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Computer Information Systems

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) program prepares students to work in the Information Systems field. Students develop managerial, interpersonal and technical skills that enable them to operate and manage computer-based information systems. Student centered learning activities encourage students to develop interpersonal skills, capitalize on their own strengths, adapt to new environments, work as part of a team, manage time and meet commitments under pressure. Group projects are used to reinforce learning and expose students to an industry-like work environment. Students learn to work in microcomputer, client/ server, internet/intranet and networked computer environments. Students should be aware that during some sections of the program extensive hands-on lab work will be required and a time commitment over and above the regular school day will be necessary.

The Computer Information Systems program is also available through Distance Education.

CANADIAN INFORMATION PROCESSING SOCIETY ACCREDITATION
The Computer Information Systems program curriculum of the Computer Programmer Analyst Profile is accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS)

"Accreditation recognizes that our programs meet published, generally accepted, criteria for sound education in the discipline and provides evidence of the quality of a computer science degree."
Frank Tompa, Professor, Department of Computer Science, University of Waterloo (Ontario)

A standard level of professional knowledge among all IS professionals relies on standard education approaches and curricula. CIPS has developed a rigorous process to examine and accredit university computer science, college information technology and applied degree programs as high-quality IS programs.

Accreditation Benefits

• Promotes and advances all phases of computer and information science education with the aim of promoting public welfare through the development of better educated computer professionals.
• Fosters a cooperative approach to computer and information science education between industry, government, and educators to meet the changing needs of society.
• Provides a credible, independently verifiable method to differentiate accredited programs from non-accredited programs that may not adhere to important industry standards.
• Signifies that a program has a purpose appropriate to higher education and has resources and services sufficient to accomplish its purpose on a continuing basis.
• Provides an opportunity to the educational institution for improvement and self-analysis and shows a commitment to continuous improvement.

Source: http://www.cips.ca/standards/accreditation

Partners

The Computer Information Systems program is extremely proud of its industry partnerships and the extensive advantage they provide to our students. Our relationships with Novell and Cisco allow the program to offer exclusive vendor created course materials by certified instructors. These courses then prepare students to write industry recognized certifications.

The Microsoft Academic Alliance Program partnership provides Microsoft developer languages, and networking and operating system software to students. The software is used in the labs and is available for students’ personal machines.

The CompTIA partnership provides students with a wide variety of tools that can be used to enhance their transition in the workforce. Also through the partnership students can purchase certification test vouchers at a greatly reduced cost.

The Computer Information System program along with our various Industry Partners are proud to deliver authorized curriculum that maps directly to various certifications. Below is a list of the courses and industry certifications students are prepared to write following each individual course completion.

(Note: The table was correct at time of printing. Due to the state of constant change in the computing industry the information presented in the table could also change without notice. It is advisable to check the course material and individual industry sponsor web site before registering for a exam.)

Computer Industry Certification Testing

Holland College is pleased to offer students and the general public the opportunity to write industry certification tests at our Authorized Prometric Testing Centre located on campus. The testing center offers testing for such industry leaders as: Cisco, Microsoft, Novell, CompTIA, Apple and many others. Visit www.prometric.com for details.

The Computer Information Systems program offers students a choice of two profiles (specializations):

1. Computer Programmer/Analyst (CPA) (Available on-line via the internet- click here)
   Credential Issued: Diploma, Computer Programmer/Analyst
2. Network Administrator Specialist (NAS)
   Credential Issued: Diploma, Network Administrator Specialist

Areas of Competency

All students entering the CIS program complete a set of core courses required for all two career profiles. At the completion of the core courses, students will progress into their profile selection. (Follow the links for more detail.)

• Core Courses (1st year, common to all profiles)
• Computer Programmer/Analyst (CPA 2nd year)
• Network Administrator Specialist (NAS 2nd year)

Note: For the CIS program schedule, click here.

On-the-Job Training

On-the-job training is a work term giving students an opportunity to experience real day-to-day operations in their specialty areas, allowing them to implement the skills acquired during the program. There is also valuable interaction and learning with staff of the companies in which students are placed. Students must complete on-the-job training to be eligible for graduation.

Graduate Opportunities

The CIS curriculum is validated by Information Technology professionals employed in Atlantic Canada and incorporates nationally recognized standards. The industry specified and nationally recognized curriculum enables graduates to pursue employment opportunities throughout Canada, the United States and many international locations.

Depending on the profile selected, graduates find employment as:

• Programmers/Analysts
• Internet/Intranet Software Developers
• Network Administrators
• Network Analysts

Graduates of the CIS program have secured employment on Prince Edward Island with various departments of the Provincial Government, Veterans Affairs Canada, Aliant, Summerside Tax Center, DeltaWare and Maritime Electric. Off Island graduates are employed with IS consulting firms such as CGI, EDS, Xwave, DMR, various provincial and federal government organizations and many different private sector companies.

Admission Requirements

• Academic grade 12 or equivalent through a recognized adult education activity
• Applicants with general grade 12 who pass required College aptitude testing will be eligible
• Training or experience in the use of computers such as keyboarding, desktop application software and operating system(s) is strongly recommended
• Resume including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program to which you are applying.

If you have any questions concerning the Computer Information Systems program, contact: computerstudies@hollandc.pe.ca