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.
Some of your classes may have minimum technology requirements. If you need help with computer access, you can reach out to the Help Desk to request to borrow equipment or contact your professor prior to class.
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.
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.
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.
Earn your Computer Programmer Certificate in 39 credit hours and learn web page development and more.
This certificate allows students to determine which courses they need to take to meet their personal computer knowledge and computer skills goals.
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.
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).
This certificate prepares the student to install, operate, and troubleshoot the Linux network including its workstations and servers, and provide security.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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 $93,000 in 2021.
Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.
99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.
To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.
We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.
Learn more about your options for paying for your education
As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.
We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.
Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.
Get Started at Oakton
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
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
Rose Wagner
Sr. Business Analyst & Software Developer
Oakton College
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.
Consider taking the following courses in the same semester:
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: