Computer Information Systems (CIS 101)
Read the course overview and request access from admissions.
3 Credit Hours | Year 1 | Fall Semester | 8-Week Online Session
Recommended Prerequisite
None. CIS 101 is designed as an introductory course and may serve as a foundational technology course for students across undergraduate programs.
Course Description
CIS 101 — Computer Information Systems introduces students to essential computer, information technology, and digital productivity skills used in academic, professional, and business environments. Students develop practical competencies in computer hardware and software concepts, operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, cloud-based applications, internet research, digital communication, data management, and information security.
The course emphasizes the effective and responsible use of technology to communicate, organize information, analyze data, solve problems, collaborate with others, and support business decision-making. Students will complete hands-on activities using common productivity and digital collaboration tools and will apply technology skills to realistic academic and workplace scenarios.
The course supports PATHS University's broader emphasis on communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, practical skills, and career preparation. PATHS University describes its academic environment as providing students with digital technologies, online learning resources, academic support, and professional development opportunities.
Suggested Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of CIS 101, students should be able to:
1. Explain fundamental computer hardware, software, operating system, and information technology concepts.
2. Use word-processing applications to create, format, edit, and professionally present business documents.
3. Apply spreadsheet applications to organize, calculate, analyze, and present business information.
4. Create professional presentations using appropriate visual, written, and presentation techniques.
5. Organize and manage information using databases and other digital information-management tools.
6. Use internet and cloud-based technologies to locate, evaluate, store, and share information.
7. Demonstrate effective digital communication and collaboration skills in academic and professional environments.
8. Apply basic cybersecurity, privacy, password-management, and data-protection practices.
9. Evaluate the reliability and appropriateness of digital information and online resources.
10. Use technology to support business problem-solving, decision-making, productivity, and organizational effectiveness.
11. Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of computers, information systems, digital content, and organizational data.
12. Integrate multiple computer applications to complete a practical business-oriented technology project.
8-Week Course Topics
Module 1 — Introduction to Computers and Information Technology
Week 1
- Introduction to computer information systems
- Computer hardware and peripheral devices
- Software and operating systems
- File management and digital organization
- Computer terminology
- Introduction to cloud computing
- Technology in contemporary business
- Digital citizenship and responsible technology use
Suggested Assignment: Technology Skills & Digital Literacy Assessment
Module 2 — Word Processing and Professional Documents
Week 2
- Word-processing fundamentals
- Creating and formatting documents
- Business letters and memoranda
- Reports and professional documents
- Tables, headers, footers, and page numbering
- Templates and document organization
- Editing and proofreading
- Professional document design
Suggested Assignment: Professional Business Document
Module 3 — Spreadsheets and Business Data
Week 3
- Spreadsheet fundamentals
- Worksheets, workbooks, rows, and columns
- Data entry and formatting
- Formulas and functions
- Basic mathematical calculations
- Sorting and filtering data
- Charts and graphs
- Using spreadsheets for business decisions
Suggested Assignment: Business Spreadsheet Analysis
Module 4 — Presentations and Digital Communication
Week 4
- Presentation software fundamentals
- Designing effective presentations
- Slides, graphics, tables, and charts
- Visual communication
- Presentation organization
- Professional email communication
- Virtual meetings and collaboration
- Presenting information to different audiences
Suggested Assignment: Business Presentation
Module 5 — Databases and Information Management
Week 5
- Introduction to databases
- Records, fields, and tables
- Data organization
- Data entry and retrieval
- Basic queries and reports
- Information-management principles
- Data accuracy and quality
- Introduction to business information systems
Suggested Assignment: Basic Database/Information Management Activity
Module 6 — Internet, Cloud Computing, and Research
Week 6
- Internet fundamentals
- Web browsers and search techniques
- Evaluating online information
- Academic and professional research
- Cloud storage and applications
- File sharing and collaboration
- Digital productivity platforms
- Information literacy
Suggested Assignment: Online Information Evaluation
Module 7 — Cybersecurity, Privacy, Ethics, and Data Protection
Week 7
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Password security
- Phishing and social engineering
- Malware and common cyber threats
- Privacy and personal information
- Data protection
- Safe use of cloud and online services
- Intellectual property and copyright
- Ethical use of technology
Suggested Assignment: Cybersecurity & Digital Responsibility Exercise
Module 8 — Integrated Business Technology Project
Week 8
- Integrating multiple computer applications
- Business problem-solving
- Data analysis and presentation
- Digital collaboration
- Technology-supported decision-making
- Professional technology practices
- Final project preparation
- Presentation and reflection
Final Project: Integrated Business Technology Project
Students apply skills developed throughout the course to complete a practical business scenario using multiple digital applications.
Why CIS 101 Is Appropriate as a General Education Course
Students in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Education, Project Management, and other programs can benefit from foundational technology skills because PATHS University's academic model emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and professional preparation.
The course can therefore establish a common university-wide technology competency before students move into more specialized courses.
Academic Advising
Dr. Ozochi Chidi Alexander, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Email: oalexander@pathsu.education
Dr. Jacques Thigpen, Associate Provost for Curriculum Design, Academic Programs, and
Undergraduate Research in the Division of Academic, and Interim Associate Dean
Email: jthigpen@pathsu.education
PATHS University Admissions Contact
· Email: admissions@pathsu.education
· Phone: +1 (443) 219-4197