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Associate of Science in Computer Science Overview

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Overview

Why an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is an American university degree consisting of roughly 20 courses in a chosen field of study, which is typically completed in two years. Many students at American universities choose to begin their academic career with an associate degree for a number of reasons:

 

(1) After completing an associate degree, there’re almost no formalities involved with continuing one’s studies toward a bachelor’s degree  

(2) Obtaining an associate degree gives students a tool for career-advancement while still studying, as well as an advantage in searching for a job

(3) Research shows that dividing one’s goals into shorter, more manageable tasks greatly increases an individual’s ability to achieve defined goals

(4) The majority of Northampton University (USA) scholarship funds are allocated to students working for an associate degree.

 

The Associate of Science in Business Administration program is built on a strong industry foundation and provides a broad understanding of business and business fundamentals.

 

Associate of Science in Computer Science

The Associate of Science in Computer Science online degree program is built on a technical base and enables students to explore the field from a range of perspectives.

 

Students will gain a fundamental understanding of:

(1) Mathematical and scientific principles underlying computing and information technology

(2) How to apply strategies for effective design and computing systems

(3) Methods and Tools to analyze technical problems

(4) Develop critical thinking skills in computer ethics

The online computer science associate program introduces students to the IT industry, grounds them in the techniques of computing, and equips them for continued study towards a Bachelor of Science Degree.

 

It’s important to note that each student will be connected with a personal Program Advisor at the commencement of their studies, who will remain with them until graduation. The student’s personal Program Advisor acts as his/her support system throughout their studies. The personal Program Advisor will be happy to answer any questions the student may have, offer academic advice, discuss course selection, and offer encouragement throughout the student’s studies.

    Associate of Science in Computer Science Technology Requirements

    ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

    Technology Requirements

    To complete a degree program at Northampton University (USA) , students will need to have consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. If students are working on a computer that is not their personal computer and are unable to save documents, it’s important also to obtain an external drive. Because there are no mandatory video materials for Northampton University (USA) courses, this drive can be a simple USB drive. 

    Most of the learning materials that students will be dealing with in their Northampton University (USA) courses are compatible with Adobe PDF or Microsoft Office. Our learning platform, Moodle, can be accessed by the latest versions of IE, Safari, Opera and Chrome, but we recommend that students use the latest version of Mozilla Firefox. Note also that although working through a mobile device is not recommended, it is an option. There is no need to purchase software to study at Northampton University (USA) . 

    Students do not need to purchase Microsoft Office. Office 365, a subscription service offering Microsoft Office suite software – and so much more – is given to all Northampton University (USA) students without additional cost.

    Note that whatever system students choose to use, all files shared with course Instructors and classmates must be saved in either Microsoft-compatible formats or PDF format.

    Associate of Science in Computer Science Careers

    ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

    Careers

    As technology continues to evolve and impact the job market, students with a degree in Computer Science are increasingly desired by employers for many different positions. If you have a passion for technology and computers, pursuing your Associate Degree in Computer Science will give you a new set of tools and qualify you for an exciting career as a computer programmer, database administrator, software engineer, information technology specialist, network system administrator and more.

    Your two-year course of study will teach you the fundamentals of programming, database design, and network fundamentals – readying you for a wide range of entry-level employment opportunities with businesses large and small. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, individuals with an Associate Degree earn an average of 20% more per week than those with only a high school diploma.

    Businesses of all kinds from a wide range of industries are increasingly in need of tech-savvy self-starters to develop and manage their databases and analyze their data – making degree holders in the field of Computer Science an asset.

    So get ready to turn your passion into a profession and open yourself up to exciting, new opportunities in the field of computer science.

    Associate of Science in Computer Science Curriculum

    ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

    Curriculum

    Individual courses are the building blocks of each degree program. Course requirements are structured to ensure that student study encompasses a broad range of topics and approaches, with an appropriate balance maintained among the three curricular components that comprise a liberal arts education: General Education, The Major, and Electives. The three components are described below:

     

    General Education

    Students pursuing an Associate of Science degree must complete the following 9 courses to fulfill the
    General Education requirements.

     

    Major Courses Required

    Course Code Course Name Prerequisites Credits
    MATH 1201
    College Algebra
    None 3
    MATH 1280
    Introduction to Statistics
    None 3
    CS 1101
    Programming Fundamentals
    None 3
    CS 1102
    Programming 1
    CS 1101 3
    CS 1103
    Programming 2
    CS 1102 3
    CS 1104
    Computer Systems
    CS 1103 3
    CS 2203
    Databases 1
    CS 1102 3
    CS 2204
    Communications and Networking
    CS 1104 3
    CS 2205
    Web Programming 1 (proctored course)
    CS 1103 3
    CS 2301
    Operating Systems 1 (proctored course)
    CS 1103 3
    CS 2401
    Software Engineering 1
    CS 1103 3

    Other Electives

    Students pursuing an Associate of Science degree may choose additional elective
    courses beyond those specified in the General Education requirements, and/or select introductory
    courses in other majors and/or take additional courses in a student’s major that may not be required
    for the degree.

    Associate of Science in Computer Science Program Requirements

    ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

    Program Requirements

    The Associate of Science requires the completion of at least 60 semester credits, including general education courses and all courses listed for the course requirements in the major.

     

    • Complete a minimum of 60 approved credits
    • Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 in all coursework attempted at Northampton University (USA)
    • Earn an overall grade point average of at least 2.00 in all courses taken in the major area of study
    • Complete all requirements for the Associate’s Degree in no more than 25 terms of active enrollment excluding any periods of separation from the University
    • Complete the 5 required proctored exams 

     

    Northampton University (USA) has five terms in its academic year, each ten weeks in length. Students must complete all requirements for the Associate’s Degree in no more than 25 terms of active enrollment.

     

    Grading Policies and Practices

    The University insures that students are issued grades in a timely fashion and that grades are determined in a manner that is accurate, fair, and consistently applied in accord with established standards. At the conclusion of each term of study, students may check their grades in their unofficial academic record in the Student Portal.

    Since the unofficial academic record is a permanent record of a student’s academic performance, including course selections, grades, and credits earned toward a degree, it must be correct at all times. Students who believe an error has been made on their academic records should be in contact with the Office of Academic Affairs at academic.affairs@northampton.ac.

    Students are encouraged to speak to their Course Instructors if they wish further clarification of their grades, would like to discuss their assessments, or are considering requesting a grade change. Students with further complaints regarding alleged unfair or improper grading at Northampton University (USA) and who are unable to reach a resolution with their Course Instructor may request a Grade Appeal form from the Office of Academic Affairs.