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Computer Information Science (CIS) Certificate Program

A Certificate Program in Computer and Information Science is available to students registered via DGCE. The dramatically increasing pervasiveness of computers in society makes a Computer and Information Science certificate an attractive adjunct for students in numerous disciplines. It requires that a student complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of CAIS-labeled course work. The certificate has three “tracks”, two with designated courses and one that allows for the creation of an individualized program of study. A student wishing to receive a Computer and Information Science certificate must formally declare such intent no later than the completion of 12 credit hours of CAIS-labeled course work that will be applied toward the program of study so that a DCIS advisor may be assigned to the student and the remainder of the program may be planned and approved in conjunction with the advisor.

Track 1 – Scientific/Technical (20-21 credits)

  • CAIS 0102 – Computer Science Principles (3)
  • CAIS 0120 – Computer Science/Program Design I (4)
  • CAIS 0220 – Computer Science/Program Design II (4)
  • CAIS 0310 – Database Management (3)
  • CAIS 03xx – CAIS 0300-level Elective (3)

One of the following:

  • CAIS 0230 – Data Structures/Algorithm Analysis (4)
  • CAIS 0240 – Software Engineering (3)
  • CAIS 0265 – Introduction to Digital Electronics & Microprocessors (4)

Track 2 – Business (19-21 credits)

  • CAIS 0125 – Introduction to Computer Information Systems (3)
  • CAIS 0210 – Database Application Development Techniques (3)
  • CAIS 0302 – Computer Science Seminar (1)
  • CAIS 0310 – Database Management (3)
  • CAIS 0346 – Systems Analysis and Design (3)
  • CAIS 02xx/03xx – CAIS 0200/0300-level Elective (3-4)

One of the following:

  • CAIS 0117 – Introduction to Computer Programming/BASIC (3)
  • CAIS 0120 – Computer Science/Program Design (4)
  • CAIS 0205 – Introduction to COBOL (3)


Track 3 – Individualized (18 credits)
This track requires that a student complete a minimum of 18 credits of CAIS-labeled courses with at least six credits being at the 300-level. This track is individualized in that courses constituting the program of study are determined by the student and DCIS advisor. Any CAIS-labeled courses may be applicable to the program of study; however, the program of study must have been planned with and approved by a DCIS advisor prior to entry into the fourth CAIS-labeled course that is to be applied to the program.

Coursework from other colleges may be transferred into the certificate program; however, a minimum of 12 credits of coursework that will be applied to the program must be satisfied by courses taken at Westfield State University.