Associate in Science Degree in Computer Science
San Bruno, USA
Associate of Science
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
About: Associate in Science for Transfer (AS‑T) in Computer Science at Skyline College prepares students to transfer to the California State University (CSU) system. It covers programming, computer architecture, data structures and software engineering. Completing the AS‑T guarantees CSU admission, though not to a specific campus; students complete no more than 60 units after transfer. Classes run in person or online via Global Online Learning (GOL).
Career Outcomes: Entry-level roles include Quality Assurance and Systems Testing, Technical Support Specialist, Computer Support Technician, Helpdesk Specialist. Graduates can pursue junior developer, IT support or systems analyst roles in tech, biotech and business.
The Associate in Science in Computer Science for Transfer degree is intended for students interested in transferring to a California State University (CSU) campus with a major in Computer Science, or similar major. Additionally, the AS-T courses in Computer Science give students foundational experience in principles and practices in Computer Science and Programming that are appropriate preparation for a variety of scientific disciplines. The program prepares students in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) & Design (OOD), computer architecture, data structures, and software engineering.
Students completing an AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AS-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a Skyline College counselor for further information about university admissions and transfer requirements. A grade of "C" or better, or "Pass" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, is required for each course applied to the major. Some major course requirements may also be applied to meet general education requirements.
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.
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.
Core Courses
- Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: C++
- Introduction to Data Structures: C++
or
- Introduction to Data Structures: Java
- Computer Architecture and Assembly Language
- Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
- Physics with Calculus I
- Physics with Calculus II
Total Required Major Units: 30
General Education - Certified completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
Starting Fall 2025, the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) became the singular general education pathway for California Community College students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for transfer to both the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC).
Up to (7) major course units may be double counted to apply to meet general education requirements. This degree does not require the Skyline College Associate Degree requirements.
Elective courses: If applicable, additional courses to meet the minimum requirement of 60 CSU transferable units.
Please refer to Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) Requirements for more information.
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of math, science, and computer science and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve computer science problems.
- Collaborate, communicate effectively, and work well in situations that require teamwork.
- Develop a software and/or hardware design or system given a set of requirements, specifications and constraints.
Career opportunities exist in numerous businesses and industries. Typical entry-level positions include Quality Assurance and Systems Testing, Technical Support Specialist, Computer Support Technician, Helpdesk Specialist, and frequently involve working on project teams.