Computer Science, Associate of Science

Get an Exciting Job in the Tech Industry

Are you good in math and science and want to know how computer systems work? Have you ever wondered how computers store data or how artificial intelligence helps find Internet information faster or makes games better or how computers have changed society? Would you like to learn how to write your own programs and applications?

San Jacinto College’s Associate of Science (AS) in Computer Science may be the right program for you! It is designed to prepare graduates for transfer to universities to complete computer information system or computer science bachelor’s degrees.

Students also may seek an occupational certificate, certificate of technology, or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Application Programming.

Other computer-related areas of study include Website Applications Development, Desktop Support and Microsoft Networking, Cisco Networking, and Information Technology Security.

Some of the programming courses will be accepted for transfer to certain schools, but students should check with an educational planner for more details on course transferability.

Career Opportunities

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture & Engineering
• Database Management Systems
• Graphics Systems
• Human-Computer Interaction 
• Operating Systems & Networking
• Programming Systems
• Scientific Computing
• Security

Earning Potential

Software developer (applications) - $108,408¹

Software developer (systems software) - $102,435¹

Database administrator - $92,250¹

Computer hardware engineer - $109,604¹

Computer systems analyst - $98,678¹

Web developer - $74,533¹

Information security analyst - $101,382¹

Computer programmer - $89,024¹

Computer and information systems managers - $150,352¹

The Associate of Science (AS) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year or upper-level college or university and major in mathematics, one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, physics, biotechnology, or related field), engineering, or computer science. For more information, students may refer to the Core Curriculum and Field of Study sections of the catalog. The AS degree differs from an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in the amount or level of mathematics and science required for degree completion. The College requires a minimum of 12 hours of mathematics, 12 hours in science, or 12 hours in computer sciences beyond the core requirement for the degree. Please note the Field of Study AS degree options contain state-required courses recommended for the degree.

Students seeking an AS degree should take science courses designed for majors rather than courses for non-majors. Science courses designed for allied health students are not intended for academic transfer toward a science major.

Students choosing to pursue an AS degree should select from the following areas of study: life science, physical science, computer science, engineering, or mathematics. Courses designed for non-majors (BIOL 1308 Biology for Non-Science Majors I (lecture)/BIOL 1108 Biology for Non-Science Majors I (lab), BIOL 1309 Biology for Non-Science Majors II (lecture)/BIOL 1109 Biology for Non-Science Majors II (lab),  CHEM 1305 Introductory Chemistry I (lecture)/CHEM 1105 Introductory Chemistry I (lab), and GEOL 1301 Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lecture)/GEOL 1101 Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lab) do not apply to an AS degree. The College recommends these courses for the AA degrees.

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Other courses that may be used in this component may include any Core Curriculum course that has not been used to fulfill a previous component.

If a student successfully completes San Jacinto College’s 42-hour Core Curriculum, that block of courses must be substituted for the receiving institution’s core curriculum. The receiving institution may not require a student to take additional Core Curriculum courses to meet the requirements of the core. Students who transfer without completing the Core Curriculum shall receive academic credit in the core curriculum of the receiving institution for each of the courses the student has successfully completed in the San Jacinto College Core Curriculum.

Students should plan Core Curriculum courses that would meet baccalaureate degree requirements at the four-year institution.

If you do not see your transfer school, please follow the Plan of Study. For more information, contact an Admissions Advisor. Please speak to an advisor at San Jacinto College and the transfer institution to ensure this Transfer Plan is accurate and complete.

Computer Science