Computer Information Systems
47 courses · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
CIS 1 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ITIS 120
General nature of computer hardware, software and systems: Hands-on applications include introduction to word processing, spreadsheet, database management and presentation software, and a brief introduction to web browsing and email.
CIS 5 Introduction to Computer Science
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to computer science: Architecture of digital computers, design of algorithms for solving various problems, and basic skills in computer programming.
CIS 6 Introduction to Computer Programming
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMP 122
Introduction to computer programming: Algorithm design, flow charting, and debugging; elements of good programming style. Course may be instructed in any programming language.
CIS 7 Control Structures and Objects
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMP 122
Introduction to computer programming: Algorithm design through use of control structures, flow charting, and debugging; elements of good programming style; introduction to Object Oriented Programming (OOP) through the design and implementation of objects that interact using well-defined interfaces to solve a problem.
CIS 8 Introduction to Parallel and Cloud Programming
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- or CIS 007.
- Advisory
- MATH 011.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Programming fundamentals of using multiple processors or computers to solve a problem: Mechanics of computation, multi-tasking and multi-threading and object-oriented approaches to managing many computing elements working on the same problem. Programming for Cloud computation, Cluster computation, Big Data, Machine Learning, and highly parallel computing hardware, e.g. multi-core processors and Graphics Processing Units.
CIS 11 Discrete Structures and Logic
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CIS 006 and CIS 033.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Discrete structures used in Computer Science with an emphasis on their applications: Functions, relations and sets; basic logic; proof techniques; basics of counting; graphs and trees; and discrete probability. Not open for credit to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in MATH 11.
CIS 33 Software Architectures and Algorithms
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CIS 006 or CIS 007.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMP 132
Design and development of large programs: Systematic data abstraction, strongly typed data and data structures, object declaration models, inheritance and polymorphism, information hiding, managed frameworks and libraries such as the Standard Template Library (STL), object life cycles and garbage collection, recursion, well-defined algorithms, collections and iterator abstraction, strategies for code re-use, testing, UML and software engineering principles.
CIS 35 Microcomputer Operating Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 001 or CIS 005 and CIS 110.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Microcomputer operating systems: Selection, use and programming with operating systems, concentrating on the personal computer.
CIS 40 Database Management
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 001or 5, CIS 001 or CIS 005.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ITIS 180
Design, implementation, and maintenance of databases: Analysis of user requirements; building tables, queries, forms, reports, and other topics.
CIS 42 Spreadsheet Applications
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- BSOT 112 X; BSOT 122 X; BSOT 132 X
Principles of electronic spreadsheets using features available with current popular spreadsheet software: Worksheet creation, formatting and charting; entering data and formulas; functions; editing and printing; web queries; basic database functions of sorting and querying; creating web pages; logical functions; lookup tables; Pivot Tables, Pivot Charts, and trendlines; graphic design for financial statements; creating templates; using macros.
CIS 49 Independent Study in Computer Information Systems
- Units
- .5-5
- Hours
- .5 - 5 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
In-depth exploration of an area or problem of the student's choice not covered by regular catalog offerings in Computer Information Systems. Student must obtain approval from an appropriate faculty member. For more details, see the section on independent study in the college catalog.
CIS 51 Introduction to Information Technology Project Management
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 001.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Project management fundamentals in technology: Theoretical and practical overview of project management planning with step-by-step introduction to the project management process from initiation to close.
CIS 52 Cloud Security Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 071, CIS 072 and CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 or CS 020.
- Transfers to
- CSU
New cloud computing paradigm: Implications for information security; differences in cloud computing service versus deployment models; and associated security requirements and responsibilities.
CIS 53 Intrusion Detection In-Depth: Compliance, Security, Forensics and Troubleshooting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 055, CIS 060 and CIS 071 or CIS 072 or CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 or CS 020.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Host-based and network-based intrusion detection systems (IDS): Tools for information security practitioners; examination of information sources, analysis schemes, technical, and legal issues.
CIS 54 IT Security Goals, Strategy, Policy, and Leadership
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 or CS 020 and CIS 055 and CIS 060 and CIS 071 or CIS 072.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Business and management aspects of information security: Legal and regulatory aspects; strategic planning process; security policies, and management process for a secure information systems environment.
CIS 55 Hacker Techniques, Exploits, and Incident Handling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 and CIS 071 or CIS 072.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of cutting-edge insidious attack vectors: Response to computer incidents and hands-on techniques for discovery of security vulnerabilities.
CIS 56 Secure Coding in Java and .NET
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 and CIS 055 and CIS 060 and CIS 071.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Developing defensible applications: Java and .NET application developments using best practices to protect critical information.
CIS 57 Web Application PEN Testing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 055 and CIS 060 and CIS 071 or CIS 072 and CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 or CS 020.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Ethical Hacking: Principles of design, testing, and implementation of secure, functional, and compliant software.
CIS 58 Hacker Guard – Baseline Training for IT Administrators and Operations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 055, CIS 060 and CIS 071 or CIS 072 and CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 or CS 020.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Security training for systems and network operations staff: First line of defense against unauthorized access to systems, applications, and networks.
CIS 59 Applications in Information Security
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 055, CIS 060 and CIS 071 or CIS 072 and CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 or CS 020.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Architecture of web-based applications and security best practices: Authentication and authorization for accessing applications; managing common security vulnerabilities, security of data at rest and in transit.
CIS 60 Computer Forensics Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007, CIS 071 or CIS 072.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ITIS 165
Overview of computer forensics: Computer investigation processes; operating systems boot processes and disk structures; data acquisition and analysis; technical writing; review of computer forensics tools; ethics; and objectives of International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification.
CIS 62 Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CIS 001 or CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 025: Object Oriented Programming Using C++ or CIS 036A: Java Programming Language I or CIS 061: Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ITIS 140
Principles of systems analysis and design: Systematic methodology for analyzing business problems or opportunities; OOA&D (Object/Oriented Analysis and Design) and UML, the role technologies can play in addressing business needs, articulation of business requirements for technology solutions, alternative approaches to acquiring the technology capabilities needed to address business requirements, and specification of requirements for the information systems solution.
CIS 66 XML Documents and Applications
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 234A, CIS 234B.
Development of documents and applications using the eXtensible Markup Language (XML), a Web document-authoring meta-language that is used to separate data from its visual representation; use of XSL for data translation.
CIS 71 Introduction to Information Systems Security
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 or CS 020.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ITIS 160
Fundamental principles of Information Technology, Security and Risk Management: Hardware, software, processes, communications, applications, and policies and procedures of organizational cyber security and risk management.
CIS 72 Systems and Network Administration
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 or CS 020.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ITIS 155
Design, development and support of server hardware and software technologies: Disaster recovery and security administration.
CIS 78 Digital Architectures for Computation
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CIS 006Entry Skills: Create programs to solve computable problems in a high-level programming language. 2. Use the various standard data types. 3. Correctly utilize programming flow controls. 4. Explain array structures and usage. 5. Explain structured programming concepts and their implementation in a high-level language..
- Advisory
- CIS 072, MATH 011.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMP 142
Organization of digital circuits and computing architectures: Fundamentals of digital circuits, combinational logic and sequential logic; processor components and processing architectures such as Von Neumann and Harvard architecture; control unit instruction word decoding and Instruction Level Parallelism (ILP); high level, assembly, and machine code; memory addressing modes, performance, and memory models; Random Access Model (RAM) and Candidate Type Architecture (CTA); and analysis of single threaded code.
CIS 93 Cross Platform Mobile Application Development
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CIS 006 or CIS 007 and CIS 033.
- Advisory
- CIS 078.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Designing and implementing mobile applications: Training on frameworks such as Xamarin, Unity, XDK, Cordova and others, enabling the same code run on several different mobile platforms such as IOS, Android, Windows Mobile, or XBOX.
CIS 98 Database Programming with SQL
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 006 or CIS 025 or CIS 036A or CIS 061 or CIS 116 or any entry-level programming course.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Programming in database management systems using SQL: DML (Data Manipulation Language) and DQL (Data Query Language) features; database program design, programming structures, strategies, and techniques.
CIS 100 Introduction to Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, and Identity
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007 and STAT C1000 or MATH 013 or MATH 002 or MATH 230.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fundamental principles of distributed hash data structures: Overview of applications that use blockchain in cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin and Ethereum); analysis of public records and smart contracts to establish proof of ownership and identity; and exploration of current and potential real-world applications of blockchain in technology, business, and law.
CIS 107 Administering Cloud Services and Containers
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 052 and CIS 059 and CIS 071 or CIS 072.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Administration of cloud-based information systems: Deployment and management of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) information systems; performance and redundant deployment of Virtual Machines (VMs), and Command Line Interfaces (CLI) systems management; and deployment of information systems and services without purchase of physical hardware.
CIS 108 Scripting for Systems Automation and Data Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 or CIS 007.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Command line tools for automation and analysis: Integration of tools including UNIX/Linux shell, Python, and domain specific libraries for operations automation in DevOps and analysis in Data Science & Machine Learning; emphasis on acquisition of broadly applicable skills including files and correct modes of access use for distinct categories of files, file attributes, passing of variables, error handling, and exchange of result codes between application components.
CIS 110 Information and Communication Technology Essentials
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ITIS 110
Fundamentals of computer hardware, software, and networking: Security, assembly of information systems through configuration and integration of Information Technology components.
CIS 178 Build Automation for DevOps and QA
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 and CIS 072, CIS 108.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Design and integration of applications development (Dev) tools and Operations tools (Ops) into automated control systems: monitoring of Source Code Management (SCM) repositories for changes to initiate automate software build, infrastructure provisioning, or configuration updates. Creation of Virtual Machines suitable for on-the-job use through hands-on project based learning. Apply best practices for toolchain configuration, monitoring, and testing software for Quality Assurance (QA).
CIS 179 Agile Software Management and Project Automation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 005 or CIS 006 and CIS 051.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Automation of software development processes: Integration of agile and scrum methodologies with issue tracking systems (JIRA, VersionOne) using well-known communication styles; methods for organizing units of software development work; use of incident management tools with Jenkins Continuous Integration (CI) system to create integrated project implementation, reporting, and defect tracking systems.
CIS 205 Computer Literacy
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- .75 hours lecture, .75 hours lab
- Advisory
- BUS 230D - Beginning Keyboarding.
- C-ID
- BSOT 105 X
Introduction to computers and information technology for people with no background in nor knowledge of computers.
CIS 221 Cyber Safety, Online Identity, and Computer Literacy
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- .75 - 2 hours lecture, .75 - 3 hours lab
Introduction to computers and instruction in computer safety awareness, identity management, and protection: Overview of computers, mobile devices, software, and connected interactive systems such as social networks; introduction for the novice to cybersecurity career opportunities, cyber ethics, online safety, how computers work, and cyber threats; cybersecurity principles, security policies, tools, account management and fundamental network connectivity and security; analysis and repair of vulnerabilities; introduction to cyber competition.
CIS 234A World Wide Web Publishing I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab
Creating and publishing Web pages over the Internet using the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).
CIS 234E Creating an E-Commerce Web Site
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- CIS 234A.
Business strategies and programming techniques in the design and development of an electronic commerce web presence: Banner ads, auto responders, product catalogs, shopping carts, cookies, electronic payment systems, online database and website security management.
CIS 247 Information Systems Skills Challenge
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3 - 12 hours lab
Technical challenge scenarios in information systems: Knowledge skills and abilities in cybersecurity, virtual machines, networks, infrastructure, and storage.
CIS 520 Setting the Stage for Technical Work
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- .229 - .257 hours lecture
Role of the Technical Professional in the workplace: Establishing authority and responsibilities of the Technical Professional as a team member; skills to foster a growth mindset around technical projects which tend to introduce change, risk, and new processes; communication styles to foster change management, new environments, work norms, knowledge transfer, and code switching between business domains and technology.
CIS 521 Techniques and Language of Technical Communications
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- .257 hours lecture
Communication techniques for accuracy and comprehensiveness: Modes of communication to ensure accurate collection of requirements and expression of technical project objectives; identification of effective personal and professional communication styles; use of a variety of modes and means of interaction to convey technical information in the workplace.
CIS 522 Conflict Resolution in Technical Collaboration
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- .257 hours lecture
Facilitation methods for technical specialists as team members: Exercises in clarity of expression and confidence building; responsibilities of the technical professional to claim authority as domain specialist; application of collaborative team processes, conflict resolution, and problem solving and skills to reach concurrence on technical issues.
CIS 523 Time Management and Organization of Technical Projects
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- .257 hours lecture
Timelines and arrangement of technology project tasks and deliverables: Project planning through identification of tasks, artifacts, resources, milestones, and stakeholders; techniques for regular communication of dependencies, risks, and deadlines; formulation of appropriate ways to express momentum and progress in technical projects.
CIS 524 Job Evaluation and Self Assessment in Technology Careers
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- .229 - .257 hours lecture
Self-discovery and assessment in the technology workplace: Estimating best fit and job identification prior to the job application process, including self evaluation of skill set, assessment skill match, and identification of areas for growth and career advancement.
CIS 525 Resume Writing for Technical Careers
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- .257 hours lecture
Use of resume and cover letter to present technical qualifications: Formatting and ordering to align candidate skills and experience with desired positions in technology and computer science, including techniques to help increase effectiveness through use of InterviewStream to develop polished and confident presentations.
CIS 526 Preparing for the Technical Interview
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- .229 - .257 hours lecture
Introduction to the format of interviews for technology positions: Preparation of narrative elements in spoken and written formats; overview of screening process as applied to technology job interviews; and practiced usage of industry specific terms of art, key concepts for effective interviews, strategies, and best practices to distinguish your candidacy and application.
CIS 527 Technical Interview Patterns and Practice
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- .229 - .257 hours lecture
Preparation and practice for technology interviews: Use of interactive video interview tools to practice descriptions of personal qualities in face-to-face interviews including both panel and one-on-one formats; and demonstrations of competency, explanation of technical jargon, and description of work experience.