Oct 04, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, A.S.

Location(s): North Campus


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Degree & Certificate Programs

Degree: Associate in Science
HEGIS Code: 5101
Curriculum Code: 532.CSE

Liberal Arts Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations:  3 years NYS Regents Math or comparable, 1 year Science
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: a fourth year of Math, 2 years of Science (one of which is Physics)
Further Education/Career Opportunities: Transfer to Bachelor’s Degree Program; career opportunities include software engineer, software developer, computer programmer

Program Description

Computer science is the study of the computing process and the fundamental algorithms, structures and languages that underlie that process. There is an increasing need for experimental work, and the application of computing science to other fields is unlimited. It is this blend of theory and practice that makes computer science so exciting.

Programming is an indispensable tool in engineering, technology and many other scientific and technical fields. However, programming is a means to explore the processes of reasoning that are found between and among several different programming languages. Computer science also concentrates on areas such as artificial intelligence, graphics, distributed systems, robotics, machine vision, numerical analysis and applications of computing in other fields.

The Computer Science Program at SUNY Erie Community College provides the coursework necessary for the first two years of a four-year degree in Computer Science. The primary goal of the Computer Science curriculum is to prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions as third-year students in a computer science program.

To aid our students in attaining this goal, articulation/affiliation agreements are in place with Buffalo State College, Canisius University, Canton, Daemen, Empire State College and Niagara University. Students interested in transferring to the University of Buffalo will be advised using SUNY Transfer Paths. 

Computer science courses require a firm understanding of critical issues and concepts of computer science: problem analysis, data abstraction, algorithm development, program implementation, testing and validation, computer organization and basic system control. Other courses in the curriculum focus on skills needed for essential activities such as communicating, designing logical programs, working as a member of a project team and understanding potential areas of application. All computer science courses have both lecture and lab components. In computer labs, students analyze problems and then proceed to design, write and debug computer programs. The computer languages and methodology taught are those currently employed by practicing professionals. Studying computer science demands a substantial time commitment; therefore, students should be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time in the lab.

Admission Requirements

The Computer Science curriculum requires a strong math background. Three years of high school math (to include intermediate algebra and trigonometry) and one year of science are required for admission. A fourth year of math and two years of science, including physics are strongly recommended. Students should also be proficient in English language usage.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an Associate in Science degree in Computer Science, the graduate will be able to:

  • identify all the steps of the software system life cycle and perform problem analysis, the top-down step-wise refinement design process, coding and testing;
  • write, execute and debug programs in high-level languages, an assembly language and hybrid programs;
  • explain the concept of an abstract data type and design such data types for implementation in programs;
  • apply efficiency measures to algorithms and abstract data types and to interpret the results;
  • describe and explain the main components of a computer, their organization and functionality, as well as system control concepts, computer memory organization and management, addressing modes, internal representation of programs and data, assemblers and compilers; 
  • write technical documents with an emphasis on good composition and communication skills. This includes documentation that is internal to computer programs and external documentation such as user manuals and programmer manuals; and
  • apply appropriate mathematical procedures and quantitative methods.

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 63-64

First Year, Fall Semester


First Year, Spring Semester


Second Year, Fall Semester


Second Year, Spring Semester


  • Credit Hours: 4
  • Approved Elective Credit Hours: 3 or 4
  • SUNY Gen Ed: Natural Sciences Elective with Lab Credit Hours: 4**
  • SUNY Gen Ed: Social Sciences or US History and Civic Engagement or World History and Global Awareness Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Liberal Arts Elective Credit Hours: 3

Note:


This is a recommended sequence. Student should consult their academic adviser prior to registering.

*Any degree credit course from the Liberal Arts Division

**Two sequential science lecture courses with labs. Choose two sequential science lecture laboratory courses from one of the following groups: Group 1: Physics; take PH 270 and PH 271 & PH 272 and PH 273. Group 2: Physics; take PH 280 and PH 281 & PH 282 and PH 283. Group 3: Chemistry; take CH 180 and CH 181 & CH 182 and CH 183. Group 4: Biology: take BI 110 and BI 115 & BI 112 and BI 117.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Degree & Certificate Programs