Contact Information
Program Requirements
Typical Program
Degree/Certificate: Associate in Science
HEGIS Code: 5101
SUNY Code: 0532
Major Code: COMP
The Career
Computer Science is a rich and broad field, but ultimately is about employing the computational power of computers to solve problems. Computer scientists work on solving problems in industries ranging from business to medical to national defense and homeland security, entertainment and more. Teaching devices to make good decisions such as a car driving itself safely in rush hour traffic falls within the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI). ChatGPT utilizes AI to formulate detailed responses and articulate answers across many domains of knowledge. Facial recognition uses deep learning algorithms to verify an individual’s identity even when the face is partially obscured, turned slightly, or changed due to age.
The Computer Science program prepares students for a career in this field by building a solid foundation in software development and computer science theory. This field has a consistent and continuous growing demand for graduates. A Computer Science Associates degree provides a solid foundation with better preparation to succeed in your career goals versus more traditional pathways. Based upon data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, eight of the 30 fastest-growing careers are in computer science or computer science-related fields. Career choices include systems architect, systems software developer, applications programmer, computer engineer, operations research analyst, system/security administrator and database administrator.
The SUNY Niagara Approach
The Computer Science program prepares students for transfer to a four-year college or university. Our dual admissions and articulation agreements ensure that our graduates can successfully transfer and complete graduation requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics or Information Systems.
Students will have access to the college’s computer facilities. Each student will have access to individual computing devices during class. Computer labs are also available for students to complete work outside of class.
Admission
Students admitted in fall, spring and summer.
Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take more than four semesters of full-time study if a student begins this program in a spring semester.
Dual Admissions
SUNY at Buffalo
SUNY Buffalo State University
SUNY College at Brockport
SUNY College at Fredonia
Articulation Agreements
SUNY at Buffalo
SUNY Buffalo State University
SUNY College at Brockport
SUNY College/Empire State
SUNY College at Oneonta
Program Goals and Objectives
- To prepare students for transfer into a computer-related curriculum (Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Information Science or Management Information Systems) at a four-year institution
- To develop in students the ability to think critically, and to develop creative and systematic approaches to problem solving
- To assist students in meeting the SUNY General Education Requirements
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of all required courses, the student is able to:
- Design, implement, test, and debug programs that employ fundamental programming constructs
- Utilize the three basic principles of object-oriented design: encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism
- Work as a team member in a problem-solving situation
- Design, analyze and understand the relationship between digital components forming the building blocks of modern digital devices
- Design and implement efficient solutions utilizing appropriate algorithms and data structures
