Online bachelors degree in computer information systems

Academic Excellence and Recognition

Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report

Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community

Named the Best Private Online College by Intelligent.com

What Can You Do With A Degree In Computer & Information Systems?

Computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030 - much faster than the average for all new occupations - as a result of an increased business focus on cloud computing, data collection and storage, and information security. The median annual salary for these occupations is $91,250.*

Graduates of Champlain's online computer information and information systems degree program will be prepared to enter a variety of technical career paths across many fields and industries, including IT support, programming, application development, infrastructure architecture, and more. 

*Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2020; job titles: Payscale, 2020

Top Jobs for Bachelor's in Computer & Information Systems Graduates

• Application Developer
• Business Systems Analyst
• IT Systems Manager
• Network Administrator
• Programmer Analyst
• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Systems Engineer

Program Details

Learn more about Champlain's 100% online computer and information systems bachelor's degree, designed for working professionals.

Champlain's online computer & information systems courses encompass the top skills needed by today's CIS professionals. Graduates of the program are required to complete the following courses.

Professional Courses (54 credits):

Technical Electives (12 credits)

General Education Courses (30 credits)

Science Literacy (3 credits)

Human Thought & Creative Expression (6 credits)

Human Behavior & Social Institutions (3 credits)

General Electives (12 credits required)

Note: Some of the courses in this program are available in 15-week terms only. Please contact your advisor for details.   

Professional Courses (54 Credits):

This course provides students with an understanding of the many different devices and technologies, from historical to emerging, that are required to design and build networks. In a broad survey of concepts and terminology, students will learn about topology, communications, protocols, and security, and to diagram basic networks to specification.

From day one, students in this course are problem solving, first in terms of algorithmic design and then as early as week two via programming in the latest version of Python, using PyCharm. Students begin by writing a program to have a conversation, having strings and numbers as input, and advance, by week seven, to building a working password saver program, capable of looking up, adding (and encrypting), and storing passwords.

Students are presented with the opportunity to expand and showcase their knowledge and abilities in this 15-week course where they are expected to work independently and develop a project related to their major.

Prerequisites

Must complete 90 credits in major before taking this course.

In this course, students must use previously acquired and new, advanced skills in SQL (Structured Query Language) to modify an existing database to the needs of a client. Students write stored procedures and common table expressions, and learn to debug, rollback and use system stored procedures.

In the first of two capstone courses for the Management Information Systems (MIS) degree, students explore the role, types, and planning and development of MIS. Individual and team assignments reinforce learning of key concepts related to strategic initiatives and global trends, supply chain management, and innovative organizations and e-business initiatives.

Prerequisites

NETW-330, CMIT-310

In the second of two capstone courses for the Management Information Systems (MIS) degree, students design, plan, and develop a project that addresses a contemporary computer information system industry challenge and management problem. Students must consider people, processes and technology, including ethics and security, and present their proposals and solutions to the class and instructor.

This course, through guided research and hands-on learning experiences, provides students with an understanding of operating systems, including their core fundamental principles and how they work. Students are introduced to the three most popular operating systems for personal computers (Windows, OSX and Linux), and mobile operating systems, and learn about standard functions such as memory, process/thread, input/output, storage and device management.

Examines the basic principles and methodologies used in the design of both local and wide area networks. Topics include network options, analysis, component and protocol selection, performance considerations and RFP development.

Prerequisites

NETW-250 or NETW-260

This course will introduce foundation subject matter and technologies that are critical to the multidisciplinary landscape of cybersecurity.

Prerequisites

Complete CMIT-130 and CMIT-135.

This course covers the fundamentals of systems analysis while emphasizing the role of communication and other soft skills needed in IT and in business overall to be successful. The topics are useful for anyone who is involved in developing software system requirements and architectures (e.g., users, technical managers, product managers, technical leads, programmers, other software project team members, and clients).

Prerequisites

CMIT-135, CMIT-200, MGMT-260

This course is an introduction to programming using the Java programming language. Topics include programming logic, selection and repetition, array processing, classes, methods, and loops. The course introduces the student to the basic concepts of object oriented programming and exception handling. The focus is on developing high quality, working software that solves real problems.

Learn the basics and more in this course on Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL (Structured Query Language). Students propose a final project in the first module and then work, week-by-week, to design, create, and populate the database. Then, students learn to create queries and stored procedures.

From storyboard to form creation, students walk through the steps to create a basic four to five-page website to specification in this course that introduces HTML5 and CSS. Hands-on assignments reinforce skills development and best practices in design: navigation, column layout, image editing and usage, fonts and tables.

Students who want to build database-driven or interactive web sites benefit from this course which covers PHP and MySQL along with how to build sites that incorporate authentication and security. Each week hands-on assignments are used to reinforce concepts. Students advance from an introduction to PHP and basic syntax, to handling user input and manipulating arrays in web forms to queries.

Prerequisites

WEBD-125, CMIT-200

Websites have three functions - to facilitate, enable and persuade - and are only useful if they can connect people and achieve definite goals. In this course, students learn to understand the concept of usability, and the roles of interaction, users, communication and collaboration as well as how to evaluate usability, and observe and test users.

Prerequisites

WEBD-215 OR SDEV-230

Understanding financial statements and how to interpret them is important to all those working in businesses. In this course students learn the relationship among financial statements; study how to interpret this information and to apply this understanding in real-world contexts; and learn how to use financial information to help make sound management decisions.

Choose One

Project Management is the formal application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project-based activities to meet organizational requirements. Project management is accomplished through the use of processes such as Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Project managers can divide projects into these phases to provide better management control with appropriate links to the ongoing operations of the organization. Collectively, these phases, known as the project life cycle, form the foundation for the practice of project management and are guided by the Body of Knowledge from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Project schedules allow managers, team members, and stakeholders to track progress, set and manage expectations, communicate, control costs, and collaborate. Tasks and deliverables can be monitored and controlled to ensure timely delivery-and if any delays do occur, project managers can easily gauge their impact and make the necessary adjustments. Central to the schedule is a detailed understanding of the project budget, and working to control costs and manage stakeholder expectations.

Prerequisites

Take MGMT-260

Choose One

This hands-on course will cover the fundamentals of current Windows server systems and network administration. Topics will include the basics of installing the operating system, adding and managing users and groups, installing and managing services, Windows security objects and permissions, disaster recovery, and migration from previous versions of the operating system.

Prerequisites

CMIT-130, CMIT-140

A hands-on course covering key components of the Linux operating system. Through hands-on activities students will gain a working knowledge of the Linux operating system. Topics include installation and configuration of Linux, using common commands and graphical interfaces, installing common server applications, User and group account management, as well as performance monitoring and security systems.

Prerequisites

CMIT-130, CMIT-140

General Education Courses (30 Credits)

This course draws on fundamental concepts of contemporary communication research to help students identify and develop strategies to become effective and versatile communicators across media and settings. Students will examine and respond to a range of interpersonal situations through the critical evaluation of the three essential components of all communication: its purpose, audience, and context. Students will leave the course with the ability to reflect on and adapt their strategies to successfully and consistently communicate for a range of purposes across diverse settings.

This course draws on fundamental concepts of contemporary group communication research to help students identify and develop strategies to communicate effectively in small groups and teams for the cooperative purpose of advancing common goals. Students will draw on listening and responding strategies learned in COMM-130 Interpersonal Communication and apply them to communicating as a leader or member of a small group. They will also learn how to recognize and manage the types of conflicts that can arise in small groups. Prerequisite: COMM-130 Interpersonal Communication

Prerequisites

Complete COMM-130

Students will learn to navigate the rapidly changing nature of communication in the digital age, exploring electronically-mediated communication platforms, social networks, and online social media, while applying specific communication theories in order to determine best practices. Through reading, discussion, and assignments, students will work to overcome online communication barriers and gain a critical understanding of which tools are effective in which situations.

Prerequisites

Take COMM-130 Interpersonal Communication

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts needed to communicate effectively in writing for academic study and professional development. Students will be introduced to rhetorical modes and their role in the development of written communication. Students will also learn how to use the four stages of the writing process--prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing--to create written communication that meets its intended purpose for its intended audience. A minimum grade of C is required for this course to meet a general education requirement.

This course builds on students' proficiency in the writing process and rhetorical modes to introduce the use of sources in written communication. Students will practice information literacy as they learn to determine information needs from sources, identify types of information resources, develop effective search strategies, and incorporate sources in written communication, legally and ethically. A minimum grade of C is required for this course to meet a general education requirement.

Prerequisites

Complete ENGL-100 with a minimum grade of C or better

This course will introduce students to major streams of social justice thought, including historical social justice movements, theoretical problems having to do with social equality, personal freedom, marginalization, and stigmatization, and the ways in which civic and professional communities respond to these issues.

Mathematical reasoning, when applied to everyday and professional lives, has two dimensions: logic for deterministic situations and probabilities for non-deterministic situations. This course aims to help students develop these mathematical reasoning skills.

Accurate and appropriate visual data representation is increasingly critical in today's work environments. Students will develop skills in data organization, manipulation and interpretation in a way that supports data-driven decision-making and effective communication of numerical data

Choose One

This course builds on students' proficiency in using evidence from sources to support their own prior knowledge to using evidence from sources to develop persuasive communication for a range of purposes, including solving problems and pursuing opportunities in the workplace, in addition to academic study. Students will learn to articulate effective inquiry questions, recognize errors in logic, interpret the validity of persuasive communication created by others, and develop effective persuasive communication of their own using evidence from sources. The role of accurate citation of sources in persuasive communication will also be addressed. A minimum grade of C is required for this course to meet a general education requirement. Prerequisites: ENGL-100 The Writing Process & ENGL-110 Introduction to Using Evidence from Sources in Writing.

Prerequisites

Complete ENGL-100 and ENGL-110 with a minimum grade of C.

In this course, adult students demonstrate skills and knowledge from work and other life experiences in order to request credit for a specified degree requirement. Students use the conceptual framework of argumentation to make a logical case for credit in an e-portfolio. The portfolio will identify the context for the student's learning in the subject matter, trace its progression over time, and explain how the learning is equivalent to the specified CCO degree requirement. The student will then demonstrate proficiency in each course learning outcome and integrate the learning outcomes in a relevant case study. To achieve a course pass, the completed portfolio must demonstrate course outcome proficiency according to the framework and criteria described above. Portfolios meeting these criteria will be submitted to a faculty subject matter expert for evaluation.

Prerequisites

Full admission into a CCO degree program, ENGL 111, ENGL 112, and approved PLA plan. Students within 12 credits of degree completion are not eligible to take CRIT 200.

Choose One

Specific application of common tools for writing in the working world. Students will be instructed in rhetorical strategies of professional writing including style, report formats, editing, document design, and integration of visual aids. Students will complete a semester-long writing project; oral and written reports associated with the process of problem-solving within the project will be included.

Prerequisites

ENGL-112 or COR-125

This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of technical writing (clear, concise, and targeted)that are common among seven forms of technical communication: email correspondence, editing,employment communication, proposals, long, formal reports,oral communication, and inventions. Through peer reviews and writing workshops, students develop the ability to write and edit text that precisely targets its audience. This course emphasizes deepening and broadening students' writing, speaking, and thinking abilities in a non-lecture-based, hands-on, discussion-centered classroom.

Prerequisites

ENGL-112 or COR-125

Science Literacy Course (3 Credits):

Students will develop the ability to apply scientific methods to understand the natural world, to identify scientific aspects of daily life, and to evaluate the quality of scientific information based on its source and the methods used for its generation.

Choose Two Human Thought & Creative Expression Courses (6 Credits):

With pressure and release, a window opens and closes, recording light on a sensor. The simple action captures the instinct, judgement, and skill of the person behind the lens. This class will begin a study of the art and craft of photography. Students will develop their vision and their understanding of how to achieve it. Solid skills will be learned and many doors will be opened.

A survey of the continuing change experienced in art since the 15th century. Students will examine how an image is achieved as well as the significance of the subject represented. Individual inquiry concerning the nature of art is encouraged.

Students learn to appreciate films through the critical analysis of various elements of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound. The course introduces the conventions of classical Hollywood cinema, considers the work of one major director (auteur), and surveys selected international and independent films. Students view and discuss films each week.

Students in the course will explore the cultural history of the music genre broadly referred to as rock. Students will explore the social, economic and political contexts that are influenced by and that influenced each style in the United States. By listening, watching, reflecting upon, discussing and writing, students will explore how music takes on meaning, personally, and culturally. Topics and themes include the relationships between and among gospel, country, funk, folk, disco, rap and hip hop; the role of business and technology in those relationships, and political or transgressive elements of rock music.

Students will apply communication theory and research to address the particular challenges to communicating effectively in organizations. Students will learn how to identify organizational communication problems, analyze those problems, and generate effective solutions. Students will examine the relationship between organizational structure and specific communicative practices, and how communication practices by organizational members establish, maintain, or change organizational culture. They will also learn how to anticipate communication deficiencies in organizations, and use communication as a means to facilitate organizational development and innovation.

Prerequisites

Complete COMM-130 or COM-100.

Students will learn how to create conditions for successful conflict engagement, a necessary skill for any professional. The course focuses on the foundational capacities to remain calm and connected with oneself and others. In this state students can access helpful ideas and responses and be their best selves regardless of environment. Improving facility for conflict creates stronger relationships and reduces fear. By the end of the course, students will understand that disagreement and difference can become a source of personal and interpersonal growth.

Specific application of common tools for writing in the working world. Students will be instructed in rhetorical strategies of professional writing including style, report formats, editing, document design, and integration of visual aids. Students will complete a semester-long writing project; oral and written reports associated with the process of problem-solving within the project will be included.

Prerequisites

ENGL-112 or COR-125

Students will study important themes in the social history of the United States since the Civil War. This course allows students to expand their critical thinking skills through an examination of primary and secondary sources. Themes might include: the evolving status of women; the immigrant experience; the concept of the American dream; the paradox of freedom vs. slavery; the minority experience; the tensions between social classes. Students will be evaluated primarily on writing assignments.

Students will become familiar with arguments originating from the following schools of ethics: virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism. Students will apply these ethical schools of thought to formulate arguments, practice deliberation and assess the implications of their decisions for various stakeholders in a professional context.

Prerequisites

Must have 75 completed credits or permission of Program Director.

This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of technical writing (clear, concise, and targeted)that are common among seven forms of technical communication: email correspondence, editing,employment communication, proposals, long, formal reports,oral communication, and inventions. Through peer reviews and writing workshops, students develop the ability to write and edit text that precisely targets its audience. This course emphasizes deepening and broadening students' writing, speaking, and thinking abilities in a non-lecture-based, hands-on, discussion-centered classroom.

Prerequisites

ENGL-112 or COR-125

Choose One Human Behavior & Social Interactions Course (3 Credits):

A survey of the science of psychology, including an overview of human behavior in various areas such as physiopsychology, development, learning social psychology, personality and abnormal behavior.

A study of human groups, culture, the self, and human interaction. The course focuses on contemporary American society and the influence of culture on our actions and beliefs, with the goal of fostering critical thinking about our social environment.

Provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamentals of substantive criminal law. Students will learn the essential elements of crimes and the rationale underlying criminal law. The nature of jurisdiction, the criminal act, the criminal state of mind and matters affecting responsibility for criminal conduct are included.

This course focuses on the rules and procedures governing how the American criminal justice system must process individuals suspected, accused, and convicted of law violations.

This course provides students with a broad overview of the history, theory, and fundamentals of criminal investigation. Students are introduced to the basic responsibilities of investigators and protocols for report writing, evidence collection, and preparation of cases for trial. They also learn specific investigative techniques for different types of crimes, such as crimes involving violence and property, terrorism, and hate crimes, and, where appropriate, compare investigative protocols from other legal cultures.

Prerequisites

Take CRIM-120, CRIM-121.

Discusses the nature and method of economics with emphasis on microeconomic theory. Focus is on demand, supply, market equilibrium, elasticity, costs of production and resource pricing. Examines the market structures of pure competition, oligopoly and monopoly.

A general survey course that covers theories and applications of macroeconomics. Business firms, international economics, labor and government are included. Also examines monetary policy, taxes, public finances, economic output and growth, and international trade in the world economy.

Principles of Economics introduces the fundamental concepts of economics - the study of how people manage resources, and how they react to scarcity. This course focuses on both microeconomics (the behavior of consumers and companies) and macroeconomics (large-scale economic factors such as employment and interest rates), so that you'll gain a broad understanding of how a modern market economy functions, how decisions in business settings are informed by economics, and how economics applies to your everyday life.

Graduates of the computer & information systems bachelor's online program will acquire and demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:

• Administer and secure network systems to ensure a stable enterprise information system environment.
• Use scripting languages and web services to transfer data and add interactive components to web pages.
• Identify and analyze user needs, and take them into account in the selection, creation, and evaluation of computer-based systems.
• Analyze the information needs of an organization to design or improve the enterprise level information systems needed to meet organizational objectives.
• Employ project management tools and techniques to complete tasks on time and budget.
• Effectively utilize database and database management systems to organize, store and retrieve data  for use by application software.
• Apply specialized area of IT knowledge to contribute to the development of a multi-functional information system.

Earn a specialized certificate in a concentration of your choice as you pursue your degree, so you can build credentials as you go. Just be sure to discuss your plan with your academic advisor so they can help get you on the right pathway to your goal. 

• C++ Programming
• Software Development
• Web Design
• Web Programming

• CSS
• HTML5
• Java Programming
• Linux Server
• MySQL
• PHP
• PyCharm
• Python
• Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)
• SQL (Structured Query Language)
• VMware
• Windows Server

Students who have earned the CISSP Certification are eligible for transfer credits toward this degree. Please speak to an admission representative or your academic advisor for details. 

Champlain College Online's computer and information systems faculty, led by Cybersecurity Program Chair Kathleen Hyde, MCIS, MBA, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s computer and information systems professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the world of information technology, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.

Alumni of the Champlain College Online bachelor's in computer and information systems program work in corporations, small businesses, government organizations, and nonprofits nationwide,  including:

• Allscripts
• Dealertrack Technologies
• Federal Judiciary
• Global Foundries
• Heritage Automotive Group
• IBM
• ICF Macro
• Keurig Dr. Pepper 
• MetLife
• National Security Agency (NSA)
• Red Hat, Inc. 
• SAIC 
• State of Vermont
• Zutano

Titles our alumni hold include:

• Assistant IT Manager
• Case Management/Electronic Case Files Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Field Services Engineer 
• IT Coordinator
• IT Specialist
• Lead IT Specialist
• Lead Systems Administrator
• Network Engineer
• Network & Information Systems Manager
• Principal Technical Support Engineer
• Staff Equipment Tech Engineer
• System Administrator
• Web Developer

Upcoming Information Session

Meet the Program Director

Chair, Cybersecurity Programs

• Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations (B.S., Certificate)
• Computer Information Systems (B.S.)
• Information Security (M.S., Certificate)
• Management Information Systems (B.S.)
• Web Design & Development (A.S., B.S., Certificates)

About

Kathleen Hyde, MCIS, MBA, is the Chair of Cybersecurity Programs for Champlain College Online. She is responsible for the online cybersecurity and computer forensics and digital investigations undergraduate programs, as well as the M.S. in digital forensic science program.

As program director, Ms. Hyde maintains the cybersecurity and digital forensic programs' competitive and relevant edge, promotes the growth of the nation's cybersecurity workforce, and shares her passion for lifelong learning by teaching several online classes.

For more than 20 years, Ms. Hyde has provided consulting services in cybersecurity, data recovery, business continuity, and digital forensics to government, retail, finance, professional, and residential customers. She has also served as an instructor for Champlain's cybersecurity program and a subject-matter expert for course development for the past three years. Her areas of expertise and interest include insider threat detection, emerging threats and defenses, digital privacy and surveillance, and cybersecurity for educators.

Ms. Hyde holds both an MBA and an M.S. in Computer Information Studies from the University of Phoenix.

Why Champlain

Flexibility

"I chose Champlain because it gave me the flexibility I needed. The accelerated format offers a great way to reach your goals faster, and makes earning your degree or certificate a realistic achievement that truly is obtainable."

Shane Dalziel Bachelor Degree in Computer & Information Systems

Director of Operations, VIP Media Co.

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Learn what you can expect from our online bachelor's in computer & information systems program.

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