Des Moines Area Community College.

Management Information Systems Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

  • *Algebra I (required for entry into the program)
  • *Algebra II
  • *Composition
  • Speech
  • Computer Literacy
  • Keyboarding
  • Accounting
  • General Business
   

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

Textbooks for computer courses in this program, which are written at a college level, are used as supplements to lectures and hands-on practice. In other required courses, such as accounting and business, texts are a central part of the course. In addition to their texts, students will consult manuals containing error listings as they correct problems in running computer programs. They can also expect to use technical manuals in the work place.

View more information on reading skills in the Management Information Systems program.

Language

In this program students take one speech course, Fundamentals of Oral Communication (SPC 101). In their other courses, no public speaking is required; however, students must frequently explain a computer program problem to their instructor or to classmates. One-to-one interactions are also common on the job, when programmers communicate with coworkers, group leaders, and operations personnel. In these situations, clarity in describing technical problems is essential.

For their AS degree, students must complete Composition I (ENG 105) and Composition II (ENG 106). Programming courses may require essay tests which focus on tracing causes and effects and on problem solving. On the job, programmers must write documentation when they create a new program or system so that the programs can be run independently by their end users.

View more information on language skills in the Management Information Systems program.

Math

The required math course in this program is Finite Math (MAT 141) or Business Statistics (BUS 211). The prerequisite for Finite is one year of high school algebra; for Statistics, the prerequisite is two years of high school algebra.

Programming requires a basic grasp of logic more than of advanced math. Basic math applications include totaling records in file layouts; describing fields precisely (e.g. knowing what a floating decimal point is); using common business formulas, such as calculating interest; and using proportions to determine how many records will fit on a given tape.

View more information on math skills in the Management Information Systems program.

Learning

The skill most crucial to success in this program is the ability to understand abstract logic, such as if-then statements. Programming also requires sequential thinking as step-by-step instructions are developed. In troubleshooting a program, students use cause-effect reasoning and problem solving skills to identify and correct the source of an error.

Strong time management skills are also important, as programming courses are likely to require several hours of homework for each hour spent in class.

View more information on learning skills in the Management Information Systems program.

Computer

Although no computer skills are required prior to program entry, most students enter with at least basic computer literacy skills. Word processing skills will be useful to complete writing assignments in composition courses. In addition, some familiarity with computer languages would be helpful. Computer classes in the program include Intro. to Computers (CSC 110) and programming coursework in COBOL, JAVA, VisualBasic.net, SQL, and scripting languages. Students should be aware that programming requires skills much different from data entry activities like word processing.

View more information on computer skills in the Management Information Systems program.