Ashworth College is part of the Penn Foster Network. Penn Foster, Ashworth’s partner school, has been a leading provider of distance education and online, career-focused training programs for over 130 years. Like Ashworth, Penn Foster’s programs are affordable, fully online, and self-paced, allowing you to build skills and prepare for the job you want on your terms.
Introducing: Penn Foster’s Computer Information Systems Associate Degree Program
While Ashworth College is no longer accepting enrollments in our Computer Information Systems Associate Degree Program, we’re excited to introduce you to our partner school, Penn Foster.
Gain the skills you’ll need for a career in a great field with our Computer Information Systems Associate Degree.
Penn Foster’s online Computer Information Systems Associate Degree Program can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the job you want. With flexible, online courses, you can learn skills and knowledge on your schedule, from home.
Why Penn Foster?
Penn Foster has been on a mission to help people like you launch, accelerate, and thrive in their careers for more than 130 years. We provide students with a quality education that fits their busy lifestyle and budget, offering over 100 self-paced, career-relevant programs across our College, Career School, and High School. The program you choose is structured to fit your learning needs so you can achieve your goals, and is designed to work with your schedule, anytime, anywhere you want to study. With a focus on relevant skills and career preparation for the job you’re after, Penn Foster can help you graduate with confidence and help provide a pathway towards your career goals.
CAREER-RELEVANT TRAINING
Each course is developed with the input of technology professionals, ensuring exceptional career relevance.
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
Enroll at any time and complete each of the four semesters on your schedule.
AFFORDABLE TUITION
Our flexible payment plans allow you to earn a degree without breaking the bank!
CAREER-RELEVANT TRAINING
Each course is developed with the input of technology professionals, ensuring exceptional career relevance.
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
Enroll at any time and complete each of the four semesters on your schedule.
AFFORDABLE TUITION
Our flexible payment plans allow you to earn a degree without breaking the bank!
What You'll Learn in Penn Foster’s Computer Information Systems Associate Degree Program
How to create programs following basic problem-solving principles and guidelines common to all programming languages.
How to create web pages with hypertext links, rules, frames, and forms with basic HTML coding.
How to use the Java programming language to create classes and enumerations used for implementing a variety of programs.
How to understand the basics of writing software to working with data structures, using XAML, and building Windows applications.
Penn Foster’s Online Computer Information Systems Program Curriculum
In our Computer Information Systems curriculum, you'll learn essential skills that can help you take the first steps toward a career in IT or computer support. This program can help you build skills in computer programming, network protocols, and cyber security. Your online courses include:
Whether you’re new to online education or have taken an online course before, you may still have some questions about how it works. Here’s what you need to know.
A degree in computer information systems can teach you the skills necessary to work in the computer science or information technology field. After earning your computer information systems online degree, you can qualify for entry-level jobs in IT and computer support like:
Computer support specialist
IT support specialist
Information systems Manager
Computer network specialist
Network administrator
Systems analyst
With almost every business requiring some form of IT support, there may be opportunities to work in a variety of industries, from business and marketing to manufacturing.
According to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a computer support specialist was $61,550 in 2024.* How much you can make working in computer support and IT can vary based on your education, work experience, the company you work for, and even the state in which you work.
Students pursuing an education and career in computer information systems do not necessarily need as much math expertise as other technology-based roles. While you'll want to be confident in some foundational math and problem-solving skills, your degree will focus on courses relevant to the work you'll actually do such as computer programming, software development, building databases, and understanding networking protocols.
Your online associate degree will cover some general education courses along with your degree-specific computer and networking classes. Throughout your education with Penn Foster, you'll be required to successfully complete classes in computer applications, programming, coding, systems analysis, and more in order to graduate.
State requirements
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state. Click here for contact information on state licensing/regulatory boards and certain professional licensing information.
Ready to take the next step?
Advance your career in Penn Foster’s online Computer Information Systems program. Call 1-800-305-2194
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