Computer Science A.S.

Build the future

Understand how computers function and technology talks

Discover the ins and outs of how computers work with this hands-on A.S. degree from the College of Lake County. Learn the languages that power computer programming. Use these sophisticated machines to perform the essential functions of today and solve the cutting-edge problems of tomorrow. Build a strong foundation that prepares you to transfer to a 4-year school for advanced study in areas like information technology, cybersecurity and more.

What can you do with an A.S. in Computer Science?

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Computer Science prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or related fields, which prepares you for these careers.

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Transfer Degree

Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.
Program Length: 2 Years

Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $67,182
  
  Median
  
  $116,598
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $182,048
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.29
  
  Median
  
  $56.05
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.52
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.55%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  72.73%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  22.73%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $67,182
  
  Median
  
  $116,598
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $182,048
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.29
  
  Median
  
  $56.05
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.52
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  90%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,181
  
  Median
  
  $144,654
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $224,882
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.60
  
  Median
  
  $69.54
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $108.11
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  8.35%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  36.22%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  22.51%
  
  Doctorate
  
  32.92%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $108,913
  
  Median
  
  $176,682
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $312,731
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52.36
  
  Median
  
  $84.94
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $150.34
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  1.26%
  
  Certificate
  
  5.77%
  
  Some college
  
  25.96%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.16%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50.48%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.36%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,181
  
  Median
  
  $109,955
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $181,719
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.72
  
  Median
  
  $52.85
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.36
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  6.9%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  48.28%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  37.93%
  
  Doctorate
  
  6.9%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $98,654
  
  Median
  
  $145,811
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $200,318
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $47.43
  
  Median
  
  $70.10
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $96.30
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  5%
  
  Certificate
  
  15%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  15%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  60%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $49,318
  
  Median
  
  $71,092
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $119,550
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.70
  
  Median
  
  $34.18
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57.47
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.23%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.16%
  
  Some college
  
  13.63%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  21.68%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  48.77%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.53%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
MCS 141	MCS 141 Computer Science I Class Description The first in a sequence of courses for majors in Computer Science, this course introduces a disciplined approach to problem-solving, algorithm development and data abstraction. The course covers: branching, repetition and sequence control structures; object-oriented program design, testing and documentation using good programming style; and arrays, records, and files. NOTE: Pre-engineering students should enroll in MCS 140. Students should not take both MCS 140 and MCS 141.	4	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
MTH 145	MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I Class Description This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.	5	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MCS 141
Course Title	MCS 141 Computer Science I Class Description The first in a sequence of courses for majors in Computer Science, this course introduces a disciplined approach to problem-solving, algorithm development and data abstraction. The course covers: branching, repetition and sequence control structures; object-oriented program design, testing and documentation using good programming style; and arrays, records, and files. NOTE: Pre-engineering students should enroll in MCS 140. Students should not take both MCS 140 and MCS 141.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 145
Course Title	MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I Class Description This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
Credits	5
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
MCS 142	MCS 142 Computer Science II Class Description This course is designed to fulfill the requirements established by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for the CS2 course. Using the Java computer language this course presents such topics as string processing, internal searching and sorting, recursion and data structures such as stacks, queues, linked lists, trees and graphs. NOTE: Extensive time commitment required in computer lab. Proficiency in a programming language is also recommended.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
MTH 146	MTH 146 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II Class Description This course is a continuation of MTH 145. Techniques of integration, applications of integration, differential equations, parametric equations, polar coordinates and infinite sequences and series will be covered. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.	4	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 122	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
PHI 125	PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics Class Description In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.	3	Global citizenship Online/Virtual options available
ECO 221	ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics Class Description This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MCS 142
Course Title	MCS 142 Computer Science II Class Description This course is designed to fulfill the requirements established by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for the CS2 course. Using the Java computer language this course presents such topics as string processing, internal searching and sorting, recursion and data structures such as stacks, queues, linked lists, trees and graphs. NOTE: Extensive time commitment required in computer lab. Proficiency in a programming language is also recommended.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 146
Course Title	MTH 146 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II Class Description This course is a continuation of MTH 145. Techniques of integration, applications of integration, differential equations, parametric equations, polar coordinates and infinite sequences and series will be covered. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 122
Course Title	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHI 125
Course Title	PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics Class Description In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
Credits	3
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECO 221
Course Title	ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics Class Description This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose ENG 126 instead of ENG 122. Students can choose HUM 127 or other Humanities courses instead of PHI 125. Students can also choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of ECO 221.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
MTH 244	MTH 244 Discrete Mathematics Class Description Introduction to the mathematical analysis of finite collections and to the mathematical foundations of sequential machines, computer system design, data structures and algorithms. Topics include, but are not restricted to sets, counting, recursion, graph theory, trees, networks, Boolean algebras, automata, and formal grammars and languages. This course is a beginning course in the mathematics of computer science. NOTE: Specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
PHY 123	PHY 123 Physics for Science and Engineering I Class Description This is the first course in a three semester sequence designed for students in engineering, physics, mathematics and chemistry. Fundamental concepts of mechanics are developed through lecture, demonstration and laboratory experience. NOTE: MTH 146 is strongly recommended as a corequisite for this course and is a prerequisite for PHY 124 if you are planning to enroll in Physics for Science and Engineering II.	5	Credit for prior learning available
BIO 120	BIO 120 Environmental Biology Class Description This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.	4	Credit for prior learning available
CMM 121	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 244
Course Title	MTH 244 Discrete Mathematics Class Description Introduction to the mathematical analysis of finite collections and to the mathematical foundations of sequential machines, computer system design, data structures and algorithms. Topics include, but are not restricted to sets, counting, recursion, graph theory, trees, networks, Boolean algebras, automata, and formal grammars and languages. This course is a beginning course in the mathematics of computer science. NOTE: Specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHY 123
Course Title	PHY 123 Physics for Science and Engineering I Class Description This is the first course in a three semester sequence designed for students in engineering, physics, mathematics and chemistry. Fundamental concepts of mechanics are developed through lecture, demonstration and laboratory experience. NOTE: MTH 146 is strongly recommended as a corequisite for this course and is a prerequisite for PHY 124 if you are planning to enroll in Physics for Science and Engineering II.
Credits	5
Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 120
Course Title	BIO 120 Environmental Biology Class Description This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 121
Course Title	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other Life Sciences courses instead of BIO 125.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
MCS 240	MCS 240 Computer Organization and Architecture Class Description This course is designed to fulfill the requirements established by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for its Computer Organization and Architecture course. Topics include computer structure, machine language, assembly language principles, addressing techniques, macros, program segmentation and linkage. Extensive time commitment required in computer lab.	3	Online/Virtual options available
MTH 142	MTH 142 General Education Statistics Class Description This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
HUM 121	HUM 121 Humanities: Ancient Times to the Middle Ages Class Description This interdisciplinary course introduces students to art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, myth, music, and dance of western (Europe; North, Latin, and South America) and non-western (Asia, Africa, India) civilizations from ancient period to the end of the 14th century. NOTE: HUM 121 is not a prerequisite for HUM 122. Thus, students can take HUM 122 without taking HUM 121.	3	Credit for prior learning available Global citizenship Online/Virtual options available
CHM 121	CHM 121 General Chemistry I Class Description This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.	5	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available
PSY 121	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MCS 240
Course Title	MCS 240 Computer Organization and Architecture Class Description This course is designed to fulfill the requirements established by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for its Computer Organization and Architecture course. Topics include computer structure, machine language, assembly language principles, addressing techniques, macros, program segmentation and linkage. Extensive time commitment required in computer lab.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 142
Course Title	MTH 142 General Education Statistics Class Description This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUM 121
Course Title	HUM 121 Humanities: Ancient Times to the Middle Ages Class Description This interdisciplinary course introduces students to art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, myth, music, and dance of western (Europe; North, Latin, and South America) and non-western (Asia, Africa, India) civilizations from ancient period to the end of the 14th century. NOTE: HUM 121 is not a prerequisite for HUM 122. Thus, students can take HUM 122 without taking HUM 121.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CHM 121
Course Title	CHM 121 General Chemistry I Class Description This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
Credits	5
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 121
Course Title	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of MTH 142, other Fine Arts courses instead of HUM 121, other Physical Sciences courses instead of CHM 121 and other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of PSY 121.

Total Credit Hours

62

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Computer Science at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

You get a rigorous computer science education at a fraction of the cost of other institutions. Our small class sizes make your studies more personal and allow you to interact with your instructors, building relationships that can be beneficial for years to come.
You develop and hone these in-demand skills:
- data analysis
- software development
- coding in popular programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++)
- technical writing
- problem-solving techniques
- effective communication
- efficiency and time management
- teamwork
- keen eye for details
Yes—well, mostly. The courses in this program are offered in an online format. Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
Yes. There’s a distinct advantage to earning your associate degree—a 30% advantage. The Brookings Institution reports that employees with associate degrees earn 30% more on average than those with high school diplomas. Over a lifetime, the earnings of an associate degree recipient are roughly $170,000 higher than those of a high school graduate.
Yes! Researchers have looked at how community college students fare after transferring. The biggest marker for success? Finishing your associate degree before transferring. In fact, those students seem to do better at the 4-year than students who started at the 4-year.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.

The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.

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Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.

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What can you do with an A.S. in Computer Science?

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Transfer Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Business Intelligence Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Clinical Data Managers

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Top entry-level education

Computer and Information Research Scientists

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Top entry-level education

Computer and Information Systems Managers

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Top entry-level education

Computer Hardware Engineers

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Top entry-level education

Computer Network Architects

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Top entry-level education

Computer Network Support Specialists

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Top entry-level education

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 16 Credits

Semester 3 15 Credits

Semester 4 17 Credits

Total Credit Hours

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Computer Science at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

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