Associate of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science
San Mateo, USA
Associate of Science
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 4,512 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for a 12-unit semester | 376 USD per unit | non-inclusive of miscellaneous fees
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
About: The Associate of Science degree in Computer and Information Science at College of San Mateo trains students on PC microcomputers in programming, data communications, applications development, network and end-user support, and hardware/systems support. You can study on campus near San Francisco and Silicon Valley or fully online via the Global Online Learning programme. The curriculum supports employment in computing or transfer to a baccalaureate institution.
Career Outcomes: Career opportunities include applied scientist, communications technician, maintenance technician, database specialist, LAN administrator, programmer, software engineer, systems analyst, test engineer, support and sales. Many enter IT roles or transfer to four-year degrees.
Students in the Computer and Information Science program at CSM are trained primarily on PC microcomputers and receive the finest training and experience available in areas such as programming, data communications, applications development, network support, end-user support, and hardware/systems support. This training is intended to lead to employment in the computing industry or transfer to a baccalaureate institution for continued study in the field and to provide advanced study for computing professionals.
In addition to in-person studies, most programs are available through the Global Online Learning (GOL) Program, which allows students to take classes fully online from their home countries.
Major Requirements
| Required Core Courses: 21 units | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CIS 255 | (CS1) Programming Methods: Java | 4 units |
| OR | ||
| CIS 278 | (CS1) Programming Methods: C++ | 4 units |
| CIS 256 | (CS2) Data Structures: Java | 4 units |
| OR | ||
| CIS 279 | (CS2) Data Structures: C++ | 4 units |
| MATH 251 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 units |
| MATH 252 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 units |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 units |
| Required Selective Courses: 4 units | Units |
|---|---|
| 4 or more units from CIS courses numbered 110 or higher | 4 units |
| Required Selective Courses: 6 or more units from the following courses: | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 253 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III | 5 units |
| MATH 268 | Discrete Mathematics | 4 units |
| MATH 270 | Linear Algebra | 3 units |
| MATH 275 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 units |
| PHYS 250 | Physics with Calculus I | 4 units |
Total Required Major Units: 31
And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.
Computer and Information Science offers extraordinary career opportunities to individuals who possess fluency in the English language, solid keyboarding skills, and a desire to work with computers on a daily basis. Career opportunities include applied scientist, communications technician, computer maintenance technician, computer operator, database specialist, documentation specialist, information specialist, Local Area Network (LAN) administrator, PC specialist, programmer, software engineer, software technician, systems analyst, systems test engineer, technician support representative, and as sales personnel skilled in marketing methods for computer systems. While some students secure employment following completion of the A.S. degree or Certificate program, many transfer to four-year universities to complete a Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Implement, test, and debug a medium-sized computer program that is stylistically and functionally correct, based on an object-oriented design model.
- Construct reliable, robust, object-oriented solutions to problems involving the storage, retrieval, and update of large quantities of data.
- Demonstrate proficiency in one or more computer programming languages.
- Communicate technical concepts both in writing and orally.
The San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley (SMCSV) offer more than 50 institutional scholarships each year, and all enrolled students are eligible to apply. Award amounts range from $300 to $7,000, helping make college more affordable. Students can also apply for external scholarships, such as the $1,000 Study in California Scholarship, to further support their educational journey.