General Questions
Computer Technology Questions
Do I have to take the placement tests for the CAS or CIS or CS program?
I want to talk to an advisor about the CAS, CIS or CS programs.
Do you offer internships as part of your certificates or degrees?
What is the difference between Computer Information Systems and Computer Science?
What are the Career Pathway Certificates?
Do you offer IT certifications as part of your program?
Do I have to take the placement tests for the CAS or CIS or CS program?
The following certificates and degrees require that you either take the placement tests or bring transcripts from your prior college or university to an advisor that proves you completed a college level English Composition and a college-level Math class.
- Transfer Degree in Computer Science
- Associate of Applied Science Degrees in CIS, CIS Networking, CAS Administrative Assistant, CAS Office Management or CAS Web Site Development and Design
- One-year CIS Certificate
- One-year Advanced CIS E-Commerce Certificate
- CAS Career Pathway Certificates: Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Office Assistant
The following certificates do not require the placement tests or prior college credits:
- CAS Career Pathway Certificate: Computer Literacy
- CAS Career Pathway Certificate: Web Assistant I
- CAS Career Pathway Certificate: Web Assistant II
- CIS Career Pathway Certificates
I want to talk to an advisor about the CAS, CIS or CS programs.
Sylvania Campus: Michele Maxwell at michele.maxwell@pcc.edu - CAS, CIS and CS advising
Rock Creek Campus: Jessie Levine at jessie.levine@pcc.edu - CAS and CIS advising
Students are also welcome to contact the Computer Technologies Front Desk staff at 503 977-4393 to set up an appointment with a CAS, CIS or CS faculty member.
Do you offer internships as part of your certificates or degrees?
Internships or Co-operative Education are required for some of our CAS and CIS certificates and degrees, and offered as electives in others.
Computer Science Students: Internships can not be applied to a computer science transfer degree. Some of the four-year universities require an internship during their senior year. Please contact your transfer school for more information.
For more information on CAS and CIS internships, visit spot.pcc.edu/comptech or email our Employment Specialist, Gary Coleman.
What is the difference between Computer Information Systems and Computer Science?
Computer Information Systems offers certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees that lead to careers in Information Technology.
Some common job titles are Network Administrator, Database Administrator, Network Security, IT Support, and Programmer-Analyst.
Students take classes in Windows operating systems, UNIX, SQL, Oracle, VB.Net and Java, among others. The Math requirement for the AAS degree is only MTH 95 or higher. Students can graduate with an AAS degree in CIS or transfer to OIT for a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
Computer Science offers a transfer degree leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. We have articulation agreements with OIT, OSU and PSU. We do not offer Associate Degrees in CS because one can not get a job in CS with just a two-year degree.
The most common job titles are Software Developer or Software Engineer.
Students take classes in C++, Data Structures, Calculus, Calculus-based Physics and Discrete Math, among others. The Math requirement is high for this degree - students have to complete three terms of Calculus and two terms of Discrete Math at the lower-division. More math is expected after transfering to a four-year university.
What are the Career Pathway Certificates?
Career Pathway Certificates were developed as short-term, college-level trainings that provide students the skills needed to gain entry-level positions.
Our CAS/OS Career Pathway Certificates fit this description and help students gain computer application and office skills in a relatively short amount time to help them gain entry-level jobs as a receptionist, administrative assistant or clerical support.
Our CIS Career Pathway Certificates are advanced CIS certificates designed for the IT professional who wants to update their skills or expand their skills into a new area. They were not designed for the student with no IT experience or degree.
Do you offer IT certifications as part of your program?
No. However, many of our students choose to take IT certification exams upon completion of our CIS Associate's Degrees.
If you are interested in IT certifications only, please contact our non-credit Computer Education Program for more information on classes that teach towards these industry exams.