Degree Overview: Associate of Computer Science and Networking Technology
Majors Overview August 27, 2013In this article, you will learn about the associate degree program in computer science and networking technology, as well as receive information on salary, career prospects, courses, and requirements to make an informed decision about your education.
Associate Degree Program in Computer Science
Computer science associate degree program is intended for students who want to further their education by transferring credits earned to a four-year bachelor degree program or those who want to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. Students will gain an understanding of computers, their parts, and how they work, along with general concepts in data structures, computer programming, and computer networking through computer lab work and classroom instruction. Some programs offer concentration areas, such as web technologies, software development, computer languages, or systems engineering and administration. To gain admission into an associate degree program, students are required to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
In an associate degree program in computer science, students will be required to complete a set of core coursework before any specialization options or elective courses may be taken. Program course topics can include the following:
•Discrete structures
•Computer networking
•Maintenance and design of databases
•Digital logic
•Calculus
•Functional language programming
•Information technology and management
Salary Information and Employment Outlook
Computer science associate degree program graduates will be prepared to work in different entry-level computer positions, such as computer support specialist. From 2010 to 2020, it is predicted that these professionals will see an employment growth of eighteen percent, which is as fast as the national average for job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In May 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that computer support specialists earned an annual average salary of approximately $48,000.
Information on Continuing Education
According to the BLS, a four-year bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum educational requirement that students must have in order to obtain a career in computer and network systems administration, computer software or hardware development, computer systems management, database administration, or web development. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science degree generally builds on the concepts introduced at the associate’s degree level. Programs might require cooperative work experience or an internship.
