What are the differences between the two CIS degrees?
The A.A.S. Computer Programmer (62 credits)  is specifically designed for the student who wants to become a computer programmer, as well as for students who are planning on transferring to a 4-year institution.  Computer programmers write instructions in one of many programming languages to tell the computer exactly what to do.

The A.A.S. Computers and Information Systems (62 credits) is designed to give a student a broad base of computer knowledge in the various computer areas of programming, networking, operating systems, web, software applications, technical writing and computer hardware. The student can emphasize one specific area with electives.

What are the differences between the CIS certificates?
Computer Programmer Certificate (35 credits) -- This certificate focuses on developing the student's knowledge of computer programming.  The student gains an understanding of several programming languages.

Visual Basic Programmer Certificate (38 credits) -- This certificate focuses on developing the student's knowledge of computer programming in the visual basic programming language.

Computer User Certificate (18 credits) -- Personal computers are used as tools in a variety of business and home settings.  This certificate is designed to prepare students to learn a variety of application programs and manage their computer systems.

PC Support Specialist Certificate (34 credits) -- This certificate is designed for students who want to be involved in the technical support of a computer system. Employment may include positions on a help desk, as a software trainer, or as a technician who evaluates and upgrades hardware and software.

Computer Technology Certificate (18 credits) - This certificate enables students to determine which courses they need to meet their personal computer knowledge and computer skills goals. Students will understand the basic concepts and terminology related to computer technology and apply computer theoretical concepts to solve business problems.

Internet and Computer Core (IC 3 ) Certificate (14 credits) --  This certificate is designed to develop an individual's basic computer skills and Internet knowledge to promote success in using a computer in day-to-day living (school, work, personal).  Students will be able to apply the computer concepts and skills learned to solve business problems.  Students will be prepared to take the IC 3 industrial certification exam.

Oracle Database Administrator (DBA) Certificate (12 credits) -- This certificate prepares the student to install, operate, troubleshoot, monitor and improve the performance of an Oracle database.  These courses will help students prepare for Oracle Database Administrator certification.  

UNIX Certificate (10 credits) -- This certificate prepares the student to install, operate, troubleshoot and secure a UNIX network, including workstations and servers.  These courses will help students prepare for Linux certification.  

Management of Information Systems (MIS) Certificate (27 credits) --  This certificate prepares students to use computer technology for solving real-world business issues in information systems such as billing, payroll, financial transactions, scheduling, and customer service.

What other computer-related degrees and certificates does Oakton offer?
In addition to those in CIS, Oakton offers more than 30 computer related degrees and certificates. You may want to take a look at the offerings in these departments:
Computer Applications for Business
Computer Networking
Computer Science
Electronics and Computer Technology
Mechanical Design/CAD
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

What Salary can an entry level person expect?
Salaries vary by position, industry and region. See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the most up to date salary information.

Can a student earn credit for a course without taking the course?
A student may earn credit for CIS101 through the CLEP exam.  Contact the testing center in Des Plaines to set up a time to take the exam.  No other CIS proficiency tests are available. If you think your work or life experience qualifies you to earn Oakton credit for a course, contact the CIS program coordinator, Michele Reznick, to discuss this further.

Can a student register for a course without having completed the prerequisite course?
If you register for a course without taking the prerequisite course, you are expected to have the equivalent knowledge of the prerequisite course on the first day of class.  The instructor may assign a project or ask the students to take an exam covering the material from the prerequisite course on the first day of class and you would need to be successful in this activity. It is strongly recommended that the student talk to the CIS program coordinator, Michele Reznick, before the class begins.  The student's knowledge will be evaluated and a recommendation will be made.

Does the student have to take the courses that are listed in the degree and certificate requirements?
Depending on your work experience, you may be able to substitute an advanced course for a required lower-level course.  For example, if you have been working with an Access database and have a strong understanding of the concepts covered in CAB140, you could take CIS209 - Database Programming for PCs in its place.  Another example is if you have strong knowledge of the Windows Operating System, you could substitute the CIS118 - Introduction to the UNIX Operating System course in its place.  See the CIS coordinator, Michele Reznick, to make a substitution determination.

In working towards any degree or certificate, you must earn the number of credits for that degree or certificate; this can be done by taking the required courses, substituting courses, or earning Oakton credit for life experience.

Are there any courses that are only offered once in a year? If so, when are they offered?
The following courses are not offered every semester:
CIS108 Visual Basic for Applications (Offered Spring Semester Only)
CIS201 Information System for Business  (Offered Fall Semester Only)
CIS203 Managing Information Systems  (Offered Spring Semester Only)
CIS204 Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design (Offered Fall Semester Only)
CIS205 Documentation and Technical Writing for CIS  (Offered Spring Semester Only)
CIS210 Visual Basic Programming for Files and Databases  (Offered Fall Semester Only)
CIS213 Advanced Topics in Visual Basic .NET Programming (Offered Spring Semester Only)

When and where are CIS courses offered?
Courses are offered days, nights, and weekends on both the Des Plaines and Skokie campuses.  Some classes are offered online.

What current 'hot topics' are we offering under the CIS290 course code?
Courses vary each term and have recently included Teaching and Learning in Virtual Worlds and Advanced C# Programming. View the Oakton class schedule for contact the CIS coordinator, Michele Reznick, for current scheduling information.

What happens if a course required by a certificate or A.A.S. degree is withdrawn due to lack of enrollment?
See the coordinator of the program, Michele Reznick. Other arrangments can be made such as setting up the course as an independent study or taking a different course in its place.

Do computer courses at Oakton transfer to other colleges and universities?
Many of the CIS courses transfer to other schools. Some satisfy a requirement and others can be used as electives. CIS101 and CIS103 typically transfer. Many of the programming language courses transfer. Contact Advising and Counseling for further information on transferring Oakton credits.

Where do Oakton students majoring in CIS typically continue their education?
University of Illinois at Chicago
Northeastern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
National-Louis University
DePaul University
DeVry University

Are there courses that complement each other and should be taken concurrently? Are there courses that should not be taken concurrently?

CIS180-Introduction to Visual Basic .NET Programming and CAB140-Database Applications Using Access can be taken concurrently.

Complete CAB140-Database Applications Using Access before taking CIS210-Visual Basic .NET Programming for Files and Databases

Consider taking the following courses in the same semester:
CAB135--Electronic Spreadsheeting Using Excel
CAB140-Database Applications Using Access
CIS116-Introduction to the MS-Windows Operating System
CIS117-Introduction to the MS-DOS (Command Line) Operating System
ELT130-Microcomputer Hardware Systems

Consider taking the following courses in the same semester, as these classes are typically offered as 8 week courses and can be taken back to back:
CIS116-Introduction to the MS-Windows Operating System
CIS117-Introduction to the MS-DOS (Command Line) Operating System
CIS118-Introduction to the UNIX Operating System

CAB140-Database Applications Using Access and WWW131-Building A Web Page can be taken concurrently.

Whom can the student contact with questions about the computer curriculum at Oakton?
The CTIS Department--Computer Technology and Information Systems--is made up of three programs: CAB--Computer Applications for Business, CIS--Computer Informations Systems, and WWW--World Wide Web. The coordinator for each of these programs or the department chair can be contacted as indicated below:

Doris Gronseth, chair of CTIS, coordinator of CAB
dgronset@oakton.edu or 847.376.7055

Michele Reznick, coordinator of CIS and WWW
mreznick@oakton.edu or 847.635.1904

There is also a Computer Hotline you can call with any of your questions about computer courses: 847-635-2611. To contact any faculty member in CIS, consult the faculty page of this web site. Other programs also offer computer oriented curriculum such as Computer Networking and Systems, Electronics, etc. Consult the college catalog for further information.