Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Systems
National City, USA
DURATION
24 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 39,040
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Introduction
Explore Our Associate of Applied Science Degree In Computer Information Systems
IT professionals with strong technical skills in computer repair, computer networking, infrastructure, cloud management, and cybersecurity are in high demand. A degree alone is no longer enough to break into these competitive roles. This Computer Information Systems AAS program will prepare you to successfully earn up to 8 industry IT certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, and Amazon so that you can demonstrate to future employers that you have the skills needed to be successful in the workplace. In addition, with CIAT’s stackable courses, all Associate’s level courses count towards your completion of a Bachelor’s degree. Start earning your CIS Associate’s Degree online today!
Immersive, Hands-On Learning With At-Home Lab Kits
CIAT’s IT and networking foundational courses combine live, interactive lectures with Build-Your-Own-Computer kits where students learn to build their own computers at home to provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience.
CIS Certifications
Whether you’re just entering the workforce or trying to take your career to the next level, students graduate skilled, certified and ahead of the curve. Earn your AA in Computer Information Systems and earn up to 8 IT industry certifications.
Build your technical skills, get certified, and launch your new career quickly, all while working towards your degree. Our extensive IT curriculum covers 24 industry certifications that prove to employers that their skills go beyond the classroom, and open opportunities for career advancement. With no certification exam fees and unlimited attempts* on most exams, we help remove the roadblocks students typically hit studying on their own.
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Ideal Students
Program Eligibility
- Prior industry experience needed: None – beginners welcome!
- Prior industry certifications recommended: N/A
Admissions
Curriculum
A Learning Path Designed for Career-Minded Students
Take advantage of the flexibility of participating in immersive live online classes, or watching class recordings on your own time – with small class sizes, industry expert instructors, hands-on training, virtual labs and computer kits, and tutoring sessions to support student success.
Don’t put your career on hold. Join hundreds of CIAT students thriving in online IT and coding courses. Take advantage of this unique time to pursue a stable, profitable, and exciting career in tech.
Live classes are scheduled two nights per week, from 6pm to 10:30pm PST Mondays & Tuesdays, or Wednesdays & Thursdays.
Live Online Classes* | Built-In Flexibility |
Small class sizes | Hands-on training through virtual labs |
Extra tutoring | Career Services |
*Live class offering is subject to availability. Most classes at CIAT offer live class sessions. When live class sessions are not available, students will be placed in asynchronous class sessions with live tutoring and instructor office hour sessions.
Curriculum
Technical Courses
- Computer Fundamentals
- Principles of Information Systems
- Computer Hardware Fundamentals
- Computer Operating Systems
- Network Fundamentals (Part 1)
- Network Fundamentals (Part 2)
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Part 1)
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Part 2)
- Windows and Microsoft 365
- Windows Server to Azure Cloud Concepts
- Microsoft Azure Cloud Administration
- Amazon Web Services – Certified Cloud Practitioner
General Education Courses
- English Courses
- Math Courses
- Psychology, Sociology or Economics
- Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
Tips for Success
What does it take to be successful at CIAT? Success doesn’t happen by chance. Making a career change takes hard work, perseverance when times get tough, and consistency in effort.
- Plan to spend 20-30 hours per week towards your coursework.
You get out what you put in. Plan ahead to make sure you are making your education a priority in your personal schedule. - Be an active participant in your education.
Ask questions, engage with your classmates, and stay connected to our CIAT Student Services Team. - Attend the live classes.
Whenever possible, build your personal schedule around the schedule of your live classes (or be diligent about watching the live class recordings). - Ask for help.
Speak up when you feel overwhelmed, or have difficulty with a concept. - Embrace failure.
Take advantage of our unique unlimited certification policy. If you're putting in the work, we are here to support you every step of the way. The only way to fail is to give up.
Program Outcome
What You'll Learn
This Computer Information Systems Associate’s Degree is perfect for those who are looking to land competitive IT positions in IT administration, networking and cybersecurity.
- Develop fundamental IT skills managing computer hardware and operating systems
- Design, implement, configure and troubleshoot wired and wireless networking devices
- Install, configure and deploy Windows 10 installations in a business environment
- Build a foundation in network infrastructure security including cryptography, access control, and network assessments
- Build a solid foundation of cloud management administration skills related to Compute, Storage, Network & Security
- Operate Azure and AWS cloud infrastructures using industry best practices
Career Opportunities
CIS Degree Career Opportunities
Rethink your approach to traditional education. This unique Computer Information Systems degree blends technical training and industry certification preparation, all while earning your degree. Employers in the IT industry demand more than a degree – they demand technical skills confidence and a resume stacked with certifications.
Don’t wait years while working on your degree to enter the workforce, get CIS degree job opportunities within weeks. Our most successful students start their first entry-level IT position in as little as 15 weeks (3 courses + 2 industry certifications) and continue to work toward the completion of their degree while adding valuable real-world learning experiences to their resumes. Explore the wide range of CIS career paths and get started today.
Designed for working professionals, our CIS Associate’s Degree program helps students fast-track their careers towards potential roles such as:
- IT Systems Administrator
- Information Security Specialist
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cloud Systems Administrator
- Network Systems Administrator
CIAT Career Services
When it comes to taking the steps to prepare for your dream job, CIAT will be there to help you every step of the way. Our extensive career services focus on both your professional and personal development to help prepare you for a career in the growing tech industry.
- Career Coaching
- Technology Workshops
- Resume Editor
- Mock Interviews
- LinkedIn Optimization
- Personalized Career Services Support
- Career Fairs
- Volunteer Opportunities
English Language Requirements
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