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2024-2025 Catalog

Programming — Technical (Certificate)

Program Advisor: Gregory Panczner

413-236-4574 • gpanczner@berkshirecc.edu

The Technical Option of the Computer Information Systems Programming certificate emphasizes C++ and web programming languages, as well as some general education courses. Graduates of this program may be employed as programmers using one of the following computer languages: C++, HTML/XTML, or JAVA if selected as a professional elective. Graduates will also have 25 to 28 credits toward the Computer Information Systems—Computer Science Option A.S. Degree or the Computer Information Systems—Networking Option A.S. Degree.

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Expected Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

  • Apply fundamental concepts of programming languages and software development to solve a diverse array of problems and recognize these concepts in different languages;
  • Depending on the elective track:
    • Analyze business problems through data analysis;
    • Create viable solutions through the use of technology;
    • Apply computer and networking methods, procedures and principles, and use equipment and software for the purpose of installing, troubleshooting and maintaining LANs (local area networks);
  • Communicate clearly, accurately and succinctly through written and verbal means; and
  • Transition into the Computer Information Systems A.S. degree program with either the networking or science option.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a certificate in this program, a student must complete all program credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.

Program Courses

CIS-102Fundamental Computer Literacy

4
CIS-110IT Essentials

4
CIS-124C++ Programming I

4
CIS-125C++ Programming II

4
-
 
COM-
Communication

3
-
Or
ENG-
English Composition/Writing

3
-
 
-
Professional Electives (see options below)

10
Total Credit Hours:29

Additional Requirements

Demonstrated college-level skills in reading & writing

Minimum Cumulative Average

Overall 2.000
Program requirements 2.000

Suggested Pathway to Graduation

The following is a suggestion for completing this program in one year. The actual time to complete the program may vary according to each student’s individual needs.

First Semester

CIS-102Fundamental Computer Literacy

4
CIS-110IT Essentials

4
CIS-124C++ Programming I

4
-
 
COM-
Communication

3
-
Or
ENG-
English Composition/Writing

3
Total Credit Hours:15
COM/ENG Comp courses: See footnote 2

Second Semester

CIS-125C++ Programming II

4
-
Professional Elective (see options below)

10
Total Credit Hours:14

Options For Professional Electives

CIS-155Web Development

3
CIS-180Introduction to Networks

4
CIS-181Switching, Routing, & Wireless Essentials

4
CIS-211Data Structures

4
CIS-231Computer Science I with Java

4
CIS-232Computer Science II With Java

4
CIS-240Scaling Networks

4
CIS-241Connecting Networks

4
CIS-256Network Security

4
MAT-
Mathematics

3
-
Free Elective

4
-
Natural or Physical Lab Science

4

MAT Mathematics : See footnote 1

Gainful Employment Disclosure 2019

Below you'll find program costs, student loan debt, graduation rates, and jobs associated with this program.

Program Name: Computer Information Systems – Programming/Technical Certificate

This program is designed to be completed in: one (1) year.

Costs for this program if completed within normal timeframe:

  • $6,607 in-state tuition and fees
  • $6,984 New England/New York resident tuition and fees
  • $13,393 out-of-state tuition and fees
  • $1,450 estimated books and supplies
  • $1,856 estimated transportation

There may be additional costs to consider such as reduced income if you will be cutting back on work hours, child care, room, board, and general living expenses while enrolled.

Loan debt of the typical graduate of this program: As fewer than 10 students completed this program within normal time, median indebtedness is being withheld to preserve their confidentiality.  

Program meets licensure requirements in Massachusetts.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions, please see: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/

Footnote

  1. MAT-102 or higher to meet program requirements.
  2. COM/ENG Comp courses: COM-104, COM-105, COM-106, COM-107, COM-108, ENG-101, ENG-102, ENG-103, ENG-104, ENG-116

Note

A minimum of three CIS courses must be taken in the five years prior to receiving the certificate.