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

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.

• Below is the recommended course sequence for full-time students.
• Courses are listed by the semester they are usually offered.
• Course availability in a given semester may vary.
• You can change the order or number of classes each semester, but taking fewer classes in a semester will mean more semesters to finish the program.
• Degree completion in 4 semesters (as indicated below) requires calculus readiness in semester one. Students needing additional coursework to gain readiness for calculus may require additional semesters to complete the degree. 
• Please discuss your plan including elective selection with your advisor to ensure it meets your academic goals.
• Students who complete this degree will also complete and be awarded the Uniform Certificate of General Studies .