This program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the computer information industry or to transfer and pursue a baccalaureate degree in computer information or any related field.

Computer courses give the students a sound background in computer programming; data modeling and database design, computer networks, web design and development, accounting and financial skills.

Upon completion, the Associate in Science Degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Computer Information Systems is awarded.

Career Forecast

• The job market for computer and information systems professionals is strong. Among the areas of opportunity are computer programmers, systems analysts, software developers, information technologists, help desk technicians and consultants.
• With the explosive growth of electronic commerce and the Internet's ability to create new relationships with customers, the role of computer and information systems managers will continue to evolve in the future.
• You can continue with your education. MassBay has a number of transfer agreements with public and private four-year colleges and universities.

Program Requirements:

Program Footnotes:

Program Electives: Computer Systems Configuration, Web Design, Interactive Multimedia, Information Systems Administration & Mgmt, Fundamentals of Cyber Security, Digital Imaging, Project Management, E-Commerce.

Humanities Electives: Art, Communications, Film, French, Humanities, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Photography, Spanish, Oral Communication, Theater Arts

Social Science Electives: Anthropology, Geography, History, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology

This program qualifies for Joint Admissions with certain Massachusetts State Colleges.

Program Courses

CS 110 Introduction to Computer Science
Required first course for computer information systems and computer science majors. This course is a broad introduction to computer science as opposed to a first course in programming. Topics covered include history of computing, logic, generations of computer languages, hardware, artificial intelligence, theory of computation and computers and society.
Pre-requisite: none.
Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 2 hours per week. (4 credits)

CS120 Programming I
This is a first course in programming computers using a high level language. The current language used is Java, an object-oriented programming language. Emphasis will be on using the Java language and existing classes to construct programs with graphical user interfaces. Programs will be modular and well documented. In the laboratory, students will create programs of their own as well as modify and extend working programs.
Pre-requisite: CS110 or instructor permission.
Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 2 hours per week.
(4 credits)

CS 160 Appl Software Strategies
Developing and maintaining a software library. How to select the appropriate software solutions for a particular application. Students research application software, i.e., productivity, education and reference, entertainment, business and specialized software. This includes desktop publishing using graphics and specialized equipment such as scanners and laser printers. Presentations are conducted on research using a presentation graphics program. Other topics include software licensing, piracy, and installation, maintenance, and exchanging data between applications.
Pre-requisite: CS104 or CS100. 
Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 2 hours per week. (4 credits)

CS 200 Programming II
Advanced programming course using Java, an object-oriented programming language. Emphasis will be on using the JAVA language and existing classes to construct graphical programs, and event-driven programs with graphical user interfaces. Use of program constructs for selection and looping will be taught. In the laboratory, students will create programs of their own as well as modify and extend working programs.
Pre-requisite: CS120.
Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 2 hours per week. (4 credits)

CS 205 Introduction to Computation
Concrete approach to the mathematical and logical concepts of the algorithms underlying computer programming.  Introduction to the discrete math needed in computer science. Includes the use of Boolean algebra, logic, gates, and digital logic structures, counting, finite probability, and recursion in the design and analysis of algorithms.
Pre-requisite: eligibility to take a 100 level college math.
Lecture: 4 hours per week (4 credits)

CS 213 Database Management Systems I
Characteristics of database management systems, including design and implementation techniques. Students will study various database models and focus on issues related to the fundamental concepts of the relational model.Topics include data analysis, data modeling, database management systems, the normalization process, security and integrity issues; and data manipulation using the SQL query language.
Pre-requisites: CS110, CS120.
Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 2 hours per week. (4 credits)

CS 235 Information Systems Analysis and Design
Study of the methods used by systems analysts in planning and operating a computer system. Techniques used for evaluating computer needs, project planning, information policies and practices, and upgrading systems will be covered.
Pre-requisite: CS110 or CS 104.
Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 2 hours per week. (4 credits)

CS 241 Web Site Development
This course presents the basics for Web development and an introduction to Internet Networking. It provides students with the knowledge to develop dynamic Web pages using HTML and JavaScript.  Students learn about selecting and configuring a Web server.  They will write and debug client-side JavaScript, adding interactive and dynamic user interfaces to data-driven Web sites.  Students are exposed to professional tools used to enhance and accelerate the development of web sites.
Pre-requisite: CS 120.
Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 2 hours per week.

CS 242 Computer Networks
How computer networks and the Internet work. This course presents a description of the various levels of networking, from the lowest levels of data transmission and wiring to the highest levels of application software. Topics covered include data transmission, how the hardware works; packet switching, network topologies and wiring schemes; internetworking, internet architecture, TCP/IP; and various network applications.
Pre-requisite: CS110. Co-requisite: CS120.
Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 2 hours per week. (4 credits)