MiraCosta College Computer Applications Program
 Computer Applications Program Course Catalog


Below you will find the following information for all of the courses in the Computer Applications Program:

  • Course Title and Units
  • Course Description
  • Required Textbooks and Materials, including prices
  • Required Operating System and Software
  • When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format

*Important Notes

  • Every effort is made to keep the information below as current and accurate as possible, but it is subject to change and without notice. 
  • All students must have the current textbook editions and access to the current software, as listed below.
  • Where package pricing is listed, the savings is secured "up front" for the student, reflecting a 50%-75% discount over the items sold individually.  Surveys have indicated students prefer this lower initial pricing with the trade off being the MiraCosta Bookstore is unlikely to buy their books back used at the end of the semester.  Note that this lower initial pricing savings is greater than if the higher initial individual prices were paid and the books were sold back at the end of the semester.   Students may choose to keep their materials for reference, donate them to MiraCosta's EOPS Program, or sell them on the Internet.
  • All courses are taught on PC's, except CSIT 110, which in some semesters is also offered on the MAC.
  • The on campus open computer labs provide free access to computers, the Internet, Windows 7, Office 2010 Professional for the PC, Office 2013 Professional for the PC, and Office 2011 for the Mac.  Limited assistance from trained student aides is also provided.  In addition, for registered CSIT students, virtual access from home is granted for free to these programs. Instructions will be given in class for how to login to the labs virtually.  For open computer lab locations and hours, go to: www.miracosta.edu/library
  • For those students interested in purchasing Windows 7, Office 2013 Professional for the PC, or Office 2011 for the Mac at a special California Community College student discounted price for home use, go to: http://www.foundationccc.org/CollegeBuys/CollegeBuysHome/tabid/484/Default.aspx
  • MiraCosta's EOPS Program coordinates a wide range of textbook assistance options.  For more information, go to: www.miracosta.edu/eops
  • For those classes offered online, one copy of all textbooks is available on closed reserve in the libraries at both campuses.  For those classes offered on campus, one copy of all textbooks is available at the campus at which the class is scheduled.  These copies are not meant to serve as a student's primary copy.
  • To see the upcoming semester's class schedule, go to: class schedule
  • For any questions not answered below, please email or contact Steve Isachsen.


Spring 2016 Semester
CSIT 100: Computer Basics I, 1.5 Units
Course description:
This first in a two-course sequence is intended for students wishing to develop or strengthen their basic computer skills.  Topics include basic computer techniques and literacy in computer concepts, Windows, working with files and folders, word processing, browsing and searching the Web, sending and receiving email, and academic computing course management systems, such as Blackboard. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be prepared for CSIT 105, Computer Basics II.

Required Materials:
All Sections
Welcome to the World of Computers, 5th edition, Stolins, 9781591366522, MCC bookstore price $42.80, MCC bookstore used price $32.25, MCC bookstore rental price new $32.10, MCC bookstore rental price used $23.54, publisher Ebook price $22.00

Required Operating System and Software:
Windows 7/8, Microsoft Word 2013. 

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring, Summer. Lecture.

CSIT 105: Computer Basics II, 1.5 Units
Course description:
This second in a two-course sequence is intended for students wishing to develop or strengthen their basic computer skills.  Picking up where CSIT 100 leaves off, this course includes new and expanded study in the areas of basic computer techniques and literacy in computer concepts. Topics include Windows, hierarchical file and folder management, multi-tasking, word processing, safe and ethical Internet practices, email, spreadsheet creation, computer maintenance, security, and purchasing a computer.

Required Materials:
All Sections
 MiraCosta Bookstore Package, MCC bookstore price $61.42
Required Operating System and Software:
Windows 7, Microsoft Word 2010, Microsoft Excel 2010.

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring. Lecture, Online.

CSIT 110: Computer Applications, 3 Units
Course description:
This course provides an in-depth, hands-on introduction to computer applications and fundamentals. Topics include computer concepts, the operating system, and word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and Web browser applications. The course emphasizes applied computer applications skills and techniques, computer concepts and ethical considerations, and the use of computer applications as integrated tools to perform professional-level analyses. (Formerly CIS 100.) UC credit limitation: Credit for CSIT 110 or 120.

Required Materials:
All Sections
MiraCosta Bookstore Package (bulleted items below sold together as a package), ISBN 9781259386657, MCC bookstore price $97.55
  • The O'Leary Series: Microsoft Office 2013, 1st Edition, O'Leary, ISBN 9780073519371: $164.33
  • Simnet with Ebook: $61.42
or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 110 only (no traditional hard copy of the book), ISBN 9781259385872
 $61.42

Required Operating System and Software:
Windows 7, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office Professional 2013 (Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access).

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring, Summer. Lecture, Hybrid, Online.

CSIT 115, Intermediate Computer Applications
Course description:
Picking up where CSIT 110 leaves off, this course features the use and integration of computer applications at the
intermediate level. Topics include further development of concepts, skills, and techniques in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications. (Formerly CIS 105.)

Required Materials:
All Sections
Not Offered Spring 2015

Required Operating System and Software:
Windows XP/Vista/7, Microsoft Office Professional 2013 (Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access).

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring. Online.

CSIT 120, Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems, 3 Units
Course description:
This course covers the concepts of information systems in business, which include the integration of information technology, e-commerce, systems analysis, data storage, data processing, security, and communications. The course applies information system concepts by developing solutions to business problems using financial analysis and database management tools, such as Microsoft Excel and Access.  This course is intended for students majoring in Business and Information Systems. (Formerly CIS 101).

Required Materials:
All Sections
MiraCosta Bookstore Package (bulleted items below sold together as a package), ISBN 1323325301, MCC bookstore price $119.30.
  • MIS Essentials, Kroenke, 4th ed, ISBN 0133546594: $140.00
  • MIS Cases, Miller, 4th ed, Cases 7, 17, and 29, ISBN 0132381052: $74.67
  • Your Office Microsoft Excel 2013, Kinser, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, and Student Resource CD, ISBN 0133143228, $116.00
  • Your Office Microsoft Access 2013, Kinser, Chapters 1, 2, and Student Resource CD, ISBN 0133143031, $116.00
  • MyITLab for Excel and Access 2013, 0133775127, $121.15

or

MiraCosta Bookstore ePackage (bulleted items above sold together as a ePackage), ISBN 1323389482, MCC bookstore price $99.00.

Required Operating System and Software:
Windows XP/Vista/7, Microsoft Office Excel 2013 and Access 2013.

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring, Summer. Online.

CSIT 125, Microsoft Word for Business, 3 Units
Course description:
Students learn how to use Microsoft Word, the industry-standard tool for word processing in business environments. This comprehensive course includes fundamentals, such as document design, section breaks, table of contents, graphics, columns, and tables, as well as more advanced features, such as document collaboration, workgroup tools, template customization, mail merge, object linking, forms, security, and Web enabling. This course helps prepare students for the Microsoft Certification Exam.

Required Materials:
All Sections
MiraCosta Bookstore Package (bulleted items below sold together as a package), ISBN 9781259315459, MCC bookstore price $97.55
  • Microsoft Office Word 2013 Complete In Practice, 1st Edition, Nordell, ISBN 9780077486907: $126.00
  • Simnet with Ebook: $61.42
or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 125 only (no traditional hard copy of the book), ISBN 9780077801229: $61.42

or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 125, CSIT 128, CSIT 131, and CSIT 134 (no traditional hard copies of the books), ISBN 9781259233487: $163.80
Required Operating System and Software:
Windows XP/Vista/7, Microsoft Word 2013

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring. Online.

CSIT 128, Microsoft Excel for Business, 3 Units
Course description:
Students learn how to use Microsoft Excel, the industry standard tool for spreadsheet and chart creation in a business environment. This comprehensive course includes fundamentals, such as workbook and worksheet design, formulas, functions, and charts, as well as more advanced features, such as pivot tables, what-if analysis, three-dimensional worksheets, goal seek, and collaboration tools. This course helps prepare students for the Microsoft Certification Exam.

Required Materials:
All Sections
MiraCosta Bookstore Package (bulleted items below sold together as a package), ISBN 9781259315442, MCC bookstore price $97.55
  • Microsoft Office 2013 Excel Complete In Practice, 1st Edition, Wood, Nordell, ISBN 9780077486914: $126.00
  • Simnet with Ebook, ISBN 9780077801229: $61.42
or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 128 only (no traditional hard copy of the book), ISBN 9780077801236: $61.42

or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 125, CSIT 128, CSIT 131, and CSIT 134 (no traditional hard copies of the books), ISBN 9781259233487: $163.80

Required Operating System and Software:
Windows XP/Vista/7, Microsoft Excel 2013

 When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring, Summer. Lecture, Hybrid, Online.

CSIT 131, Microsoft Access for Business, 3 Units
Course description:
Students learn how to use Microsoft Access, the industry standard tool for database creation in a business environment. This comprehensive course includes fundamentals, such as relational database design theory, tables, queries, reports, and forms, as well as more advanced features, such as complex validation rules, action queries, report controls, form automation, database customization, and data integration tools. This course helps prepare students for the Microsoft Certification Exam.

Required Materials:
All Sections
MiraCosta Bookstore Package Price (bulleted items below sold together as a package), ISBN 9781259315435, MCC bookstore price $95.55
  • Microsoft Office 2013 Access Complete In Practice, 1st Edition, Easton, Nordell, ISBN 9780077486921: $126.00
  • Simnet with Ebook, ISBN 9780077727574: $61.42
or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 131 only (no traditional hard copy of the book), ISBN 9780077727574: $61.42

or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 125, CSIT 128, CSIT 131, and CSIT 134 (no traditional hard copies of the books), ISBN 9781259233487: $163.80

Required Operating System and Software:
Windows XP/Vista/7, Microsoft Access 2013

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring. Online.

CSIT 134, Microsoft PowerPoint for Business, 3 Units
Course description:
Students learn how to use Microsoft PowerPoint, the industry standard tool for creating electronic presentations in business environments. This comprehensive course includes fundamentals, such as electronic presentation design and delivery concepts, slide layout, graphics, diagrams, charts, and sound, as well as more advanced features, such as complex animation, transitions, action buttons, video, custom backgrounds, and collaboration tools. This course helps prepare students for the Microsoft Certification Exam.

Required Materials:
All Sections
MiraCosta Bookstore Package Price (bulleted items below sold together as a package), ISBN 9781259315428, MCC bookstore price $97.55
  • Microsoft Office 2013 PowerPoint Complete In Practice, 1st Edition, Graves, Nordell, ISBN 9780077486938: $126.00
  • Between One and Many: The Art and Science of Public Speaking, 7th Edition, Brydon, Scott, Chapters 11 and 12, ISBN 9780073406831 
  • Siment with Ebook, ISBN 9780077727598: $61.42
or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 134 only (no traditional hard copy of the book), ISBN 978077727598: $61.42

or
Simnet with Ebook for CSIT 125, CSIT 128, CSIT 131, and CSIT 134 (no traditional hard copies of the books), ISBN 9781259233487: $163.80

Required Operating System and Software:
Windows XP/Vista/7, Microsoft PowerPoint 2013

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring. Online.

CSIT 137, Google Apps for Business, 3 Units
Course description:
In this course, students learn how to use Google Apps, a collection of free Web-based productivity tools, in a business environment. Topics include Google Search, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Spreadsheets, Google Presentations, and emerging trends in Google Apps. Students use the Internet to access their files and the tools to manipulate and collaborate with them.

Required Materials:
All Sections
Introduction to Google Apps Productivity Apps, Miller, ISBN 0132725185, MCC bookstore price $101.30, MCC bookstore used price $76.00, MCC bookstore new rental price $62.95, MCC bookstore used rental price $35.46, Ebook from publisher price $48.00
and
Google Drive and Docs in 30 Minutes, Lamont, ISBN 9780985886721, $9.99


Required Operating System and Software
Any

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring. Online.

CSIT 155, Social Media for Business, 3 Units
Course description:
This course explores social media use from a business perspective.  Students learn how to develop a social media strategy to promote business, build stronger customer relations, target a broad base or niche audience, and develop effective marketing and advertising techniques that enhance Web presence and coordinate a common message across multiple channels.  Students explore historical development as well as emerging trends in Web applications and services that facilitate creativity, collaboration, and information sharing among users and business.

Required Materials:
All Sections
Get up to Speed with Online Marketing: How to Use Websites, Blogs, Social Networking and Much More, Reed, ISBN 9780133066272, MCC bookstore price $25.79, MCC bookstore used price $19.50
and
Likeable Social Media, Revised and Expanded: How to Delight Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (& Other Social Networks), 2nd Edition, Kerpen, 9780071769501, MCC bookstore price $24.80, MCC bookstore used price $16.50, MCC bookstore new rental price $22.32,  Ebook from publisher price $24


Required Operating System and Software
Any

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall; Spring. Online.

CSIT 160, Technology, the Individual, and Society, 3 Units
Course description:
This course critically examines the interrelationships among technology, the individual, and society.  Students investigate the historical, political, and economic factors that influence the growth and development of technology and assess how individuals and society respond to the challenges and consequences of the technology revolution. Appropriate for technical and non-technical majors, students explore principles, methodologies, and value systems from a technology and social science interdisciplinary perspective.

Required Materials:
All Sections
A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing and the Internet, 3rd Edition,  Baase, ISBN 9780136008484, MCC bookstore price $110.55, MCC bookstore used price $83

Required Operating System and Software
Any

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring. Online.


CSIT 165, Living in an Online World, 3 Units
Course description:
This course critically examines the interrelationships among technology, the individual, and society.  Students investigate the historical, political, and economic factors that influence the growth and development of technology and assess how individuals and society respond to the challenges and consequences of the technology revolution. Appropriate for technical and non-technical majors, students explore principles, methodologies, and value systems from a technology and social science interdisciplinary perspective.

Required Materials:
All Sections
No books required for this class. All materials accessible on the Internet for free.

Required Operating System and Software
Any

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Fall, Spring. Online.

CSIT 195, Computer Studies Portfolio Development, 1 Unit
Course description:
This course teaches students how to create a portfolio to professionally display their best work and to increase job opportunities.  Topics include defining an audience, organizing and adapting a body of work, and formatting and creating a finished portfolio designed to reflect the student's vision and highlight the quality of his or her accomplishments.  Note: Students should complete most courses within their chosen Computer Studies certificate program before enrolling in CSIT 195.

Required Materials:
All Sections
TBA

Required Operating System and Software
Any

When Course Offered and in what Instructional Format:
Every other year.

Related Offerings

For questions or more information about any of the following related offerings, please email the contact person listed:

CSIT 146: Internet Presence for the Small & Medium Business
Martin Parks

CSIT 149: Intro to Windows for Business & Power Users
Martin Parks

CSIT 190: Industry Certification Preparation
Steve Isachsen

CSIT 299P: Cooperative Work Experience / Internship
Steve Isachsen

BOT 101: Advanced Keyboarding
Kathy Striebel

CS 107: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
June Porto

INTR 100: Foundation Skills for the College Experience
Steve Isachsen

MAT 110: Digital Imaging 1: Photoshop
Jill Malone

MAT 180: Publishing 1: Adobe InDesign
Jill Malone