2025-2026 Catalog

Computer Information Systems Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree

Program Goals

  1. Provide students the opportunity to acquire the adequate knowledge required at the organization level to work in the field of information technology.
  2. Provide students with the current and latest technological knowledge related to hardware and software, as per the industry standards.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

PLO 1. Demonstrate knowledge related to hardware and software in the constantly evolving computer science field. 
PLO 2.  Demonstrate basic understanding of programming languages to successfully create software related to requirement in the industry. 
PLO 3.  Demonstrate adequate knowledge to perform troubleshooting and resolve issues arising in any networking environment related to computers. 
PLO 4.  Demonstrate skills required to handle client issues in the process of software development. 
PLO 5.  Demonstrate knowledge, as per the industry standard, for creating and updating web-based applications and sites. 
PLO 6.  Demonstrate knowledge in the field of network security to preserve and save critical information at industry level. 

Transfer Options

  • Arkansas State University-Jonesboro
    • BAS Organizational Supervision
  • Columbia Southern University
    • BS Information Technology
  • Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
    • Bachelor of Technology Applied Technical Leadership
  • Reach University
    • BA Liberal Studies (Concentration in Education Science)

Program Description

With the importance of computers in the workplace and the emphasis on more sophisticated technologies, qualified computer technology people are in high demand.  This degree program will help students develop the skills needed to obtain a job in computer technology.  Students will learn how to install, configure, and maintain personal computer workstations. The degree will give students a foundation for pursuing CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft MCSA, and Arcitura Cloud Certified Professional (CCP) certifications that can offer students the greatest employment potential.  Graduates should be prepared for entry-level employment in a variety of IT positions.

 

 In the final semester of this degree plan, students will be required to complete a capstone course for the purpose of preparing to take and three of the five industry recognized certification exams. 

General Information

  • Developmental coursework may be required in addition to the courses required for this degree and/or certificate(s).
  • A [P] indicates that a prerequisite is required before the course can be taken. Refer to the prerequisites table listed below the degree plan or the course description in the College Catalog to determine the prerequisite.

General Requirements

  • This degree requires successful completion of 60 credit hours.
  • All degree-seeking students are required to take Rocket Awareness Orientation.
  • A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average is required for graduation.

Residency Requirement

The student is required to complete a minimum of 15 semester hours in residence at SAU Tech for associate degrees and technical certificates and half of the credit hours required for certificates of proficiency as well as complete all other graduation requirements.  Students who wish to pursue additional degrees must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of difference between the degrees.

ACTS Course Numbers

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements.

Degree Plan

Semester I (16 hours)

CPSC 1343A+ Essentials

3

CPSC 1004Programming I

4

MATH 1023College Algebra

3

CPSC 1003Introduction to Computers

3

GSTD 1043Rocket Awareness Orientation

3

 

Semester II (13 hours)

ENGL 1113Composition I

3

CPSC 1353A+ Practical Applications

3

CPSC 1014Programming II

4

CPSC 1013Supporting Network Clients

3

 

Semester III (15 hours)

ENGL 2023Technical Writing

3

CPSC 2113Supporting Network Servers

3

CPSC 2433Network+

3

Choose six (6) hours from the courses below:

CYSC 2033Introduction to Cyber Defense

3

CPSC 2283Cloud Computing

3

CPSC 2313Linux/Unix Operating System

3

Semester IV (16 hours)

CPSC 2024Web Development

4

CPSC 2803CIST Capstone

3

 

Choose six (6) hours from the courses below:

CE 2403Internship I

3

CPSC 2003Virtualization

3

CYSC 2453Ethical Hacking

3

Choose three (3) hours from the courses below:

ECON 2203Principles of Macroeconomics

3

ECON 2103Principles of Microeconomics

3

Courses and related certification exams for CS 2803 CIST Capstone.

Course Number & Title Certification Exam

CS 1343 A+ Essentials

CS 1353 A+ Practical Applications

CompTIA 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-11-2 (Core 2)
NT 2433 Network + CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
NT 1013 Support Network Clients MS 365: Modern Desktop Administration Associate (MD 100 and MD 101)
NT 1113 Support Network Servers MS AZ 800 and AZ 801 (to be implemented by TestOut in the near future)
CS 2033 Introduction to Cyber Defense CompTIA CySA+

 

Total Credit Hours: 60