A.S. Degree: Computer Science
Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Associate's Degree in two years. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). The plan includes four semesters, each with an average course load of 15 units, and follows the Plan 1 General Education pattern. You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.
The associate degree curriculum in computer science leads to entry-level employment in computer science, engineering and
other areas where high aptitude in computer programming is recognized. The program prepares students for careers as engineering aides, scientific computing technicians and junior programmers. The program also prepares students to transfer to a university with a major in Computer Science.
Students will know how to use computer science software.
Program Map
GE
General Education Course
M
Major Course
E
Elective Course
SI
Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.
Getting Started
Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.
First Semester
16.5 units
CMPR 100
Computer, AI, & Society
An introduction to the area of computers with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, and their relationship to today's information society. Examines a broad overview of topics including hardware, software, networking, information technology, AI, and the Internet. The student will explore the implications and effect of technology/AIon society, careers, and ethics.
CMPR 120
Introduction to Programming
This introduction C++ programming course is project-oriented. Students will learn the C++ programming language and syntax for solving problems, and utilize MS Visual Studio IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to edit, compile, test, debug code and deploy computer programs. The course emphasizes computer science concepts: data types, mathematical operations, I/O (input/output) operations, conditions, iterations, and functions. In addition, software design principles, practices, and utilizing structured methodologies will be covered.
- Prerequisite: Completion of intermediate algebra or higher or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics based on multiple measures.
ENGL C1000
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Formerly: ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This course includes embedded support.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This is an honors course. Formerly: ENGL 101H - Honors Freshman Composition.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Formerly: ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition.
Laboratory exercises are designed to explore and understand the reading process, the writing process, grammar and punctuation rules in order to successfully complete English C1000. This class must be taken concurrently with an English C100 course.
CHOICE: SAC GE Area 3A or 3B – Arts & Humanities
CHOICE: SAC GE Area 7A – Lifelong Understanding
Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories. A student will not receive credit for this course if they have already taken Psychology 157. Formerly: CDEV 107 - Child Growth and Development (DS1)
This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. (No credit if a student has taken Psychology 157) (Same as CDEV 107)
Integrates concepts of lifelong understanding pertaining to career choice, educational planning, and self inventory. Skills, values, and interest assessments are utilized. Emphasis is on applying psychological principles to values clarification, goal setting, and decision making. Students analyze social/cultural conditioning and explore successful strategies for living in a diverse society.
This course is designed to assist students in successfully establishing and achieving their education, career, and life goals. Students are guided through a reflective process that focuses on values, interests, personality, skills, and learning styles. Career and educational options are researched, and students are exposed to college resources and support services. Decision-making models and goal-setting techniques are examined and will be used to develop short and long term education, and career and life plans.
Analysis of the concepts related to learning and self-development as a lifelong process. Examination of human motivation from psychological, social, and physiological perspectives. An evaluation of the roles of values, ideals, and principle centered leadership in achieving balance in life.
This introductory course will examine the fundamental concepts of effective leadership through reading, discussion, research, and inventories for self -awareness and assessment. The course will prepare students to understand the importance of leadership in careers, communities, and society in general and to assume responsibilities of leadership roles in college and community settings.
The study of issues facing communities and ways individuals can become involved in solving community problems. Introduces the study of communities in theory and practice: forces shaping past and present communities and issues defining contemporary communities. This course will facilitate the understanding of human beings as integrated physiological, psychological, and social entities within the context of communities and the process of change.
Discover how the entrepreneurial mindset teaches life skills that can make you more successful now and at every stage of your life. Examine how that mindset affects the social, psychological, and physiological impact of those life skills. Learn the basics of how to start a business and learn how to think like an entrepreneur.
This course will examine the interrelatedness of socio-psychological, economic, and political/religious influences on dress. Cross-cultural analysis and interpretation of Western and non-Western clothing behavior. Apparel selection is based on historical perspective, culture, and fashion trends. The fashion professional uses this information to better design, produce, and select products to meet the needs of a culturally diverse consuming population.
An interdisciplinary review of the biological, historical, social, and psychological influences on human sexuality across the lifespan. This course will more closely focus on the gender spectrum, anatomy, sexual orientations, attraction, love, reproduction, conception, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, sexual coercion, and overall sexual health.
This course is designed to teach students basic college-level research skills for effective use of traditional and electronic library resources. Instruction includes print and non-print information sources such as reference books, scholarly material, online subscription databases, and the Internet.
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts, ethical considerations, and practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life, education, and the workplace. INFO 105 emphasizes critical thinking, digital literacy, and responsible information use in AI-powered environments. Students will explore topics such as generative AI tools, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the impact of AI on research, creativity, and decision-making, as well as the ethical concerns and ramifications of the field. Through hands-on activities and discussions, students will develop the skills to evaluate, interact with, and use AI technologies responsibly and effectively.
A comprehensive look at factors that impact people's health, longevity and lifetime wellness designed for honors students. Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility for personal health and the promotion of informed, positive health behaviors. Topics include nutrition, exercise, weight control, mental health, stress management, violence, substance abuse, reproductive health, disease prevention, aging, healthcare, and environmental hazards and safety.
A comprehensive look at factors that impact people's health, longevity and lifetime wellness designed for honors students. Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility for personal health and the promotion of informed, positive health behaviors. Topics include nutrition, exercise, weight control, mental health, stress management, violence, substance abuse, reproductive health, disease prevention, aging, healthcare, and environmental hazards and safety.
An investigation into traditional and holistic health topics with a special emphasis on women's issues, considering all aspects and concepts of social and political influences, nutrition and fitness, relationships, sexuality, reproductive issues, and careers. Through analysis of these topics, students apply methods to healthy lifestyle choices.
Examines the societal, economic, cultural, and gender influences that shape men’s health beliefs and practices. Explores specific health issues unique to men such as accessing health care, healthy relationships, domestic abuse, prostate cancer, and alcohol use. Critically examines literature and media to identify interventions within a masculinity framework to improve men's health outcomes. Identification of positive outcomes of healthy men at home, work, and in society.
An applied nutrition course to improve the nutrition and health of active individuals. The course will focus on lifestyle, disease prevention, fitness, weight control, and the basic concepts of good nutrition.
This course examines productive and nonproductive stress and the influence of various types of stress on health and wellness. Topics include the physiological aspects of stress and its effects on health, assessments of personal coping style, strategies for coping effectively with stress, relaxation techniques, mindful awareness, and positive self-talk. Emphasis is placed on practical application of stress management techniques in daily life.
An academic and practical examination of the psychological aspects of sport concentrating on the scientifically proven methods of enhancing athletic performance through psychological training.
This course examines all aspects of sports administration including the management process, organization of interscholastic and intercollegiate sports, human resources, fiscal issues, legal liability, and public relations. The course is intended for students interested in a career in physical education, coaching, fitness, and sports administration.
Covers the concept of math anxiety - what causes it and how to overcome it. Includes review and practice of basic math skills.
This course examines the biological basis of human nutrition through the integration of biology, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology. Using the scientific method, students analyze how nutrients are digested, absorbed, and metabolized, and evaluate the effects of deficiencies and excesses across the lifecycle. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis testing, evidence-based reasoning, and the interdependency of the sciences to explain nutrition’s role in health and disease. Topics include dietary standards, nutrient metabolism, food selection, physical activity, biotechnology, and issues of equity in food access.
This course examines the biological basis of human nutrition through the integration of biology, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology. Using the scientific method, students analyze how nutrients are digested, absorbed, and metabolized, and evaluate the effects of deficiencies and excesses across the lifecycle. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis testing, evidence-based reasoning, and the interdependency of the sciences to explain nutrition’s role in health and disease. Topics include dietary standards, nutrient metabolism, food selection, physical activity, biotechnology, and issues of equity in food access. For honors students, the course provides a critical exploration of the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms that underlie nutrition and disease, with a focus on experimental design, biological inquiry, and application of core concepts in the life sciences to human health.
This course examines the regional, ethnic, cultural, religious, historical, and social influences on food patterns, cuisines, and health, exploring how food serves as an expression of cultural diversity and identity. Students analyze traditional foods of diverse geographic regions, investigate global food issues, and evaluate the nutritional consequences of ethnic food choices, sanitation, and safety practices.
Beginning course in formal and applied logic. Covers cognitive language, formal argument, proof, basic propositional and predicate logic, and philosophy of logic. Emphasizes active student involvement and practical application to college life.
Examines psychological and related biological and social changes that occur in adulthood and old age and how these changes vary with ethnicity, gender and social class. Topics include longevity, health, successful aging, intimate and family relationships and mental disorders of adulthood. Designed to help students understand their own and others' aging and to familiarize them with issues in the field of gerontology.
Introduction to human development from a psychological perspective. Explores human development from conception through death, including biological and environmental influences. Theories and research of physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are examined from classical and contemporary perspectives. Attention will also be given to both normative and non-normative development.
An overview of human sexuality through a psychological lens with additional focus on biological, sociocultural, and historical perspectives and influences. Topics to be explored will include, but will not be limited to, the following: sexual anatomy and physiological arousal; sexual attitudes and values; sexual behaviors, dysfunction, disorders and treatments; relationships and communication; interconnections to cultural identities (e.g., race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, etc.); sexual violence; contraception and pregnancy; and sexually transmitted infections and prevention. Current sex norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment will also be discussed. (No credit if a student has taken IDS 155).
Introduction to psychoanalytic, behavioristic, cognitive, humanistic and existential theories of personality as they relate to dealing effectively with the changing demands of everyday life. Covers personal growth, self-concept, stress and coping, personal goals and motivation, and interpersonal relationships in relation to culture, gender, ethnicity, historical cohort, and socio-economic status. Includes exercises for increasing self-awareness, identifying personals goals, and for building skills for effective living and well-being.
In-depth examination of the process of developing intimate relationships leading to committed partnerships and marriages with emphasis on effective communication techniques, understanding relationship dynamics, parenting, diverse family systems and overcoming family stressors at each life stage.
This course provides effective success strategies to enhance student self-development, academic, and lifelong learning skills for the college student. The techniques include values, goal-setting, dealing with money, stress management, diversity, motivation, health, and time-management. Students learn personal growth methods and develop strategies to effectively deal with issues to ensure personal, educational, and career success.
To maximize your Promise Program benefits and support your academic, career, and personal development goals, consider taking CNSL 100 or CNSL 116.
Second Semester
16.5 units
CMPR 121
Programming Concepts
This intermediate C++ programming course is project-oriented. Students will get reinforced with advanced C++ techniques to solve more complex problems. The course highlights the computer science object-oriented (OOP) paradigm: design and practices class encapsulation, and advanced class constructors/destructor, overloading class member operators, inheritance and polymorphism, Standard Template Library (STL), including strings, sequence containers, iterators, and algorithms. In addition, pointers/references and memory management, recursion and exception topics will be covered.
- Prerequisite: CMPR 120
CMPR 112 or CMPR 205 or CMPR 213
This is an introduction Java programming course. Students will learn the Java programming language and syntax for solving problems, and utilize an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing Java applications, and Java virtual machine (JVM) to execute Java programs. The course emphasizes computer science concepts: data types, mathematical operations, I/O (input/output) operations, conditions, iterations, and functions. In addition, software design principles, practices, and utilizing structured methodologies will be covered.
Advanced programming for those seeking to further develop their skills using Visual Basic programming language. Course will cover the advanced features of the Visual Basic programming language, data structures, and advanced programming techniques available with Visual Basic.
- Prerequisite: CMPR 105
Students will learn C# object-oriented programming for databases, desktop programming, debugging, and error handling. Topics include .NET environment, inheritance, Polymorphism, and writing graphical user interfaces.
MATH 140 or MATH C2210
Survey of advanced topics in algebra: equations, inequalities and functions involving polynomials, rationals, exponentials, and logarithms with applications and graphing; sequences and series.
Survey of advanced topics in algebra: equations, inequalities and functions involving polynomials, rationals, exponentials, and logarithms with applications and graphing; sequences and series. Course includes just-in-time review of topics from arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and/or other topics as necessary. Intended for students who did not directly place into Math 140 or for students who would like to supplement their learning with prerequisite skills needed for College Algebra.
A first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable. Topics include limits and continuity of functions, techniques and applications of differentiation, an introduction to integration, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. This course is primarily intended for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors. Limits and continuity, derivatives and integrals of algebraic, trigonometric, and other transcendental functions. Applications including extrema tests, related rates, and areas. Formerly: MATH 180 - Single Variable Calculus I.
A first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable. Topics include limits and continuity of functions, techniques and applications of differentiation, an introduction to integration, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. This course is primarily intended for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors. Limits and continuity, derivatives and integrals of algebraic, trigonometric, and other transcendental functions. Applications including extrema tests, related rates, and areas. Formerly: MATH 180 - Single Variable Calculus I.
A review of Algebra and Trigonometry topics needed to be successful in Calculus. Intended to be taken concurrently with Calculus 1 (Math 180) to supplement student learning with prerequisite skills.
CHOICE: SAC GE Area 1B - Oral Communication & Critical Thinking
This course provides a foundational introduction to communication studies. Students will explore key communication theories, effective public speaking techniques—both informative and persuasive— and the principles of rhetoric. The course equips students to articulate ideas clearly across diverse contexts and audiences. Students will critically evaluate historical and contemporary speeches while practicing ethical communication to enhance awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A general view of the sociological, psychological, and communication patterns of various cultural groups. Special emphasis on the methods, skills, and techniques necessary for effective intercultural, cross cultural, and interracial communication. Stresses the development of analytical thinking, speaking, and writing skills.
Enriched for honors students. In-depth, seminar format examination of sociological, psychological, and communication patterns of various cultural groups. Methods, skills, and techniques for effective intercultural and interracial communication. Focuses on analytical thinking, speaking, and writing skills.
Experiencing literature through reading and oral interpretation of prose, poetry and drama. Theory and practice in the art and technique of exploring, illuminating and orally presenting the logical, emotional, and aesthetic meanings of creative literature, and of effective delivery.
This course provides students with a foundational understanding of argumentation, debate concepts, and theories essential for constructing, analyzing, and evaluating arguments across various contexts and public speaking settings. Students will explore key principles such as Aristotle’s proofs of ethos, pathos, and logos, as well as audience analysis, ethics in argumentation, and critical listening. Additionally, the course emphasizes effective verbal and nonverbal communication strategies for practical argumentation. Students will also learn to assess the strength of evidence and apply logical reasoning to develop and present compelling arguments before live audiences.
Focuses on effective small group presenting and communication. Explores the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking for successfully communicating informative and persuasive messages within the small group context. Introduces students to the theories, techniques, and methods of small group communication. Develops speaking, participation, and leadership skills of effective communicators within the small group setting. Provides applied practice through faculty supervised and evaluated oral group presentations delivered to a live audience, through group activities, and through project group work. Involves
weekly outside of class team meetings.
This course examines the theoretical foundations of communication in organizational settings. Students will explore key models, concepts, and theories of organizational communication, analyze communication dynamics within different organizational structures, and develop an understanding of the role communication plays in organizational culture, leadership, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Students focus on the theoretical perspectives such as systems theory, social information processing theory, and the communication ecology approach.
In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. Formerly: CMST 102 - Public Speaking.
In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience, and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This is an honors course. Formerly: CMST 102H - Honors Public Speaking.
This course covers theory, research, and application of ethical one-to-one communication practices in various and diverse interpersonal relationships, including in personal, professional, and social situations. Formerly: CMST 101 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication.
This course covers theory, research, and application of ethical one-to-one communication practices in various and diverse interpersonal relationships including in personal, professional, and social situations. This is an honors course. Formerly: CMST 101H - Honors Introduction to Interpersonal Communication.
The nature of critical thinking, models, and strategies; common fallacies of reasoning, self-regulation in the thinking process; application of critical thinking to complex issues of life.
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 College Reading and Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. Formerly: ENGL 103 - Critical Thinking and Writing.
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 College Reading and Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. This is an honors course. Formerly: ENGL 103H - Honors Critical Thinking and Writing.
In this course, students receive instruction in analytical, critical, and argumentative writing. Students develop critical thinking, close reading and literary analysis skills, research strategies, information literacy, and knowledge of accurate documentation through the study of diverse literary works from a variety of literary genres, developing an appreciation for literature. This second-semester composition course uses literature to develop critical thinking skills with extensive readings selected from the four major genres. Formerly: ENGL 102 - Literature and Composition.
In this course, students receive instruction in analytical, critical, and argumentative writing. Students develop critical thinking, close reading and literary analysis skills, research strategies, information literacy, and knowledge of accurate documentation through the study of diverse literary works from a variety of literary genres, developing an appreciation for literature. This is an honors course. An enriched approach designed for honors students. This second-semester composition course uses literature to develop critical thinking skills with extensive readings selected from the four major genres. Formerly: ENGL 102H - Honors Literature and Composition.
College-level critical thinking and writing. Promotes self-awareness, independent thinking, and improved academic expression. Examines philosophical methods of reasoning and composition, and the uses of informal logic and criticism in personal life, college, work, and democratic society.
An enriched approach designed for honors students in a seminar setting. College-level critical thinking and writing. Promotes self-awareness, independent thinking, and improved academic expression. Examines philosophical methods of reasoning and composition, and the uses of informal logic and criticism in personal life, college, work, and democratic society.
Beginning course in formal and applied logic. Covers cognitive language, formal argument, proof, basic propositional and predicate logic, and philosophy of logic. Emphasizes active student involvement and practical application to college life.
CHOICE: Elective
Third Semester
16 units
CMPR 129
Introduction to Computer Organization
This course presents the organization and structure of computers at hardware and software levels: analysis and synthesis of combinatorial and sequential logic, data representation and manipulation, language structures and translation, and process administration and management.
- Prerequisite: CMPR 120
- Recommended Preparation: CMPR 121
CMPR 131
Data Structures Concepts
This advanced C++ Programming course is project-oriented. Students will apply experience, techniques and algorithms from previous intermediate courses, including Application of Data Structure (ADTs) and object-oriented programming to solve more advanced/complex problems. The course emphasizes data structures: dynamic arrays using vectors or pointers, linked lists (singly, doubly, and circular), stacks, a last-in-first-out (LIFO) type of arrangement), queues, a first-in-first-out (FIFO) type of arrangement, trees, heaps and graphs.
- Prerequisite: CMPR 121
CHOICE: SAC GE Area 4A or 4B - Social & Behavioral Sciences
CHOICE: SAC GE Area 5 – Natural Sciences
CHOICE: Elective
Fourth Semester
13 units
CHOICE: Computer Science Elective
CHOICE: Computer Science Elective
CHOICE: SAC GE Area 6 - Ethnic Studies
CHOICE: SAC GE Area 7B – Lifelong Understanding – Activity
CHOICE: Elective