A.S. in Computer Science
About the Career
Job opportunities are abundant for computer science majors with a bachelor's degree. COM's program allows students to complete the first two years and then transfer to a four-year university. This degree can lead to a number of career paths, such as software developer, computer programmer, software engineer, programmer/analyst and computer analyst, to name a few. Most computer professionals have a bachelor’s degree; however, some employers hire workers with an associate degree.
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Computer Programmer
As a computer programmer, you will design, code, test and maintain application software in various fields and industries, such as health care, gaming, education, government, robotics, insurance, productivity applications, finance and energy industries. You will usually work in small groups, sometimes alone, and will collaborate with different departments in the organization.
You might program applications for super computers or mobile devices – the possibilities are just about endless. Programming is very challenging and satisfying at the same time. If you like learning new things, you will have opportunities to learn different programming languages, used for different purposes.
Most employers hire programmers with bachelor’s degrees; some hire those with associate degrees. The median salary is $79,840.
(Salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Computer Programmers Occupational Outlook)
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Software Developer
As a software engineer (software developer or computer analyst), you will concentrate on software system design, implementation, testing and integration. Your work will cover the entire software lifecycle. You will work closely with other members of the organization and with customers to define requirements, construct and test the software, and deliver the completed system to production.
Software Developer's usually have bachelor’s degrees, and the median salary is $102,280. This field is growing much faster than average.
(Salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Software Developers Occupational Outlook)
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Computer Systems
Computer systems analysts examine a business or organization’s computer systems and create solutions to help it be more efficient. The field is rapidly growing, and they earn a median salary of $87,220.
(Salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Computer Systems Analyst Occupational Outlook)
About the Program
Students learn about computer architecture and how to program in two languages. These fundamentals provide a gateway to software applications development. There are three programming courses and one architecture course in the degree program. All programming courses are taught in both fall and spring semesters. The architecture course is taught each spring.
The Associate of Science in computer science transfers to a university, allowing students to begin their education in small, affordable classes with individual attention. We work closely with the nearby university to ensure transferability of our courses. This degree takes a total of 60 credit hours.
Financial Aid
Students may apply for COM scholarships, and eligible students may also receive federal financial aid and grants. Call 409-933-8274 to see if you qualify for financial aid. For scholarships, call 409-933-8508 or visit www.com.edu/scholarships.
How to Begin
Apply to COM at www.com.edu/apply. Submit necessary documentation including high school or college transcripts, proof of Texas residency and meningitis vaccination records if you are under 22.
Suggested Study Plan
Semester 1
| Course | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | 3 |
| American History | Select from Core Curriculum | 3 |
| COSC 1301 | Introduction to Computing | 3 |
| ARTS 2313 | Design Communications I | 3 |
| MATH 2413 | Calculus I | 4 |
Semester 2
| Course | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1302 or ENGL 2311 | Composition II or Technical Writing | 3 |
| American History | Select from Core Curriculum | 3 |
| SPCH 1315 or SPCH 1318 | Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COSC 1336 | Programming Fundamentals I | 3 |
| MATH 2414 | Calculus II | 4 |
Semester 3
| Course | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 2305 | Federal Government (Constitution and Topics) | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | Select from Core Curriculum | 3 |
| COSC 1337 | Programming Fundamentals II | 3 |
| PHYS 2425 | University Physics I | 4 |
| PHED 1164 | Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness | 1 |
Semester 4
| Course | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 2306 | Texas Government | 3 |
| COSC 2336 | Programming Fundamentals III | 3 |
| COSC 2425 | Computer Organization and Machine Language | 3 |
| PHYS 2426 | University Physics II | 4 |