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In today’s world, computer science training is more important than ever before. With the rise of technological advancements and the increasing reliance on computers in both our personal and professional lives, it’s essential that we have a good understanding of how they work.
Luckily, community colleges are stepping up to provide affordable and accessible computer science programs to help meet this demand. The opportunities are endless for future computer science graduates.
What is Computer Science?
CS involves the maintenance and operation of complicated computer systems.
CS knowledge is needed across the whole economy in retailing, banking, manufacturing, agricultural service, education, government, and computer technology manufacturing.
Every school provides different program requirements or expectations. Some are on quarter systems, while others are on a semester system schedule.
Some schools have different elective courses that are associated with subjects like math, technology, health, etc.
Different CS Concentrations
The nature of CS is complex and encompasses a wide number of industries and topics.
CS majors can engage in designing software, technical support, computer programming, mathematics, management, and even business.
Related Reading: Community College for Business Majors
Computer Science Course Curriculum
Computer Programming and Science curriculum focuses on designing, developing, maintaining, and implementing software programming languages for computer systems.
Students will complete courses that directly pertain to the CS workforce while taking classes to fulfill the department’s general education requirements.
What are computer information systems?
Computer Information Systems degrees apply practical knowledge and methods in computer information technology to meet the digital information needs of organizations. Applications include software programming & cyber security.
Is computer information systems computer science?
A CS course emphasizes the theory and mathematics of technology, while a Computer Information Science degree emphasizes some technology applications, including building apps, providing security, or designing games.
Transfer to Computer Science Program
These courses provide students with the first two years of a four-year computer science degree and prepare them to enter an associate degree in computing sciences.
TCC offers courses covering the first 2 years of a 4-year college computer science program (college-level courses) or courses for the training necessary for collegiate computers.
Certificates & Degrees
At the two-year community college level, schools are allowed to provide associate’s degrees or other professional certificates for computer science.
Universities offer four-year degree programs and attract computer science students interested in a bachelor’s degree.
Associates Degree in Computer Science
An Associates Degree in CS trains students to provide organizations and individuals with technology-based solutions to various problems.
Related: Associate Degrees: Credits Needed & Time to Completion
On this degree track, students will learn how to leverage their business, engineering, and mathematics skills to improve organizations’ operations, secure information, and enhance their product services and support systems.
Bachelor’s Degree in CS
More often than not, students majoring in computer science are interested in working in the industry for their careers.
As such, it is beneficial for these students to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science to ensure they are competitive amongst other applicants in the workforce.
Bachelor’s degrees are better than an associate’s degree because it is becoming commonplace for prospective employees to have advanced degrees.
Related: 6 Impacted Majors at UCLA you Should Know About | 2023
Related: Majors at UC Merced: Exploring the Different Offerings
Find out Degree Requirements
Schedule a meeting with the institution’s program department to inquire how many classes you will have to take to obtain either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree.
Computer Science Community College Programs
Throughout the United States, various institutions have extended CS programs that support students obtaining a degree.
Whether it is a community college preparing the student with an associate’s degree or a student interested in transferring to acquire a bachelor’s degree, the end goal is to become a computer science graduate.
Portland Community College (PCC) Computer Science
PCC’s computer science transfer pathway is designed for students who want to complete their general education requirements at PCC before transferring to a four-year institution.
Students prone to CS programs have a solid foundation in programming, engineering, management, or mathematics and can utilize these skills in various career opportunities.
Computer Science Program Coursework
The pathway includes a set of courses that will prepare you for upper-division coursework in computer science.
Courses in the transfer pathway program include:
- Introduction to Computer Science I & II
- Calculus I
- Discrete Mathematics
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Senior Project in Computer Science
- General Engineering
In addition to completing the required courses, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and earn a C- or above in all courses within the program.
Applying to Portland Community College Computer Science Program
To apply to the computer science transfer pathway program, students must submit an online application through PCC’s website.
The application requires students to provide information about their educational history and background and answer several essay questions.
Once the application is submitted, a PCC faculty member will review it and determine whether or not the student is eligible for admission into the program.
Declaring Computer Science as a Major
When you declare a CS major, you must ensure you can meet not only the program transfer requirements but the minimum career skills for successfully completing your major.
Related: 5 Questions You Must Consider Before Changing Majors
Speak with an Advisor
If you have specific questions or concerns regarding the PCC CS program, reach out to your academic advisor to inquire about the minimum requirements for admission into the school.
You can also contact the program head to inquire about how to pay for the program and the different financial aid programs available.
Other forms of information can come from the program department chair or consider interacting with local CS organizations or programmers to solicit career advice or speak with an advisor at the transfer institution you are interested in.
Conclusion
Community colleges play an important role in providing access to higher education for all students, regardless of their background or financial situation.
CS programs at community colleges are typically more affordable than those at four-year institutions. They often have open admissions policies, making them a great option for those who want to get started on their career without incurring large amounts of debt.
Students who complete these programs often pursue careers in software engineering, web development, network administration, and more—which is essential in today’s ever-changing landscape of technology.
California Transfer Support Network (CTSN)
Take control of your education and reach out to our organization for support in your transfer journey. California Transfer Support Network (CTSN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports California Community College transfer students with a demonstrated interest in transferring.
Contact Us to receive a free evaluation of transcripts, resumes, or college applications.
Donate to our organization and receive a tax-deductible receipt.