The Computer Information Systems (CIS) certificates are designed for students who need specialty skills in a particular area of information technology that will help satisfy current of future employment requirements. Unlike associate degrees, certificate programs assume that students already have obtained or do not require general education skills and are now looking for education in a specific area of computer technology. Therefore, all of the courses within a certificate program are chosen to develop these specific technical skills in a shorter amount of time than what would be required in an associate degree program. All CIS courses use current computer tools and place an emphasis on practical application to provide a relevant learning environment.