Computer Science

Program Description

Graduates of the Computer Science Associate in Science degree will have the skills required for entry level software development. This degree combines both CTE & Transfer outcomes and integrates entry level skills for software development with curriculum in secure coding, hacking techniques, automation of security operations, and DevOps. This Computer Science degree infuses Computer Science competencies with Cybersecurity competencies and is aligned with curriculum guidance from governing bodies such as the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). The curriculum is mapped to the nationally defined Knowledge Units (KU) and articulates into four-year programs in both Computer Science and Cybersecurity. The curriculum includes instruction in the fundamentals of problem solving and analysis, programming, data structures, and architecture. Additional requirements include Calculus, Physics and Discrete Mathematics. This program takes a contextualized approach to the CS major through the choice of language, C++, and the approach to curriculum subjects. It aims to develop skills in the design and implementation of software that operates correctly at extreme scale. It equips the graduate to select strategies and develop programs that solve complex problems within appropriate constraints such as time, connectivity, processing, or storage limitations.

This degree program may require additional semesters depending on chosen electives. The optional restricted electives prepare Computer Science graduates to enter specific software development workforce sectors and earn a corresponding salary premium. The Cybersecurity courses are part of state approved A.S. Degree and Certificate of Achievement programs and have been demonstrated to confer desirable workforce skills which command higher compensation when combined with the Computer Science software development skill set.

This program also prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges for further study in Computer Science or Cybersecurity, as well as related areas such as Computer Engineering. Students who are interested in transferring after completion of the two-year degree program should consult with the departmental faculty chair, read the “Transfer Information” section of the college catalog, and discuss their plans with their program advisor or counselor. If you wish to substitute one class for another because of specific requirements of the transfer institution you will attend, consult with a counselor. Four-year universities may have additional or different course requirements for completion of lower division courses. The website transfer.assist.org can provide additional information about applicable courses for transfer.

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AS degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include entry-level positions as Application Software Developers (SOC 15-1132), Computer Systems Analysts (SOC 15-1121), Systems Software Developers (SOC 15-1133), Information Security Analysts (SOC 15-1122), and Network and Computer Systems Administrators (SOC 15-1142). Additional career opportunities include entry-level jobs in the fields of software development, cybersecurity (secure software development), DevOps – the use of software to automate operations, blockchain services and mobile applications, high performance computing, data science, and artificial intelligence.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Select the appropriate design and implementation to solve a problem within given constraints
2. Analyze computer architecture to formulate estimates of performance
3. Explain the fundamentals of problem solving and analysis
4. Analyze software design and/or implementation and make suggestions to improve security.
5. Design and Implement software to automate security operations.