Announcements:

1. We are thrilled to announce that a new Associate Degree and Certificates in Artificial Intelligence are expected to launch in Fall 2025, pending approval. These programs are designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills in AI, preparing them for dynamic career opportunities in this rapidly growing field. Stay tuned for further updates and information on how to apply!
2. "Exciting News! We are developing a Baccalaureate Degree in Strategic Cyber Defense Analysis (GSCyber), set to launch in Fall 2026, pending approval. Stay tuned for more updates on this innovative program designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills in cybersecurity and defense."
3. "Grossmont College Cybersecurity and Networking Program has achieved NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) Program of Study (POS) Validation. This is Part 1 of the certification process. See attached letter from NSA here. Part 2 is in process for NSA CAE-CD Designation.
4. If you are taking any CSIS courses or would like to receive important student announcements and information regarding the CSIS Department, please enroll in the CSIS Department Student Collaboration Canvas site: click link here 
5. Grossmont College CSIS programs are now Verified Programs, which enable students to obtain paid internships.  Please see the following link for more information and how to apply: click link here 
6. CSIS Sample Academic Plan: click link here

 

Computer Science and Information Systems

 

CSIS is a combination of both Computer Science and Information Systems, which have some similarities, yet are quite different. 

 

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of computers and computing concepts. It includes both hardware and software, as well as networking and the Internet. The hardware aspect of computer science overlaps with electrical engineering. It covers the basic design of computers and the way they work. A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science also includes courses in Math and Physics.

 

Topics in this science include: theory of data structures, algorithms, programming languages, networks, operating systems, compilers, databases, artificial intelligence, robotics, and graphics. 

 

In general, Computer Science requires a study of mathematics and some physics compared to Information Systems, which is a Business-related major. Either major can give you the necessary skills to pursue careers in computer programming, systems analysis, database and more

 

Key Skills for a career in Computer Science:                                       Strong Background in Computer Coding Written / Oral Communication Skills Analytical Thinking / Mathematics ability Problem Solving Abilities Organizational Skills

Career Possibilities (among many others)   Software Developer / Programmer / Architect  Software Engineer / Systems Engineer  Systems Analyst / Systems Developer  Business Analyst / Web Developer / Communications Engineer  Network Engineer / Database Administrator

What is Information Systems?

 

IS Bachelor’s Degrees at most universities are found in their BUSINESS departments.  As an Information Systems expert you would share a broad responsibility to develop, implement, and manage an infrastructure of information technology (computers and communications), data (both internal and external), and organization-wide systems; to track new information technology and help in the organization's strategy, planning, and practices; and to support departmental and individual information technology systems.

Computer Information Systems is the application of technology in managing the needs of businesses, so you'll get your technical skills to work in a business setting. Students in the Computer Information Systems major learn how to work with and within company IT systems to solve operations issues. That's good news if you're trying to decide between a degree in business and a degree in technology, since you can be able to choose both.

 

Skills for a career in Information Systems: Analytical Thinking Business and Communication skills Creativity Detail-Oriented Problem-Solving Abilities Programming Language Knowledge

Career Possibilities (among many others) IT Consultant / IT Management Software Developer / Programmer Systems Analyst / Data Analyst / Data Science Business Analyst / Web Developer / Sales and Sales Support / Cybersecurity Database Administrator / IT Security Analyst

 

Note: to transfer to a 4-year institution and study Information Systems, typically you will be receiving a degree in Business, so look at the Business Transfer requirements.  

Degrees and Programs

 

Area of Emphasis - Computer Programming

Courses

CSIS 112 – Windows Operating Systems

CSIS 113 – Introduction to UNIX

CSIS 119 – Intro to Computer Programming

CSIS 165 - Assembly Language / Machine Architecture

CSIS 250 - Intro to Python

CSIS 293 – Intro to Java Programming

CSIS 294 – Intermediate Java Programming

CSIS 296 – Intro to C++ Programming

CSIS 297 – Intermediate C++ Programming

Area of Emphasis - Cybersecurity and Networking

Courses

CSIS 113 – Introduction to Linux

CSIS 121 – Introduction to Cybersecurity

CSIS 125 – Network + Certification

CSIS 250 – Introduction to Python Programming

CSIS 263 – Security + Certification

Area of Emphasis - Web Design

Courses

CSIS 110 – Principles/Information Systems

CSIS 112 – Windows Operating Systems

CSIS 132 – Introduction to Web Development

CSIS 133 – Intermediate Web Design

CSIS 135 – Java-script Programming

CSIS 151 – Intro to Photo-shop

CSIS 293 – Intro to Java Programming

Area of Emphasis - Information Technology Support  Specialist

Courses

CSIS 110 – Principles/Information Systems

CSIS 112 – Windows Operating Systems

CSIS 113 – Introduction to UNIX

CSIS 120 – Computer Maintenance and A+ Certification

CSIS 125 –  Network + Certification

CSIS 132 – Introduction to Web Development

Other classes for gaining computer skills

Courses

CSIS 105 – Intro to Computing

CSIS 160 – Intro/Video Game Development

CSIS 147 – Social Media and Internet Marketing

 

 

 

Want to know more about the IS major at San Diego State University and opportunities in the field of Information Systems? Drop by the SDSU IS Major web site On the site you can read an overview of the IS major, see job projections and a salary survey for IS majors and read recent alumni.