If you are not a Computer Information Systems (CIS) major or a Computer Science (CS), then we recommend COSC 1300 - Computer Literacy. This course is 50% "literacy" and 50% hands-on (using Microsoft Office 2007). It is our primary transfer computer course.

If you are a CS major, then we recommend COSC 1301 - Microcomputer Applications. However, it is always wise to first check with the institution you intend to transfer to for guidance.

If you are a CIS major, then we recommend ITSC1301 - Introduction to Computers. This applies whether you intend to transfer or remain at PAC. For those beginning CIS majors who wish to take more than one CIS course, we recommend adding ITSC1309 - Integrated Software Applications I. ITSC1301 concentrates on theory; ITSC1309 is an entirely "hands-on" course.

If you are just interested in acquiring PC skills, then we recommend ITSC1309 - Integrated Software Applications I. This course is entirely a "hands-on" course using Microsoft Office 2007.

CIS students who are not sure what course to take next should contact the CIS department.
 

 Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Computer Science (CS) are two different majors. CIS is more related to business, and CS is more related to engineering. CIS majors study the computerized systems by which businesses store, process and retrieve data. For the most part, this means financial and accounting related systems as well as reporting systems for managers. CIS courses study how these systems are created and changed over time, and how they work. This includes business programming and business programming languages, such as COBOL. CS majors study how the computer itself is engineered "from the inside out." Scientific and engineering programming may also be included, and related programming languages such as FORTRAN, Pascal, or "C".

The "starter" courses in CIS are similar to CS, but after that, the course work is different for the two majors. Incidentally, a degree in CS usually requires quite a bit more math than CIS.

CIS majors usually try to get jobs as entry-level programmers, or as "user support specialists" who help the PC users in the company. After acquiring experience on the job, they may try to become Systems Analysts or IS Managers. CS majors usually try to get jobs with a scientific, engineering, or defense contracting firm (NASA, etc.), or directly with a computer manufacturing company (Texas Instruments, etc.).

CS is appropriate for certain students; however the majority of our students choose CIS. Students interested in CS should follow the available 2+2 plans in Computer Science, or visit any Computer Informations Systems and Computer Science department advisor for more information.

 A capstone course is a class marked with an asterisk on degree plans. It is designed to be taken during a student's final semester. It would be the class that has the most prerequisites and is usually the focus of the degree.

 Yes, there is an administrative class, POFI 1301 - Computer Applications I.

 Network Administrators design, install, secure, test and support an organization’s network, ensuring network availability to users. They are responsible for Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), network segments, and Internet and intranet systems. Network Administrators work in a variety of environments, including large corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, schools, healthcare and government organizations. Other related job titles are Network Installer and Network Engineer.