Computer Science & Computer Information Systems FAQ

What computer course should I take?
If you are not a Computer Science or CIS major 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 Computer Science major then we recommend COSC 1301, Introduction to Computer and Information Systems. 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.

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What's the difference between Computer Science and CIS?
Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Computer Science (COSC) are two different majors. CIS is more related to business, and Computer Science 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. Computer Science 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 Computer Science, but after that the course work is different for the two majors. Incidentally, a degree in Computer Science 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. Computer Science 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.).

Computer Science is appropriate for certain students; however the majority of our students choose CIS. Students interested in Computer Science should follow the available 2+2 plans in COSC, or see any Computer Department advisor for more information. For more information on CIS, keep reading.

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Two-year and Four-year Degrees in CIS
The two-year technical degree, known as an AAS degree, is not suitable for transfer to a traditional four-year degree such as a BBA. Rather, its main purpose is faster entry into the work force. If a student finishes an AAS degree and later decides that he/she wants a four-year degree, the best alternative is to pursue a nontraditional four-year "vocational" degree (BAS, BAAS, BSOE, etc.). (St. Mary's, Texas A&M, and SWTSU have such programs; UTSA does not.) This degree may work for some purposes, but it does limit your options compared to the BBA. PAC is approved to offer an AAS degree in CIS.

The decision whether to pursue the AAS or BBA is ultimately the student's choice. It might be compared to buying a "luxury car" (BBA) vs. "basic transportation" (AAS). There are pro's and con's to both. As a rule of thumb, students who have the means to complete four years of college education should probably choose the BBA; other students, especially night students, should consider the AAS.

Students who want the two-year technical degree should follow Palo Alto's AAS plan in CIS . Students who want the BBA should follow the TAMUK 2+2 plan, the UTSA 2+2 plan in Information Systems, or the OLLU 2+2 plan in CIS (which can lead to BBA or BA).

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Special Note to All Transfer Students
A transfer-based associate's degree (such as AS or AA, in contrast to AAS) is generally not very useful by itself as an employment credential; however, many students desire to receive such a degree from PAC on their way to the four-year degree. According to our most recent information, it now appears that in most cases, if you complete the first two years of a university degree plan, PAC will grant your associate's degree without requiring you to take "extra" courses. However, since there has been some confusion over this in the past, you would be well advised to consult the latest PAC Catalog on this point.

What does “Capstone Course” mean?
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.

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Is there a course that is easier than the basic computer courses?
Yes, there is an administrative class, POFI 1301 Computer Applications I.

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