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Computer Science

Individuals with associate degrees in computer science are ready to work in multiple positions as part of an information technology team in nearly any industry. Job responsibilities include:

  • managing computer servers and network equipment
  • installing applications
  • applying operating system updates
  • managing databases
  • ensuring all computer services run smoothly
  • programming

Stackable certificates help working adults reach their associate degree, which is also transferable toward a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

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Career Opportunities

  • Network Specialist
  • Computer Technician
  • Software Engineer
  • Developer
  • Programmer

A few top JWCC transfer schools

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Suggested Pathway for Computer Science (AA)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
CSC 106 Introduction to Computers Details 3
An introductory course in which students learn basic terminology, equipment, history, various software including operating system and application software, and the impact of the computer in society. Includes "hands-on" experience. Satisfies JWCC computer literacy requirement. (Same as AGR 175)
Prerequisites: (none)
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
PHL 111 Introduction to Critical Thinking Details 3
A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements is included. IAI: H4 906
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 113 College Algebra Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. Topics include advanced factoring of higher order polynomials; solving quadratic inequalities; advanced topics in relations, functions and their graphs; zeroes and graphs of polynomial and rational functions; and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901R
Prerequisites: Completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
MAT 114 Trigonometry Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. It is the study and analysis of the sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent function; show these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving the sides and angles of triangles; and how these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving cyclic patterns, some that vary with time. Topics include definitions, properties and manipulation of trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometric functions; analytic trigonometry; trigonometric form of complex numbers; and polar coordinates, equations and graphs.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
BIO 101 General Biology Details 4
An introductory biology course that covers a breadth of biological concepts including biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, the structure and function of organisms, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and the importance of life science to society. In the laboratory setting, emphasis will be placed on utilizing the scientific process to arrive at evidence-based conclusions. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
CSC 112 Computer-Based Problem Solving Details 3
An introduction to problem-solving strategies and methodologies. Programming logic, looping, branching, and arrays are explained through the use of flow charts and pseudo code.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
Third Semester Details
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 102 Music Appreciation Details 3
A non technical course designed for the non music major, to develop within the listener an appreciation for music. Includes brief historical background of music and the leading composers of various periods. IAI: F1 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of the principal ethical theories and concepts of human conduct and character, as well as a critical evaluation of these theories and concepts as they apply to particular moral problems and decisions. IAI: H4 904
Prerequisites: (none)
CSC 183 Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Details 3
This course is designed to provide students with the background necessary to understand the basic fundamentals of network and cybersecurity. Through hands-on labs, the student will introduce and demonstrate application of cybersecurity terminology, threat management, endpoint security, device security, cryptography, network security/defense, Cloud and virtualization security, enterprise security, and risk management issues. This course is designed to prepare students for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Certification Exam.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Details 4
A course designed to introduce the concepts of derivative and integral to the student interested in pursuing degrees related to engineering, science or mathematics. Specific topics include functions and graphs; slopes and rates of change; limit theory and continuous functions; formal differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; and applications of integration. IAI: M1 900-1, MTH 901.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 and MAT 114 with grades of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
Fourth Semester Details
HIS 101 Western Civilization I Details 3
A survey of political, social and economic history of the Western world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures beginning with a study of the early Middle Eastern civilizations of Mesopotamia and progressing through the civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Europe of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation. IAI: S2 902.
Prerequisites: (none)
CSC 274 Language Survey (Java) Details 3
This course will guide students in developing applications and applets using the Java programming language. Students will also build visually interesting GUI and Web-based applications and learn the basics of structured and object-oriented programming techniques.
Prerequisites: CSC 112 with a grade of "C" or above or consent of department
PHY 103 Fundamentals of Physics I Details 4
General survey of various aspects of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, modern physics optics, and relativity. (Will not transfer for engineering or physics major.) 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: P1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 113; MAT 114 is highly recommended and may be taken concurrently; high school physics
CSC 152 Computer Hardware Essentials Details 3
This course is designed to improve the student's understanding of computer hardware and peripherals. The student shall gain an ability to determine the source of elementary equipment problems and the ability to isolate problems relating to software and hardware. Through hands-on labs, the student will obtain and demonstrate knowledge of installation, configuration and repair. 2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Details 3
This course is an introduction to sociology as a way of understanding the world and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, social control and deviance, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and the sociological imagination. IAI: S7 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.