Computer Information Systems

Oakton's Computer Information Systems (CIS) program brings emerging technologies and state-of-the-art computer training to students of varying levels of computer proficiency. If you're interested in becoming a computer professional, this program will give you the technical, analytical and communication skills you need to thrive in a number of careers.

Students who graduate with a degree in Computer Information Systems are qualified to work as computer programmers, mobile programmers, systems analysts, computer support specialists and website developers.

Course offerings include computer literacy, programming logic, programming languages, mobile programming, website development and maintenance, operating systems, information systems management, systems analysis and design, database management and more.

Whether you're a veteran information technology professional trying to learn new skills or relatively new to the field, our CIS courses will take you to the next level.

Degrees and Certificates

This degree prepares the student to support a computer system at an entry-level in the areas of software, hardware, programming, and networks in a business environment or to be a liaison between the IT department and other departments in the organization.

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, website development, software applications, technical writing and computer hardware. The student can emphasize one specific area with electives.

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This degree prepares the student to become proficient in writing business-oriented computer programs and to develop communication skills critical in the workplace. 

The A.A.S. Computer Programmer (63 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 four-year university. The programming degree now has three tracks: general programmer, mobile programmer, and website developer.

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Accelerate your career by earning professional certifications and credentials at Oakton. Programs that result in a certification meet the educational requirements for the state of Illinois.

The Advanced Web Site Developer Certificate is a 41 credit hour program in which you will learn Advanced Web Page Development (CIS 171), Web Database Management (CIS 248) and more.

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Earn your Computer Programmer Certificate in 39 credit hours and learn web page development and more.

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This certificate allows students to determine which courses they need to take to meet their personal computer knowledge and computer skills goals. 

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This certificate is designed to develop an individual’s basic computer skills and Internet knowledge to manage a computer system. This certificate can be completed in one semester.

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This certificate can be completed in one semester with 11 credit hours. 

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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).

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This certificate prepares the student to install, operate, and troubleshoot the Linux network including its workstations and servers, and provide security.

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This certificate prepares students to use computer technology for solving real-world business issues in information systems such as billing, payroll, financial transaction, scheduling, and customer service.

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You can complete this certificate in one semester with classes in project management. 

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This certificate prepares the student to install, operate, troubleshoot, monitor and improve the performance of an Oracle database. The courses will help students prepare for Oracle Database Administrator certification.

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This certificate prepares the student to provide an entry-level support of a computer system software and hardware in a business environment or to be a liaison between the IT department and other departments in the organization.

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You can earn this certificate in one semester with 16 credit hours. Among the classes you will take are Introduction to Web Design (ART 259) and Web Page Development (CIS 131).

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Our Web Site Support and Maintenance Certificate is a 28 credit hour course in which you will take classes like Adobe Photoshop (CAB 172), Web Page Development (CIS 131) and Web Development Tools (CIS 152).

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Job Outlook

Students who graduate with a degree in Computer Information Systems are qualified to work as computer programmers, mobile programmers, systems analysts, computer support specialists and website developers. While salaries range depending on region and skill level, the median annual wage for computer programmers was $89,190 in May 2020.

Source: Bureau of Labor

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Meet Your Faculty and Experts

Oakton's professors and lecturers are experts in their fields with advanced degrees and years of real-world experience. In addition to classroom learning, students receive support from our panel of expert advisors.

Ragaa Abdallah, Chair
Professor and Chair, Computer Technologies and Information Systems
B.S. The American University in Cairo
rabdalla@oakton.edu
847.635.1969
Office: 2618, Des Plaines

Reza Dai
Professor of Electronics, Local Area Networks and Mathematics
B.S.E.E. Oregon State University
M.S. Oregon State University
M.S. Purdue University
M.S.E. Purdue University
rdai@oakton.edu
847.376.7778
Office: P111, Skokie

Doris Gronseth, Coordinator, Computer Applications for Business
Distinguished Professor of Computer Technologies and Information Systems
B.A. Lewis University
M.B.A. Lewis University
M.A. Webster University
dgronset@oakton.edu
847.376.7055
Office: 2751, Des Plaines

Clarence Sistrunk
Associate Professor
BPS Roosevelt University
M.S. Ed. Chicago State University
csistrun@oakton.edu
847.376.7649
Office: P220, Skokie

Meet our part time faculty

Floyd Aylin
Lecturer
A.A. Oakton College
B.S. San Jose State University
M.S. San Jose State University
faylin@oakton.edu
224.595.1943
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

David Baysingar
Lecturer
dbaysing@oakton.edu
Maine Township High Schools

Johannes Beer
Lecturer
jbeer@oakton.edu
Maine Township High Schools

Arun Bhandari
Lecturer
B.S. DePaul University
M.S. DePaul University
abhandar@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Ikram Bokhari
Lecturer
Telecommunications Certificate  DePaul University
A.S.  Queensborough Community College
B.S.M.E.  Pratt Institute
M.B.A.  Illinois Institute of Technology
ibokhari@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Marc Buslik
Lecturer
buslik@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Ross Capaccio
Lecturer
B.A. Northeastern Illinois University
M.A. Northeastern Illinois University
rcapacci@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Isabela Ciuca
Lecturer
lciuca@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Joanne Delaney
Lecturer
B.S. Mundelein College
M.S. DePaul University
J.D. DePaul University
jdelaney@oakton.edu
847.635.1435
Office: B206, Skokie

Will Greenwald
Lecturer
wgreenwa@oakton.edu
Maine Township High Schools

Ogar Haji
Lecturer
ohaji@oakton.edu
847.635.1435
Office: A212, Skokie

Pamela Kouris
Lecturer
pkouris@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Terry Lange
Lecturer
tlange@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Mary Morrissey
Lecturer
B.A. Northeastern Illinois University
M.B.A. University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business
mmkuehn@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

James Papademas
Lecturer
jpapadem@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Katherine Papademas
Lecturer
B.S. University of Illinois, Chicago
M.S. University of Illinois, Chicago
M.S. Roosevelt University
J.D. John Marshall Law School
kpapadem@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Luke Papademas
Lecturer
M.S. Illinois Institute of Technology
M.I.S.M. Keller Graduate School of Management
M.S. Roosevelt University
lpapadem@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Derek Pasnick
Lecturer
A.A. Oakton College
B.A. Loyola University Chicago
M.A. Loyola University Chicago
M.S.I.S.M. Loyola University Chicago
dpasnick@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Sandip Patel
Lecturer
sandipp@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Robert Pielet
Lecturer
B.B.A University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
M.A Loyola University of Chicago
M.B.A. Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
rlpielet@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Robert Taylor
Lecturer
B.S. University of Illinois, Chicago
B.S. Northeastern Illinois University
M.B.A. University of Illinois, Chicago
rjtaylor@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Elizabeth Ardolino, PhD, PMP
Founder
Global Project Management Services

Nick Boulamatsis
Network Analyst II
National Futures Association

Marc Buslik
Captain
Chicago Police Department
Patrol Division

Raj Chahal
Salesforce Platform Systems Analyst/ Lead Developer
Allstate Insurance

Isabela Ciuca
Business Information Developer
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Bryan Gilley
Director, Technology
Emergency Nurses Association

Renee Kozimor
Director, Software and User Services
Oakton College

Chris Oehlerking
UOP

Derek Pasnick
Resident Consultant
Nutanix

Mahendra Patel
Packaging Corporation of America

Robert Pielet
Your PC Help Desk

Andy Pozdol
Developer
a360inc

Art Shipulin
CTO
Steersman Company

Robert Sompolski
Dean of Mathematics and Technologies
Oakton College

John Stryker
Coordinator, CIS
Oakton College

Rose Wagner
Sr. Business Analyst & Software Developer
Oakton College

What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.
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FAQ

  • General Programmer Track
  • Mobile Programmer Track
  • Web Developer Track

  • CIS131: Web Page Development (HTML and CSS)
  • CIS171: Advanced Web Page Development

In addition to those in CIS, Oakton offers more than 30 computer-related degrees and certificates. Take a look at the offerings in these departments:

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. A student may earn credit based on knowledge gained on the job or personally; this is called experiential learning. Contact the CIS program coordinator, John Stryker, at 847.635.1969 to discuss this further.

Students can register for a course without taking the prerequisite course. The student is 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, John Stryker, 847.635.1969 before the class begins. The student's knowledge will be evaluated, and a recommendation will be made.

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 strong knowledge of the Windows Operating System (CIS116), you could substitute the CIS118 - Introduction to the Linux Operating System course in its place. Another example is that the student can take an advanced programming language in place of an introductory programming language. Students may also take EGL 111 or EGL 212 in place of CIS205. Call the CIS coordinator, John Stryker at 847.635.1969, to make a substitution determination.

In working towards any degree or certificate, students 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.

Courses are offered days, nights and weekends on both the Des Plaines and Skokie campuses. Some classes are offered in person only, online only and some are hybrid classes (the class has an online component and limited face-to-face meetings).

Contact John Stryker at 847.635.1969 or jstryker@oakton.edu. Other arrangements can be made such as setting up the course as an independent study or substituting a course for the required course.

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 Academic Advising or the school you are transferring to for further information on transferring Oakton credits.

  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Northern Illinois University
  • National-Louis University
  • DePaul University
  • DeVry University
  • Northeastern Illinois University

  • 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.
  • CIS101–Introduction to Information Systems and CIS103-Computer Software and Concepts can be taken concurrently.
  • CIS131-Web Page Development and CAB140-Database Applications Using Access can be taken concurrently.

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.
  • 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:

  • CIS118-Linux Operating System and CIS218-Advanced Linux Operating System.
  • CIS143-Introduction to SQL and CIS145-Database Fundamentals I.
  • CIS245-Database Fundamentals II and CIS247-Performance Tuning (these are offered Spring semester only).

Licensure Requirements: Each state and territory has different licensure and certification requirements.  Oakton has researched and/or contacted state licensing authorities to confirm that the program meets the educational requirements leading to professional licensure or certification.  

Licensure information is reviewed and updated on this site in June of each year. As of July 1, 2020, we have determined that individuals that sit for and pass Linux Certification, Oracle DBA Certification, Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3), and Project Management Professional, examinations after successful completion of Oakton’s Computer Information Systems course and program curriculum:

Meets the education requirements leading to licensure/certification in these states and U.S. Territories: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada,New Hampshire, New Jersey,New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Does NOT meet the education requirements For licensure/certification in these states and U.S. Territories: 

We have not made a determination if the program curriculum meets the requirements for licensure/certification in these states and US Territories: 

If you intend to practice in any state other than Illinois, you should contact the appropriate licensing agency to independently verify whether Oakton’s program satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in a particular state before beginning Oakton’s program. Be aware that state licensure requirements may change from time-to-time and that states may have conditions for licensure in addition to educational requirements.

This information is provided to meet the Disclosure Requirements for Academic Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification.

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