GCU
PURPOSE
The associate degree in computer science is designed to provide students with the basic skills in computer networking, programming, and databases standard in information technology and software design industries.
This program prepares students for transfer upon graduation to four-year institutions to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science or a related field or enter the computer technology job market directly. The program emphasizes mathematically oriented computer applications. Employment opportunities for the application programmer, systems programmer, systems analyst, and software engineer positions have traditionally been reserved for graduates with a BS or BA in Computer Science. However, due to the rapid growth in computer technology, there are now many job opportunities for AS graduates. Typical entry-level positions include technical support specialist, network technician, database application specialist, and PC technician. An associate degree in computer science program may offer opportunities to gain practical experience.
OBJECTIVES
- basic knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the program's purpose,
- an ability to identify and analyze a problem and define the computing requirements applicable to its solution, and
- An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
COMPONENTS AND REQUIREMENTS
CURRICULUM
| Bible and Theology* (12 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BS101 A Survey of the Bible | 3 |
| BS230 Interpretation of the Bible | 3 |
| OT200 Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| NT200 Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| BT100 Christian Worldview | 3 |
| BT101 Jesus Christ in Global Society | 3 |
| NT310 The Parables of Jesus | 3 |
| OT206 Wisdom Literature | 3 |
| TH200 Systematic Theology | 3 |
| PT210 Foundations of the Church | 3 |
*AA program students must complete a minimum of 4 courses (12 credits) in Bible & Theology (ABHE standard).
General Education (29 credits)
All undergraduate students must complete 29 credit hours in general education courses. The General Education curriculum for the Associate of Arts in Computer Science degree requires one course in writing and communication, one course in fine arts/humanities, one in the behavioral/social sciences, five in math, and one in sciences.
| Writing and Communication (3 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGL101/102 English I/II | 3 each |
| Foreign Language (select Two language: 6 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| LAN101/102 Spanish I/II | 3 |
| LAN131/132 Chinese I/II | 3 |
| LAN141/142 Korean I/II | 6 |
| Fine Art/Humanities (3 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ART120 Western Art History | 3 |
| ART121 Theories of Design & Color | 3 |
| MUS105 Fundamentals of Music | 3 |
| MUS100 Music Appreciation | 3 |
| MUS351 Music & Worship | 3 |
| MUS106 University Chorus | 3 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences/Computer Literacy (3 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ECON101 Fundamental Economics | 3 |
| ECON201 Introduction to Microeconomics | 3 |
| BCOM101 Business Communication I | 3 |
| HIS140 History of America | 3 |
| HUM103 Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 |
| SOC102 Marriage and Family | 3 |
| SOC103 Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| SOC110 Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC146 Christianity and Economic Thoughts | 3 |
| PSY130 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| CIS230 Microsoft Excel | 3 |
| CIS232 Microsoft Access | 3 |
| CIS235 QuickBooks | 3 |
| CS221 Computer Networking | 3 |
| CIS231 Advanced Excel with Visual Basic for Applications | 3 |
| CIS371 Microsoft Word I | 3 |
| CIS339 Microsoft Outlook – Comprehensive Course | 3 |
| CS102 Internet, HTML and Web Design | 3 |
| Mathematics/ Statistics (17 Credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BMAT101 College Algebra | 3 |
| BMAT102 Calculus | 3 |
| BMAT204 Probability | 3 |
| MATH221 Discrete Mathematics (NEW) | 4 |
| MATH222 Applied Calculus (NEW) | 4 |
| Science (3 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| SCI101 Chemistry | 3 |
| SCI102 Biology | 3 |
| SCI103 Physics | 3 |
| SCI104 Bible and Science* | 3 |
Computer Science Core Courses (23 credits)
The major coursework requirements for the Associate of Arts degree in Computer Science are 23 semester hours in computer programming, networking, and database management.
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CIST101 Introduction to Business Computing | 3 |
| CS101 Introduction to Computer Science & Object-Oriented Programming (NEW) | 3 |
| CS102 Internet, HTML and Web Design (NEW) | 3 |
| CS121 Object-Oriented Programming I (NEW) | 4 |
| CS122 Object-Oriented Programming II (NEW) | 4 |
| CS221 Computer Networking (NEW) | 3 |
| CS222 Database Design & Application Development (NEW) | 3 |
| CS499 Internship | 3 |
Institutional Requirement (Chapel)
Students must take WS305 Institutional Requirement (chapel attendance/no credit) every semester enrolled until graduation. Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade for WS305 IR.
SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCING
| First Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| *BT100 Christian Worldview | 3 |
| BMAT101 College Algebra | 3 |
| ENGL101 English I | 3 |
| CS101 Introduction to Computer Science & Object-Oriented Programming (NEW) | 3 |
| IIST101 Introduction to Business Computing | 3 |
| Total 15 |
| Second Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Select One from Behavioral/Social Sciences/Computer Literacy | 3 |
| CS121 Object-Oriented Programming I (NEW) | 4 |
| *BT101 Jesus Christ in Global Society | 3 |
| *NT310 The Parables of Jesus | 3 |
| CS102 Internet, HTML and Web Design (NEW) | 3 |
| Total 16 |
| Third Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BMAT204 Probability | 3 |
| CS122 Object-Oriented Programming II (NEW) | 4 |
| MATH221 Discrete Mathematics (NEW) | 4 |
| CS499 Internship | 3 |
| Select One from Science | 3 |
| Total 17 |
| Fourth Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CS221 Computer Networking (NEW) | 3 |
| CS222 Database Design & Application Development (NEW) | 3 |
| MUS351 Music & Worship | 3 |
| MATH222 Applied Calculus | 4 |
| *BS101 A Survey of the Bible | 3 |
| CMS200 Service Learning | 1 |
| Total 17 |
Total Course Hours Required for Graduation 65
*Indicates all students at the Associate of Arts in Computer Science (AACS) must complete a minimum of 4 courses (12 credits) in Bible & Theology. Besides the recommended courses, students may select other courses (12 credits) in Bible & Theology.