Applications and Information Systems

AS Applications and Information Systems · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog

The Associate Degree in Applications and Information Systems (AIS) prepares students to either enter the workforce as an entry-level office support and/or upskill in the office professional field.

Students who choose not to major in Application Information Systems or as Business Information Workers and/or Specialists find that coursework in the field can improve their abilities in several ways: to think analytically, solve problems, organize thoughts and information, and utilize new technology more efficiently and effectively. AIS classes also provide technical and office support skills required for success in an entry-level office/administrative assistant position. The coursework also lays the foundation for careers in medical, insurance, and law office positions.

Our discussions with industry representatives indicate that in today’s world, employers expect and demand a certain minimum of computer skills as a given, much as they expect an employee to be able to read, write, and use basic math. College of the Desert’s AIS curriculum includes course offerings that provide a general overview of the discipline, as well as courses dealing with more advanced software concepts and tools used in the office support environment.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:

  1. Analyze office problems, and then design and use appropriate technology to effectively, accurately, and then coherently communicate solutions.
  2. Develop creative methods for applying technology to solve office problems.
  3. Employ technological tools to expedite workflow within an office.
  4. Identify and demonstrate professional work behaviors and personal qualities needed to be employable in office support positions.

Program Requirements

Program Requirements

CourseTitleUnits
Required Courses (BIW I) 12-Units
AIS 005Office Technology Skills3
AIS 012Office Support Skills3
AIS 073Word Processing Software3
AIS 074Presentation Software3
Required Courses (BIW II) 12-units
AIS 023Digital Security & Cloud Storage for Office Professionals2
AIS 013Office Workplace Employment Preparation3
CIS 010Introduction to Information Systems (or)4
AIS 071Microsoft Office Pro4
AIS 072Spreadsheet Software3
Required Courses (from BIW III) 5-Units
AIS 006Business Research2
AIS 020Accessibility for Office Professionals3
Elective Courses- 8-Units
AIS 025Medical Billing3
BUAC 010Accounting with QuickBooks3
BUHM 031Customer Service Management3
BUMA 032Human Relations in the Workplace3
BUMA 094Business Communications3
BUMA 001Principles of Management3
BUMA 010Introduction to Business3
CIS 082CFront End Web Development3
AIS 095AApplications and Information Systems Work Experience1-3
orCIS 095AComputer Information Systems Work Experience
orBUMA 095ABusiness Management Work Experience
orBUHM 095AHotel & Restaurant Management Work Experience
orBUAC 095AAccounting Work Experience
orHS 095AHealth Sciences Work Experience
orCJ 095ACriminal Justice Work Experience
Required Subtotal29
Elective Subtotal8
COD General Education Pattern23
DEGREE TOTAL60

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