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.
Employment Information
According to the 2016-2017 Occupational Outlook Handbook, computer systems analysts often study computer science or computer information systems. Overall, employment in the Information Technology (IT) field is projected to increase 21% by 2024. Job prospects should be best for those with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. Demand for computer software engineers will increase as computer networking continues to grow. For example, expanding Internet technologies have spurred demand for computer software engineers who can develop Internet, intranet, and World Wide Web applications. Likewise, electronic data-processing systems in business, telecommunications, healthcare, government, and other settings continue to become more sophisticated and complex. Implementing, safeguarding, and updating computer systems and resolving problems will fuel the demand for growing numbers of systems software engineers.
In addition, information security concerns have given rise to new software needs. Concerns over cyber security should result in the continued investment in software that protects computer networks and electronic infrastructure. The expansion of this technology over the next 10 years will lead to an increased need for software engineers to design and develop secure applications and systems, and to integrate them into older systems.
Diversity Requirement
To satisfy the diversity requirement: Associate degree students must complete one 3-credit diversity course (D). It is recommended that students select one of the 3-credit (GB), (GAH), (GI) course electives from those that also appear on the approved list of diversity course graduation requirements.
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)