Computer Information Systems Certificate


A Certificate program in Computer Information Systems is available for those students who do not wish to work toward a degree. The following is a list of courses which a student must take in order to be eligible for the Certificate. Students with experience in the computer field may be excused from specific required courses, but will have to take replacement courses in their stead.

*Gainful Employment Mandatory Disclosure Statement

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Contact Information

Computer Programming and Information Systems

David S. Gerstl
Whitman Hall, Room 112
934-420-2190
cpis@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Fall 2023

Subject to revision

BCS 120 Foundations of Computer Programming I 3
BCS 160 Computers, Society, and Technology 3
BCS 215 UNIX Operating System 3
BCS 230 Foundations of Computer Programming II 3
BCS 260 Data Base 3
BCS 262 Data Communications 3
BCS 300 Management Information Systems 3
BCS 301 Systems Analysis and Design 3
BCS/BUS elective 3
BUS 109 Management Theories and Practices 3
BUS 101 Accounting I 3

Curriculum Summary

Total Required Credits: 33

BCS 120 Foundations of Computer Programming I

This course introduces the C++ Programming Language as a means of developing structured programs. Students will be taught to develop algorithms using top-down stepwise refinement. Students will be introduced to the concept of Object Oriented programming. In addition, students will get a thorough exposure to C++ syntax and debugging techniques. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for CSC 111

BCS 160 Computers, Society and Technology

This is an introductory course that provides students with the knowledge to stay current and informed in a technology-oriented, global society. Students will receive instruction in basic computer concepts and terminology, the fundamentals of the Windows operating system and have hands-on experience at the beginning to intermediate level using Microsoft Excel and Access. The Internet will be used to supplement textbook and lecture materials. Note: Students taking this course may not receive credit for BCS 102.

BCS 215 UNIX Operating Systems

This course develops the fundamental knowledge of computer operating systems using UNIX. Topics include basic understanding of the UNIX system, utilizing the file system, programming language and security system. BCS 120 or CSC 111 may be taken as a Prerequisite or Corequisite. Prerequisite(s): BCS 120 or CSC 111 Corequisite(s): BCS 120 or CSC 111

BCS 230 Foundations of Computer Programming II

This course expands the knowledge and skills of Foundations of Computer Programming I. Among the topics covered are: arrays, pointers, strings, classes, data abstraction, inheritance, composition and overloading. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for CSC 211 Prerequisite(s): (BCS 120 or CSC 111) with a grade of C or higher

BCS 260 Introduction to Database Systems

This course provides the fundamental knowledge of database concepts. Topics studied will include the history and advantages of database systems, and the process of database design including entity-relationship diagrams and database normalization. Students will have hands-on experience using SQL (Structured Query Language). Prerequisite(s): (BCS 120 or CSC 111) and BCS 160 all with a grade of C or higher

BCS 262 Data Communications

This course is an introduction to the concepts and applications of computer networking and its role in the business world today. Topics include: history of networking and applications, voice and data communications, hardware, transmission, network topologies, network analysis, the OSI model, design, implementation and management issues.

BCS 300 Management Information Systems

Managers have increasing responsibility for determining their information system needs and for designing and implementing information systems that support these needs. Management information systems integrate, for purposes of information requirements, the accounting, finance, and operations management functions of an organization. This course will examine the various levels and types of software and information systems required by an organization to integrate these functions. Prerequisite(s): BUS 109, BCS 109, BUS 111, or BCS 160

BCS 301 Systems Analysis and Design

This course explores the major issues in the analysis and design of a system, including methods of data collection, information requirements analysis and the analysis process. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the user in the design process and focuses on approaches that improve the successful implementation of a computer system. Topics include general systems theory, Systems Development Life Cycle, data flow diagrams, data dictionary, hardware and software evaluation, feasibility analysis, CASE tools and prototyping. Students are required to work in teams and demonstrate their skill in using project management and diagramming application software. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101, BCS 260, BCS 300, and (BCS 230 or CSC 211), all with a grade of C or higher and Junior Level Status.

BUS 109 Management Theories and Practices

This introductory course covers management principles pertaining to human resources, individual behavior in organizations, employee motivation and performance, and business ethics. Topics also include managing and the manager’s job; planning and decision making; employee performance appraisal and feedback; leadership and influence processes; interpersonal relations and communication; and managing work groups and teams.

BUS 101 Accounting I

Fundamental accounting concepts and principles are covered through an understanding of the following topics: accounting as an information system; analyzing a transaction; the accounting cycle; accounting for both service enterprises and merchandising businesses; deferrals and accruals; reversing entries; systems design; accounting for cash, receivables, temporary investments and inventory; payroll accounting. Students apply concepts to the preparation of special journals, subsidiary ledgers, worksheets and financial statements.

Last Modified 2/13/24