page.

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.

Information Systems Degree Career Information

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.

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

Required Management Courses (12 Credits)

• BUS 110 Foundations of Business
• BUS 202 Critical Thinking and Decision Making
• BUS 230 Business Ethics and the Legal Environment
• MGMT 210 Introduction to Project Management

Required Computing and Management Courses (24 Credits)

• COMP 140 Introduction to Data Communication and Networking
• COMP 150 Information Systems EssentialsCBSC 225 Security and Data Loss Prevention
• CBSC 230 Computer Forensics
• COMP 226 Introduction to Database
• COMP 235 Introduction to Programming and Logic
• COMP 236 Survey of Operating Systems
• COMP 251 Computer Systems Technology

Electives (6 Credits)

• COMP 200 Introduction to Spreadsheets
• COMP 210 Business Presentation Graphics

TOTAL CREDITS – 60 CREDITS