EARN YOUR COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE AT SC!

Total Credit Hours: 124

Transfer Credits: Up to 94

Computer Science learners will take a hands-on approach to algorithms, data structures, software design, the concepts of computer programming. The program stresses software development through assignments covering the design and implementation of systems in modern programming languages to meet up-to-date computing and data needs of business, education, and industry.

Experience applied learning by employing programming skills in projects involving business or operational solutions
Program recently revamped and upgraded for Fall 2021
Discover more reasons to choose SC!

Recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report for its online bachelor’s degree programs, Southwestern College offers quality online degrees to adult learners. With courses taught by expert faculty and access to a variety of student resources, SC learners are provided with the tools and flexibility needed to succeed in their education while preparing for professional advancement.

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CAREER OUTLOOK

Projected Job Growth (BLS): 11%

Average Salary (PayScale): $85k

Graduates of the online computer science program at Southwestern College will be prepared for a variety of careers, including:

Computer systems analyst
Web developer
Network system administrator
Database administrator
Business intelligence analyst

FACULTY

Visit our faculty page to view current computer programming instructors.

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PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Students enrolled in the online computer programming program at Southwestern College can expect to:

Demonstrate an understanding of key computer programming concepts and generally accepted theories and practices.
Analyze, plan, develop and implement secure business programming solutions in data and user-oriented programming technologies.
Communicate the needs and impacts of a computational system to effectively lead, educate, and inform organizational stakeholders.
Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the ethical and social impacts of computational technologies and solutions.

RESOURCES

Article: Computer Science vs. Information Systems Management
Article: 5 Degrees with Career Versatility

RELATED PROGRAMS

Organizational Communication Certificate
Information Systems Management

COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM DETAILS

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school or have completed a GED®
Minimum GPA of 2.0

Core Major Requirements

MASC110: Statistics and Probability

This course acquaints learners with the tools and major components of statistics. Learners will apply technology to analyze data. The course also includes the foundational terminology and practices used in contemporary statistics, such as data collection, metrics, score interpretation, and experimental design. Additionally, this course will promote the skills that learners need to be able to take information from the world around them and use it to make sound decisions based on solid evidence.

CSCI322: SQL Fundamentals

Using SQL server, learners retrieve information from various relational databases. Beginning with simple queries that retrieve selected data from a single table, the course progresses to advanced queries that summarize data, combine it with data from other tables, and display the data in specialized ways.

CSCI324: Advanced SQL

Using modern database technologies, students learn advanced SQL queries, including database administration, security, and optimization. This course will also introduce non-relational databases and modern big-data applications. Prerequisite: CSCI322.

CSCI421: JAVA Programming Principles 1

This course presents Java object-oriented programming logic and fundamental techniques – from the basic concepts of primitive data types, operations, and control statements, to user defined methods, objects, classes, class inheritance and GUIs – to construct robust business solutions.

CSCI424: IT Project and Change Management

This course provides students with an expansive overview of project principles, processes, and practices in the Information Technology Industry. Students will learn techniques for planning, organizing, scheduling, controlling, prototyping, testing, and deploying projects to the enterprise. Students will obtain current and effective project management skills and competencies as it related to IT projects and industry best practices. Students will also learn the importance of project communications, managing project changes, and operational change management.

CSCI431: Java Programming Principles 2

The course progresses from programming business applications using arrays and strings, through advanced inheritance and composition, to handling exceptions and events. Advanced GUIs and graphics are presented, and recursion is introduced.
Prerequisite: CSCI421.

CSCI432: Visual Basic.Net Programming Essentials

This course covers the essentials of Visual Basic.Net applications programming within Microsoft’s Visual Studio.Net Integrated Development Environment. Students learn how to develop object-oriented programs, test and debug applications, produce active Windows controls, develop multi-form applications, enhance the graphic user interface, and manipulate dates and strings within the .Net platform.

CSCI434: Web Programming

In this course, students will learn the latest web development techniques implementing code using HTML, CSS, and browser-based scripting language. Topics include the structural elements, styling, and interactive web development in alignment with current standards and techniques.

SMGT341: Principles of Information Security

This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of information security management to prepare them to plan, implement, and maintain the information security function within an organization. Learners examine the technical components of information security and security planning, legal and ethical issues, and the impact of emerging issues surrounding information security. They explore various strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate information security risks within an organization. Learners are introduced to security technology, intrusion detection, cryptography, and physical security.

CSCI290: Computer Science Essentials

This course presents algorithms, data structures, secure coding, and software design. Learners will learn to analyze program requirements, construct, and analyze and algorithmic solution. Learners identify and implement data structures within a software application to create optimized code. Learners explore various facets of information security, particularly relating to coding practices.

CAPS495: Senior Capstone

Learners engage in two projects that assess their achievements and preparation for pursuit of professional aspirations in their major field. Through application and assessment, learners examine the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program, achievement of the program outcomes, and their preparation as followers and leaders in their chosen professional field.
Prerequisites: The capstone should take place within the last 9 hours of a learner’s program.

General Education Requirements*

Basic Skills

CORE110: Information Literacy

This course is designed to provide learners with the skills that are fundamental to becoming an information‐literate professional who can locate, evaluate, organize and communicate information. The abundance and rapid flow of data requires skill development in the understanding of information resources, accessing information sources, determining the credibility of Internet information, logically organizing sources and finally presenting the information professionally.

ENGL101: Composition 1

This course helps learners develop writing skills that are transferable to any academic or workplace writing task. The course guides learners through the process of planning, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading academic and workplace writing. Learners will develop skills necessary to craft coherent sentences and paragraphs, to edit editing their writing for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. They will learn about narrative structure and techniques as well as the elements of successful argumentation and persuasive discourse. This course also guides learners through every stage of the research process. Learners will develop a research plan, conduct research, organize and draft a research paper, and then revise, edit, and proofread that research paper.

ENGL102: Composition 2

This course builds on the thinking and writing skills introduced in Composition 1. Learners will write critical, argumentative essays based on their interpretations of nonfictional texts, including literary, film, and cultural texts, and in doing so, will recognize the role of rhetoric in the writing situation as they craft persuasive discourse. In doing so, they will learn methods of questioning, analyzing, and evaluating their own beliefs as well as the perceptions and perspectives of others. These methods of critical thinking are intended to improve the quality and organization of learners’ writing for any purpose, including academic and workplace purposes. In addition to writing essays, learners will develop more advanced research strategies, as well greater proficiency in APA style.
Prerequisite: ENGL101

COM125: Speech

This course helps learners majoring in any discipline strengthen communication skills essential for success in academics and the workplace. Learners will focus on listening, evaluating, and delivering spoken discourse based on audience and purpose. Learners will evaluate why some people are more effective than others as public speakers, analyze speeches and audiences, study ethical considerations for speakers, research and organize findings on a topic, and present findings before an audience, and learn techniques for identifying and reducing speech anxiety.

Ethical Reasoning

HUM201: Ethics

Ethics introduces learners to moral philosophy, the branch of philosophy that questions what is good and bad. The course surveys a number of important ethical theories—ethical relativism, objectivism, egoism, altruism, utilitarianism, duty‐based moral theory, natural law, natural rights, and virtue ethics—as they examine reasons why certain actions are morally right or wrong. Learners will apply ethical theories in the evaluation and analysis of current controversial issues, question ethical matters from a variety of angles, and acquire new tools to assist them in making ethically sound, well‐informed decisions throughout their lives.

Disciplinary Perspectives

Natural Science (3 or more credit hours)
Social Science (3 or more credit hours)
Humanities (3 or more credit hours)
The Arts (3 or more credit hours)
Other Cultures (3 or more credit hours)

Capstone

CAPS495 Senior Capstone

Senior capstone or major capstone course.

*Most general education requirements are waived for students with an AA, AS, or AAS degree. Speak to your admissions counselor for details.

Graduation Requirements

Complete all foundation and major courses with an overall GPA of 2.0
Complete a minimum of 124 credit hours, with at least 60 hours at a bachelor’s degree-granting institution
Complete at least 30 credit hours with a C average or above from Southwestern College

All degree requirements are subject to change. Please see Southwestern College Professional Studies Catalog for the most current degree requirements.

Computer Science