Computer Information Systems

Associate Degree 7 months per semester

Computer Information Systems Associate Degree

If you're analytical, have strong troubleshooting skills, and love working with technology, our online Computer Information Systems (CIS) Associate Degree can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the career you want. Through flexible online classes, you'll build the skills and knowledge that can qualify you for entry-level jobs in IT or computer support from home. 

  • A computer information systems degree can help students prepare for jobs as computer support specialists or other entry-level IT and network administrator roles.
  • College-level classes cover topics like computer applications, network protocols and internetworking, computer programming in Java, database technology, HTML coding, structured systems analysis and design, and much more.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $520 Ends 7/15/2025

First Semester

$1,249

$1,769 Save $520

or

$65/month, Start for as low as $20

Request Info Enroll Now

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

See full program cost & payment options
IT professional working on laptop.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to create programs following basic problem-solving principles and guidelines common to all programming languages.
  2. How to create web pages with hypertext links, rules, frames, and forms with basic HTML coding.
  3. How to use the Java programming language to create classes and enumerations used for implementing a variety of programs.
  4. How to understand the basics of writing software to working with data structures, using XAML, and building Windows applications.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Computer Information Systems Degree Outcomes

Computer Support Specialist

AVG SALARY*

$60,810/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

892,000

JOB GROWTH*

6% (Faster than average)


Our Information Systems Associate Degree can help graduates prepare to take the first steps toward an entry-level position in IT, computer support, or network administration. With nearly every business needing tech support to function efficiently, the career opportunities for those who are skilled in computers and technology are expected to grow over the next ten years.

State Licensing Requirements

Professional licensing requirements vary greatly from state to state throughout the United States and may contain specific educational course approvals. You should contact your state's appropriate licensing bureau for the current requirements, or your state legislature for pending legislation. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Computer Information Systems Degree Curriculum

  • 4 semesters
  • 65 credits


Estimated completion time per semester:

  • Fast track = 7 months
  • Average time = 10 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times per semester are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2020 - October 2021, excluding withdrawals.

In our online Computer Information Systems Degree Program, you'll build foundational skills in computer programming, network protocols, and cyber security that can help you prepare for an entry-level job as a computer support specialist. Your online classes include:


  • Introduction to Programming
  • HTML Coding
  • Introduction to Database Technology
  • Structured Systems Analysis and Design

Show Full Curriculum

CIS Associate Degree Success Stories

Penn Foster’s CIS Associate Degree can help prepare you for the first step in your IT career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
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Sandra K.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I was able to live my life and make time for school without pressure. I worked completely at my own pace.”

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Computer Information Systems Associate Degree Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our Computer Information Systems Associate Degree Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay semester in full

Save up to $520 Ends 7/15/2025

First Semester1

$1,249

$1,769 Save $520

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $120 Ends 7/15/2025

First Semester1

$1,649

$1,769 Save $120

  • Pay $65 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

First semester1

$1,769

  • Pay $65 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Computer Information Systems Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Self-check quizzes
  • Webinars and discussion boards

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Learning Resource Center and digital library
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

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Online Computer Information Systems Degree FAQs

What can I do with a computer information systems associate degree?

A degree in computer information systems can teach you the skills necessary to work in the computer science or information technology field. After earning your computer information systems online degree, you can qualify for entry-level jobs in IT and computer support like:

  • Computer support specialist
  • IT support specialist
  • Information systems Manager
  • Computer network specialist
  • Network administrator.
  • Systems analyst

With almost every business requiring some form of IT support, you'll find job opportunities in a variety of industries from business and marketing to manufacturing.

How much can I make with an associate degree in computer information systems?

According to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a computer support specialist was $60,810 in May 2023.* How much you can make working in computer support and IT can vary based on your education, work experience, the company you work for, and even the state in which you work.

Do computer information systems require a lot of foundational math knowledge?

Students pursuing an education and career in computer information systems do not necessarily need as much math expertise as other technology-based roles. While you'll want to be confident in some foundational math and problem-solving skills, your degree will focus on courses relevant to the work you'll actually do such as computer programming, software development, building databases, and understanding networking protocols.

What courses will I take to earn the Computer Information Systems Degree?

Your online associate degree will cover some general education courses along with your degree-specific computer and networking classes. Throughout your education with Penn Foster, you'll be required to successfully complete classes in computer applications, programming, coding, systems analysis, and more in order to graduate.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Computer Support Specialists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed November 14, 2024.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

Disclaimers:

1 Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.