2024-2025 Student Catalog 
    
    Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Student Catalog

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Computer Science, A.S.



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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

Program Requirements (COMP)


  1. A total of at least 63-credit hours with a minimum curriculum grade-point average of 2.0. Academic Foundations courses do not count toward the degree.
  2. Computer/Information Science: A minimum of 23-credit hours to include:
     
     
     
     
     
     ___  ___   Computer Science (CPS) or Computer Information Systems (CIS) elective  (CPS or CIS course must have a number of 200 or higher) OR
    MAT 255 - Linear Algebra  
  3. Natural Science & Scientific Reasoning - General Education, Lab-Based Science Sequence: A minimum of 8-credit hours to include:
    General Biology Sequence
    BIO 109 - General Biology I  
    BIO 109L - General Biology I Lab  
    BIO 110 - General Biology II  
    BIO 110L - General Biology II Lab  
    OR
    General  Chemistry Sequence
    CHE 111L - General Chemistry I Lab  
    CHE 113L - General Chemistry II Lab  
    CHE 120 - General Chemistry I  
    CHE 121 - General Chemistry II  
    OR
    General Physics Sequence
    PHY 131 - General Physics I  
    PHY 131L - General Physics I Lab  
    PHY 132 - General Physics II  
    PHY 132L - General Physics II Lab  
    OR
    Calculus-Based Physics Sequence
    PHY 171 - Calculus-Based Physics and Mechanics  
    PHY 171L - Calculus-Based Physics and Mechanics Lab  
    PHY 172  -  Calculus-Based Physics II  
    PHY 172L - Calculus Based Physics II Lab  
  4. Communication - Written: A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
      *
      OR
    ENG 103 - Writing for STEM  
  5. Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning- General Education: A minimum of 12-credit hours to include:
     
       
      
  6. Communication - Oral: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    SPE 101 - Speech Communication  OR
    SPE 102 - Public Speaking   OR
    SPE 103 - Interpersonal Communication  
  7. General Education: A minimum of 3-credit hours to be selected from one category:
    Social Science (SOCS)  
    US History & Civic Engagement (USCV) 
    World History & Global Awareness (GLBL) 
    World Language (WLNG)  
  8. The Arts & Humanities - General Education elective: A minimum of 3-credit hours to be selected from:
    ___  ___ - Arts & Humanities General Education  approved elective that satisfies both areas
  9. Diversity: Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (DVRS) General Education  elective: A minimum of 3-credit hours
  10. Health/Physical Education: A minimum of 2-credit hours.

Typical Program


Total Credit Hours: 17


Second Semester


Total Credit Hours: 16


Total Credit Hours: 16


Fourth Semester


Total Credit Hours: 14


Note:


* Dependent upon the fulfillment of Academic Foundations requirements.

Scholarship Opportunities


There are several scholarships available to SUNY Niagara students. Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship webpage at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships. The SUNY Niagara Foundation/Scholarship Office is located within the Foundation Office, A-265 or by phone (716) 614-5910.

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