Computer Science A.S.

School: Mathematics, Science and Engineering
Academic Dept: Computer Science
HEGIS: 5101

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description

Westchester Community College offers an A.S. degree in Computer Science, which enables graduates to transfer to four-year SUNY and private colleges and universities to earn a bachelor’s degree with two additional years of study.

Computer Science deals with the technical aspects of computing including the hardware components of the computer and the fundamental theories and algorithms of programming. Courses involve programming in different languages such as C++ and Java, data structures, and computer architecture and design. Some courses include a lab component.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate the ability to analyze and solve problems using software engineering development processes and object-oriented design principles.
Demonstrate the ability to create computer software applications by following analysis and design requirements.
Demonstrate the ability to define and design the internal structures of a computer.
Demonstrate competency and broad foundational knowledge in the general education curriculum as required by Westchester Community College.

Program Requirements

61 credits are required for the degree:

General Education - 31 credits
Required Degree Courses - 30 credits

General Education Requirements - 31 Credits

Communication - Written and Oral (3 credits): ENG 101 Writing and Research
Humanities (3 credits): ENG 102 Writing and Literature
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) (8 credits): MATH 181 - Calculus 1 and MATH 191 - Calculus 2
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) (8 credits): Two-course sequence. Choose from
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice AND US History and Civic Engagement (3 credits): Choose from ANTHR 120 - Native People of North America , HIS 110 - U.S. History Colonial-1800 , HIS 111 - 19th Century U.S. History , HIS 112 - 20th Century United States History , HIS 133 - African American History to 1865 OR HIS 134 - African American History from 1865 to Present
Social Sciences (3 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
The Arts OR World Languages (3 credits): choose from either category, The Arts or World Languages

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all general education courses .

Required Degree Courses - 30 credits

COMSC 101 - Computer Programming 1
COMSC 110 - Computer Programming 2
COMSC 201 - Data Structures
COMSC 207 - Java Programming
COMSC 210 - Discrete Structures for Computer Science
COMSC 217 - Computer Architecture
Computer Science Electives (6): select TWO of the following

Program Map

The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

Semester 1

Course	Credits
COMSC 101 - Computer Programming 1	4
ENG 101 Writing and Research	3
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Sequence, Part 1	4
Social Sciences Gen. Ed. Course	3
Semester Total Credits	14

Semester 2

Course	Credits
COMSC 110 - Computer Programming 2	4
COMSC 217 - Computer Architecture	4
MATH 181 - Calculus 1	4
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Sequence, Part 2	4
Semester Total Credits	16

Semester 3

Course	Credits
Computer Science Elective	3
COMSC 210 - Discrete Structures for Computer Science	4
Diversity: Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice AND US History and Civic Engagement Gen. Ed. Course from the following: ANTHR 120 - Native People of North America , HIS 110 - U.S. History Colonial-1800 , HIS 111 - 19th Century U.S. History , HIS 112 - 20th Century United States History , HIS 133 - African American History to 1865 OR HIS 134 - African American History from 1865 to Present	3
MATH 191 - Calculus 2	4
The Arts Gen. Ed. Course OR World Languages Gen. Ed. Course	3
Semester Total Credits	17

Semester 4

Course	Credits
Computer Science Elective	3
COMSC 201 - Data Structures	4
COMSC 207 - Java Programming	4
ENG 102 Writing and Literature	3
Semester Total Credits	14

Minimum Total Credits: 61

Transfer Opportunities

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

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