Computer Programming

Certificate School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog

The Computer Science Certificate and Degree Programs are designed to provide students with skills in computer programming to enable graduates to gain employment as an entry-level programmer, and have the ability to transfer to a 4-year university. Courses will emphasize skills on how to organize a computer program, and how to program in several different languages such as Java, Python and C++. Hands-on project-based learning is utilized, incorporating industry and educational standards. Students will acquire skills and create a portfolio of projects that can be used for further advancement in the fields of Computer Technology and Information Systems, Engineering, Electricity-Electronics, Math, Computer Science and Ag Tech.

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the 16-18 unit program with a minimum grade of a "C" (or P) in each course in the certificate and maintains a 2.0 GPA.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

A. Synthesize a solution to a problem using Computer Science skills.

B. Describe the different layers of hardware and software that constitute a computer information system.

C. Create digital artifacts that include information technology, communication concepts, servers and clients, user interfaces, software systems, applications, utilities, web technology, IoT devices, and programming languages.

D. Collaborate in teams consisting of individuals with diverse backgrounds.

E. Analyze the impact and application of computers in business, government, and social organizations.

F. Analyze basic industry standards pertaining to Computer Programming.

G. Appraise career and research pathways as a Computer Programmer and best practices in habitsof-mind to reach these goals.

Program Requirements:

Program Core: (16-18 Units)

CourseTitleUnits
Second-Level Programming (Select 1 course)4
CPSC-25Advanced C++ Programming4
CPSC-39Programming Concepts and Methodology II4
First-Level Programming (Select 2 courses)6
CPSC-05AApplication Development and Programming3
CPSC-06Programming Concepts and Methodology I3
CPSC-14C++ Programming3
CPSC-22Web Application Development and Programming3
CTIS-02Programming Concepts and AI Driven Methodologies3
CTIS-04Programming with Python3
ELCT-34Digital Logic, Circuits, and Systems (Foundations of Electronics)3
Applied Programming (Select 6-8 units)6-8
CPSC-07Discrete Structures3
CPSC-20Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies for Engineers4
CPSC-21Programming and Problemsolving in MATLAB3
CPSC-42Computer Architecture and Organization3
DRON-10Drone Technology I3
DRON-11Drone Technology II3
ELCT-42APrinciples and Applications of Programmable Logic Controllers2
ELCT-42BAdvanced Topics in PLC Configuration and Programming2
Total Units16-18

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