Computer Information Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Where I can do my computer work for classes?
1. What are the starting salary ranges for the computer degrees?
Generally, all of our A.S. Degrees can start in the early $30K range when the student has no experience beyond the Internship, and under optimal conditions.
2. How does a new student decide what program best suits them?
| Do you enjoy technical endeavors? |
| Do you like working with other people? |
| Do you like to get "under the hood" of things? |
| Do you have good analytical and logical skills? |
| Do you enjoy sticking with a problem until it is thoroughly solved? |
| Are you a creative individual? |
| Do you enjoy clerical work and communicating with people? |
| Are you facinated with storage and retrieval of information? |
How you answer these questions can indicate which area of computer technology you would enjoy.
Networking is technical and very
"under the hood." |
Web Development is creative
+ people oriented + technical. |
| Programming requires excellent analytical/logical skills and "junk yard dog" stick to it abilities. |
| Integrated Systems Specialist means microcomputer specialist and software specialist. Ability to work well with others is very important for this degree. |
Database technology is the best at
storage and retrieval of information. |
Office System Technology trains
people to work in offices and communicate with people. |
3.Do I schedule an appointment with my regular counselor or someone from the CIS/OST Department?
You should see an academic counselor for first term advising, financial aid and placement testing.
4. Is there an internship program for computer degrees?
There is a required internship for all of our A.S. degrees and college credit certificates. This is a valuable work experience that you can put on your resume. The internship should be taken at the end of your program of studies, when you will be more valuable to an employer. When you are ready for an internship, contact the Internship Coordinator for details.
5. How many hours is the internship program?
See to Gail Gehrig's Web Site.
6. Do I have to do my internship at the college, and who oversees the program?
No, you can do the internship at local businesses or corporations.
7. Can I find my own place to do my internship, and can I get paid if the company is willing to pay me?
The internship can be arranged by you or the Internship Coordinator. It can be paid or unpaid.
8. Who would help me to determine what courses to take during different semesters?
The recommended sequence of courses which takes into account the various prerequisites is described at this site.
9. Who do I see if I am falling behind in class and I need a tutor?
You should meet with your instructor during their office hours for help and advice. Unless you qualify for special programs, the cost of tutors would be at your own expense. Free tutors are available in the Learning Assistance Center.
10. What does it mean on the class schedule to add an hour for labs? Will I be going to a lab each class or each week?
Lab time will vary from course to course and will depend on your instructor. Some classes require lab time with or without the instructor, or the lab time could be used to practice or work on your projects for the class.
11. If I want to work as a lab assistant at the college, will they place me in the computer department or lab?
Positions working in the labs at FCCJ are often available. Check with the Learning Assistance Center.
12. How can I find out if credits I took at other colleges and universities can count for classes at FCCJ?
Have your transcripts sent to Enrollment Services. After about a month, they will be evaluated. You may then have a degree audit printed at counseling and arrange an appointment for advising.
13. What is the difference between signing up for an AS program versus an AA program?
The AA program is for students to go on to upper level work at universities. The AS is designed to be a terminal degree leading to a job after graduation.
14. What if I'm signed up for an AS program and then decide to go on for my B.A. at UNF or another 4 year institution. Can I switch?
You can change from the AS to an AA degree at any time, however, you will probably have to take additional courses to prepare for upper level work.
15. How many times a year do they have a formal ceremony for graduation and when is it?
The formal graduation is held once a year and it is in May of each year. If you don't go to graduation, FCCJ will mail the degree to you.
16. Is there someone who can teach me how to prepare a resume?
Yes, at the Urban Resource Center. Call the Job Link Services at 632-5039 and the Career Resource Center at 632-5020.
17. How soon before graduation do I begin submitting my resume?
How soon do you need a job? Normally, a full term in advance of graduation is appropriate.
18. What is the advantage to becoming an employee of a corporation in this field, or a consultant for a company?
Students often go to work for a corporation to gain experience. This type of experience is very important to becoming a consultant.
19. Do I have to do anything to graduate, or will the computer simply graduate me after I take all the courses?
In your next to last term, you should have a degree audit printed and see an advisor to make sure everything is correct. You will also need to apply to graduate. The dates for this are printed in the College Catalog.
20. How important is having a computer of my own for this program?
Having your own computer will allow your learning to be easier and better. If you have a computer and the software used in your program, you will be able to do projects at your own convenience instead of working in our labs.
