Computer Science (AS)
Award: Associate of Science Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Assistant Professor Jerome Brown, 443-412-2125, jebrown@harford.edu; or Admissions, 443-412-2109.
Program Description
Computer Science is the study of the design, theory and programming of the computer system. The Computer Science program gives students an understanding of the problem-solving techniques used to program the computer as well as an understanding of the principles that govern the conceptual organization of the computer system and its processes. The program emphasizes the mathematical and scientific components of programming.
Program Goals
Students who successfully complete the Computer Science Program will:
- Develop skills and expand their knowledge in computer science through research and self-directed study and communicate their knowledge in speaking and writing.
- Apply the defining processes of computer science - theory, abstraction, and design - to solve a wide variety of problems.
- Solve cross discipline problems through the integration of mathematics, traditional sciences and computer science principles.
- Analyze and evaluate traditional algorithms used for data reorganization and manipulation.
- Possess the necessary skills for transfer to an accredited four year institution.
Transfer Information
This program provides the first two years of a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university should review the requirements of that institution. If they are significantly different than the requirements of the AS in Computer Science, the student should consult with an academic advisor.
Employment Information
Computer Science is a field with a projected growth rate of 23% from 2022 to 2023, with an estimate of 9400 new jobs. Computer scientists secure careers that explore problems in computing and develop theories and models to address those problems. They also collaborate with scientists and engineers to solve complex computing problems, determine computing needs and system requirements, develop new computing languages, software systems, and other tools to improve how people work with computers.
Degree Requirements
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| MATH 203 | Calculus I (GM) | 4 |
| CSI 130 | Introduction to Concepts in Computer Science | 3 |
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) 1 | 3 | |
| Biological/Physical Science Elective (GS) 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSI 131 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| MATH 204 | Calculus II (GM) | 4 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) 1 | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CIS 201 | Assembly Programming Language | 4 |
| CIS 221 | Programming II: C/C++ | 4 |
| General Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Biological/Physical Lab Science Elective (GL) 1 | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| CSI 132 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| CIS 214 | Programming II: Java | 4 |
| MATH 210 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) 1 | 3 | |
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Electives should be chosen based upon the requirements of the institution to which transfer is planned.
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)
Part-Time Progression Plan
The part-time progression plan for programs of study has been developed as a helpful example for students to guide their academic journey. This plan outlines a likely sequence of courses and milestones over three years to help students visualize their academic path. It is important to note that this progression plan is based solely on the core requirements outlined in the approved program of study and does not include any additional requirements. Each student’s experience may vary based on their specific interests, course availability, and academic history. Therefore, students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor.
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)
Part-Time General Education Electives
To earn an Associate degree, students must complete at least 60 college-level credits, including a required number of General Education (Gen Ed) credits:
- AA, AS, and AAT degrees require 28–36 General Education credits as part of the 60 total. This includes a minimum of:
- 6 credits of Arts/Humanities (GAH)
- 6 credits of Behavioral/Social Sciences (GB)
- 3 credits of English Composition (GE) - satisfied by ENG 101 English Composition (GE)
- 4 credits of Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
- 3 credits of Mathematics (GM)
- 3 credits of Biological/Physical Science (GS)
- AAS degrees require at least 18 General Education credits, including one course from each of the following categories: GAH, GB, GE, GL, and GM.
General Education courses must be selected from the college’s approved list and may be further specified by individual degree programs. Unless a General Education course is specifically required by a program, the elective General Education courses listed in the recommended sequence are intended as suggestions, not mandatory selections.
Recommended Part-Time Sequence
This course sequence is intended for students who are calculus-ready. Students who are not yet calculus-ready should consult with an academic advisor to determine the appropriate starting point and develop a suitable course plan.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| MATH 203 | Calculus I (GM) | 4 |
| CSI 130 | Introduction to Concepts in Computer Science | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSI 131 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| MATH 204 | Calculus II (GM) | 4 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Summer | ||
| Select an Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH): | 3 | |
| Ethics (GAH) | ||
| Credits | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CIS 221 | Programming II: C/C++ | 4 |
| CSI 132 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIS 201 | Assembly Programming Language | 4 |
| Select a Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB): | 3 | |
| Macroeconomics (GB) | ||
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Summer | ||
| CMST 210 | Group Communication and Leadership (GAH) | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CIS 214 | Programming II: Java | 4 |
| Select a Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB): | 3 | |
| History of Western Civilization I (GB) | ||
| General Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select a Biological/Physical Lab Science Elective (GL): | 4 | |
| Earth Science (GS) and Earth Science Laboratory (GL) |
||
Biological/Physical Lab Science (GL) |
||
| MATH 210 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Summer | ||
| Select a Biological/Physical Science Elective (GS): | 3 | |
| Introduction to Astronomy (GS) | ||
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Electives should be chosen based upon the requirements of the institution to which transfer is planned.