COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS ADVISEMENT LETTER

This letter brings ups a few things that students should consider in making their course selections. Unfortunately, we could not fit in all of the courses that we would like you to take and still keep a sane two-year schedule - believe me, we tried! However, on an individual basis, we are going to encourage you to take the "good for you" route, so here goes!

Be sure to check the new catalog because many changes were implemented in the new catalog and may effect your choices. Students who were admitted under the old catalog should discuss any changes they want to incorporate into their program with their advisor so they can understand their options.


The new catalog will include a series of changes, only some of which are mentioned here:

We are moving toward putting more CIS courses out on the Web. This spring, we are planning to offer CIS12, CIS52, CIS44) so that students can take it as an in class course or take it over the Web. I t will be the same offering of the course, so students can select the way they want to take it! Even if you decide to take it as a Web based course, you are invited to sit in on the lectures at any time if you feel they would be helpful!

We have a new certificate program to gain A+ Certification. The courses that lead to certification are : CIS53, CIS24 and ETK69. The Engineering Department has a lot of new computers that they will use to teach the hardware installation and repair components of the program. The computers we are using were older and Mr. Sanford felt that more time and better equipment would be beneficial, so we teamed up with Engineering to provide this new opportunity. A+ Certification is a recognized industry standard for becoming a certified computer service technician. Go out on the Web and read all about it!

For networking students, we are now teaching 4.x. For continuing students that are out of sequence in this option, be sure to discuss your options with your advisor. CIS33 has officially moved to the fall. This means that both electives are listed in the last semester (spring). If you want to take a fall course instead of a spring course, you should move things in your individual schedule starting in the third semester to allow for this. Talk it over with your advisor!

Again, we push you towards Web classes. The CIS44 course which is now entitled Internet User/Developer will cover using the Internet as a tool and developing and maintaining Web pages. The student will learn to effectively develop using HTML and other tools. The follow-up course is Java in the spring. One look at the Web should convince you of the value of these courses. Everyone is establishing sites and people who can effectively use the Web, download information to process, design, develop, implement and maintain Web pages clearly have an edge in today's job market. This is a requirement in the Multimedia and Internet option and a possible elective in the Networking option. In addition, both Internet courses are part of the Internet Certificate program, so tell your friends!

Mr. Vieira is doing great things with the Multimedia and Internet courses as reflected in the curriculum changes he has made and the student work that has been displayed. This is an exciting option that utilizes the computer as a creative tool to develop company literature, presentations and Web pages. Everything that I have read indicates this is a field that is taking off and the skills being taught are highly valued in today's job market! If this interests you, the beginning course, Business Creativity (CIS13) is being offered this spring!

I feel very strongly that all students should take advantage of the college's Novell certification and take CIS31, which is our introductory Novell course. Students that have completed this course are eligible to take the Novell certification exam for network administration and become a Novell Certified Network Administrator. This course is not a requirement for students in the programming option, but I strongly recommend that they take it as an extra during their fourth semester, even if it means having to take a summer course. This is my plug for considering taking one or two of your General Education requirements over the summer to free up room for one or more of the extras! CIS31 and the title of Novell Certified Network Administrator would be a very nice addition to the resume of any student that is entering the job market. And now for the complication, we will also be offering an introductory course in Windows NT during the spring semester! Please remember, to take either of the networking courses, you should have taken or be co-enrolled in Operating Systems and Hardware (CIS53).

As you plan your schedule, you should keep the possibility of transferring in mind. There is a "glass ceiling" in the business world and a four-year degree is the key to advancement. I personally feel that students at BCC who are taking the career options are getting the best of both worlds. You get a solid career preparation and learn practical and marketable skills - something that frequently doesn't happen at the four-year schools. This allows you the very real option of completing your four-year degree immediately after BCC or in a continuing education program while you work. In a four-year Computer Information Systems program, you pick up the more advanced theory courses to round out and complete your education.

The CIS Programming Option is very transferable, however if you are going to be here for more than two years and have extra room in your schedule, you should look at the bachelor's degree requirements at some of the colleges you think you might transfer to and fill in some of the requirements that will make the transfer as smooth as possible. The CIS Networking Option is less transferable simple because so many of the technical courses are very specialized and equivalent courses do not exist at the four-year college. However, a good many of the courses do transfer and even some of the specialized courses can be used as electives. Likewise, the Microcomputers in Business Option is not as transferable because there is a focus on applications courses rather than programming or theory. The Transfer Option is designed to transfer well, its disadvantage is that it does not take advantage of the many computer career oriented courses that the CIS Department specializes in and does not offer the practical courses that can translate into careers immediately after BCC. The transfer student is faced with the dilemma of using the electives to take courses required at the four year institution or using them to take computer courses at BCC. I feel that if possible, students should take advantage of the wealth of CIS courses offered at BCC and gain marketable computer skills.

Remember you are in a Computer Information Systems program and therefore many of your courses will transfer to colleges that offer Computer Information Systems, Business Information Systems or Management Information Systems majors. However, the program at BCC was not designed to transfer to a Computer Science program. You should also note that only those students in the Transfer Option are eligible to participate in the Joint Admissions Program between Bristol Community College and the campuses of the University of Massachusetts. If you need more information about the Joint Admissions Program you can talk to the Transfer Office at G-208.

A final group of reminders or "nags"!


I think that covers it! We look forward to seeing you during advisement!

Back to the Top
Return to Previous Page
Return to Home Page