Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science - Applications and Development
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 in Computer Science – Applications and Development at College of San Mateo prepares you for entry-level programming roles. It emphasizes technical competence, teamwork, and covers software, application, web and database fundamentals. Study on campus in San Mateo, CA or fully online via Global Online Learning. Hands-on labs and transfer pathways support progression; 74% of students transfer to UC San Diego and other top US universities.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work on project teams. Typical career opportunities include programmer, database developer, web developer, quality assurance engineer, systems tester; roles in software engineering, application support, QA are common.
The Computer Science Applications and Development program prepares CSM graduates for entry-level programming positions with companies of all sizes. The program emphasis is on cultivating computer professionals who are technically competent and work well with others.
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: 18 units | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computer and Information Science | 3 units |
| CIS 151 | Computer Networking | 3 units |
| CIS 254 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Program Design | 4 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 |
| Required Selective Courses: Select 6-8 units from the following courses: | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CIS 255 * | (CS1) Programming Methods: Java | 4 units |
| CIS 256 * | (CS2) Data Structures: Java | 4 units |
| CIS 278 * | (CS1) Programming Methods: C++ | 4 units |
| CIS 279 * | (CS2) Data Structures: C++ | 4 units |
| CIS 121 | UNIX/Linux | 3 units |
| CIS 132 | Introduction to Databases | 3 units |
| CIS 133 | NoSQL Databases | 3 units |
| CIS 262 | Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science | 3 units |
| CIS 264 | Computer Organization and Systems Programming | 4 units |
| CIS 363 | Enterprise Database Management | 4 units |
| CIS 364 | From Data Warehousing to Big Data | 4 units |
| Required Selective Courses: Select 6-8 units from the following courses: | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CIS 113 | Ruby Programming | 4 units |
| CIS 114 | JavaScript/Ajax Programming | 4 units |
| CIS 117 | Python Programming | 4 units |
| CIS 127 | HTML5 and CSS | 3 units |
| CIS 128 | Mobile Web App Development | 4 units |
| CIS 129 | Frameworks/Server-Side JavaScript | 3 units |
| CIS 135 | Android Programming | 4 units |
| CIS 137 | iOS/Swift Programming | 4 units |
| CIS 138 | Internet of Things | 3 units |
| CIS 380 | PHP Programming | 3 units |
* if not used above
Total Required Major Units: 30 - 34
And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.
Career opportunities exist in numerous businesses and industries. Typical entry-level positions include programmer, database developer, Web developer, front-end developer, quality assurance and systems testing, and frequently involve working on project teams.
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Create and debug code for given specifications and write appropriate documentation.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of one or more computer programming languages.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using data analysis and data management tools.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using one or more internet programming languages to design and implement a web-based program.
- Communicate effectively orally, in writing, and in media.
- Work collaboratively and ethically in teams on projects.
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.
We are pleased to share that College of San Mateo has recently been ranked #11 nationally for its Computer Science program, and #1 in the Bay Area. For more information, please visit the institutes website


