Computer Science and Technologies Degree, Information Sciences and Systems Area of Concentration
Work toward a bachelor's degree in information systems or information management by completing your first two years of coursework at Montgomery College.
This associate's degree program is designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year program. The curriculum is designed to present a broad coverage of concepts applying to the theory and management of information, analytical techniques in the development of computer-based information systems, and practical experience with business programming.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Analyze components of the computer information systems.
- Analyze, design, and implement computer programs using a high level programming language.
- Demonstrate proficiency in analysis and design techniques.
Program Advising
Transfer Opportunities
This track will prepare students to transfer to a four-year university with a major in computer science. Not all courses will transfer to all institutions; consult an advisor or the transfer institution before selecting elective courses. See transfer information by major.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Career possibilities include computer science teacher, computer systems engineer/architect, computer/information research scientist, web administrator, mobile developer, and game programmer. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
All students should review the Program Advising Guide (PDF, 
) and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- CMSC 110 - Computer Concepts 3 semester hours
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- Arts distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD) **
- Mathematics foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
Second Semester
- CMSC 140 - Introduction to Programming 3 semester hours
- Elective 3 semester hours †
- English foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Arts/Humanities distribution(ARTD/HUMD) or health course (HLTH) distribution 3 semester hours (GEIR) † †
- Natural sciences distribution with lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
Third Semester
- CMSC 243 - Systems Analysis and Design 3 semester hours
- Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD) **
- Humanities distribution 3 semester hours (HUMD)
- Elective 3 semester hours †
- Elective 3 semester hours †
Fourth Semester
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEIR) OR
OR - COMM 112 - Business and Professional Speech Communication 3 semester hours
- Elective 3 semester hours †
- Elective 3 semester hours †
- Elective 2 semester hours †
- Natural sciences distribution 3 semester hours (NSND)
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or program elective.
**Behavioral and Social Science Distribution (BSSD) courses must come from different disciplines. Contact department advisor for transfer requirements for specific schools. Students applying to business schools should consider using economics as an elective because it meets transfer and BSSD requirements. If you have any questions, please see a department adviser.
‡ May be replaced by another CMSC course with departmental consent.
† Select program electives based on transfer institution requirements. See an advisor for assistance and use ARTSYS for Maryland transfer school requirements, https://artsys.usmd.edu/new window. Note: There must be at least 12 credits total at the 200-level for an AA degree.
List of program electives: CMSC, DATA, NWIT, 200-level CMAP,TECH 190 , 200-level TECH courses, ACCT 221, ACCT 222 , BSAD 101, ECON 201, ECON 202, MATH 165 , MATH 150 or MATH 181, MATH 151 or MATH 182, MATH 117 or BSAD 210, MGMT 101 , MGMT 211 . Up to four credits can be elective courses.
†† Please consult an advisor or the transfer institution before selecting institutional requirements.
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Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.