Computer Science Degree, AS

Program Description/Purpose: The associate of science degree in Computer Science is designed for students who wish to pursue a four-year degree in Computer Science. The curriculum is mapped to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Transfer curriculum, which has Cybersecurity infusion.  The degree in Computer Science prepares students with core knowledge and skills needed for entry into baccalaureate schools of education programs in computer science. Students should know the specific requirements of the four-year school to which they wish to transfer to make appropriate course choices. The degree is transferable under TransferVA articulation agreements as long as the common curriculum is followed. 

Occupational Outcomes: Computer Science Generalist, Junior Developer/Analyst

Transfer Information: Students should consult with their advisor to ensure that they select electives that best prepare them for the specific requirements of their intended transfer university’s program of study. More information can also be found at www.laurelridge.edu/transfer.

Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will estimate time and space complexities for a given algorithm using Big-O notation.
2. Students will investigate factors other than computational efficiency that influence the choice of algorithms.
3. Students will compare different methods for converting numerical data from one format to another.
4. Students will illustrate the concepts of modeling and abstraction with respect to problem-solving.
5. Students will illustrate the security implications of reliance on open design vs. the secrecy of design.
6. Students will compare practical examples to the appropriate set, function, or relation model and interpret the associated operations and terminology in context.
7. Students will use at least one national or international user interface design standard in a simple application.
8. Students will explain the characteristics that distinguish the database approach from the approach of programming with data files.