Computer Science

Associate in Science
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,592*

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/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Transfer Degree

    Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

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  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

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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 inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.


Icon Key

  • 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
    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
    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
    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
    • 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
      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
      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
      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
      Course Highlights

  • 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    • 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
      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
      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
      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
      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
      Course Highlights

  • 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
    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
    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
    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
    • 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
      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
      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
      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
      Course Highlights

  • 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
    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 Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
         		3
    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
    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
    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
    • 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
      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 Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
      Credits 3
      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
      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
      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
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

62

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


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Computer Science at CLC

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