Computer Information Systems (CIS) classes require college level readiness in reading and writing skills (testing into WR 121 or completing RD 115 and WR 115 with grades of C or better) and the completion of MTH 60 (intro to algebra I) or testing into MTH 65 (intro to algebra II) or higher.
Computer Information Systems is PCC's IT (Information Technology) program. Our Associate of Applied Science Degrees in CIS prepare students for entry-level IT jobs such as:
IT Tech Support
Computer Support Specialist
Network or Systems Administration
Junior Risk Analyst
Database Developer
Junior Programmer
Software Tester
Junior Web Developer
CIS or IT is a vocational or technical major. Students graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Network Administration or Web Development and Design.
Vocational or technical majors are not offered at most four year universities. This is why Associate of Applied Science Degrees are called non-transferable degrees. For example, PSU, OSU, UO, Reed College and University of Portland do NOT offer bachelor degrees in CIS or IT.
To learn of currently available transfer options for AAS degree graduates, please visit the CIS page.
Software Developer
Software Engineer
Penetration Tester
Cyber security engineer
Video Game Developer
These careers require a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Portland Community College does not offer Associate Degrees in Computer Science. Students pursuing this major will be completing an Oregon University transfer degree
Students take classes in Calculus, Calculus-based Physics, C++, Data Structures, and Discrete Math, among others. More math is expected after transferring to your Oregon University.
No. The CIS progrm is "open-entry," which means you can start the beginning CIS classes any term as long you have met the necessary reading, writing and math prerequisites.
No. However, many of our CIS students choose to take industry certification exams upon completion of our CIS Associate of Applied Degrees.
If you are only interested industry certifications, please contact the company that offers the one you're interested in (Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, etc.) and search on their site for a local training and/or testing site.
4 credits or 120 hours of an Internship or Cooperative Education can be used as a CIS elective for the one year certificate in computer informatoin systems, the AAS Degree in CIS, the AAS Degree in Cybersecurity, the AAS Degree in Network Administration and the AAS Degree in Web Development and Design.
Yes. Many students simply take one or more of our classes to keep their technical skills current.
You will still need to meet the prerequisites to take a class with us. For example, if you wish to take CIS 240L (Linux Installation and Configuration), you will need show readiness to take WR 121 and MTH 65 or higher via placement tests or college transcripts and provide an explanation of your knowlege of CS 140U (intro to UNIX), which is the prereq to CIS 240L.
I would also encourage you to look into our non-credit online computer education classes. These are geared towards the professional and are generally less expensive than our for-credit courses.