Today's computer-driven world calls for software analysts, designers, and developers. With your Associate of Science (AS) in Computer Science, you're on the path to filling this demand. With coursework emphasizing the design and development of computer software, this online degree program can help you gain a solid foundation in problem-solving using technology and algorithmic thinking. Throughout the program, you'll learn applied programming skills using Python, Java, and C++. You'll also use design and testing tools including Netbeans and Eclipse to support all aspects of the software development life cycle. To prepare you for work on a development team, the program also teaches you how agile project management works.

Learn how to:

- Analyze complex computing problems and use computing principles to solve them

- Design, implement and evaluate computing-based solutions to meet a given set of computing requirements

- Communicate professionally and effectively in a variety of situations

- Apply computer science theory and software development to create computing-based solutions

The associate in computer science curriculum was developed by experts in the computer science industry whose years of experience are embedded into each course. With a heavy focus on experiential and applied learning, this program will allow you to work on real-world problems while developing a digital portfolio of artifacts. Upon graduating, your portfolio can give you a way to demonstrate the technical skills you have gained to potential employers.

You'll work on honing your programming techniques and mathematical computation and quantitative reasoning skills in major courses such as:

- Programming Languages. Using best practices and several programming languages, you'll develop programs that comply with industry regulations. You'll learn the importance of developing code that focuses not only on functionality but also on security and efficiency.

- Data Structures and Algorithms: Analysis and Design. Learn how to develop code and use non-coding development methodologies in algorithmic design and problem-solving. You'll use advanced algorithmic designs to evaluate complex data structures. - Software Development Lifecycle. Explore the stages of the software development lifecycle. Taking on the perspective of developers and testers, you'll examine the characteristics, documentation, and purpose of each stage.

- Operating Platforms. Develop a deeper understanding of operating platforms and architectures by analyzing and evaluating their characteristics, advantages, and weaknesses. You'll learn about software design templates as well as how to use them to solve problems.

- System Analysis and Design. Explore the principles, methods, and techniques used in systems development to create system models using appropriate industry tools. As a part of creating system models, students will also learn to effectively communicate technical concepts and design decisions to various audiences in a professional manner.

"Through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities you'll have in your courses and beyond you can demonstrate your skills in a tangible way, giving you real experiences you can talk about with potential employers. It provides resume-building opportunities, said Dr. Gwen Britton, associate vice president of STEM professions at SNHU. As a student engages in an experiential-learning opportunity, they are acquiring skills and knowledge that involve doing. As they are doing, they are generating artifacts and stories that can be used to describe these skills and knowledge and, oftentimes, result in something they can share."

As an associate in computer science student, you could gain experience by getting involved in these opportunities:

- National Cyber League. Competitions held by this collegiate cybersecurity league give you an opportunity to show off ethical hacking skills. With 2 seasons to join annually (spring and fall), there's ample opportunity to put your cybersecurity skills to the test.

- Teradata University Network Data Challenge. Through TUN's annual data and analytics challenges, you can contribute solutions to a real-world problems. As part of a team, you'll examine, analyze and visualize data to answer business questions. The 60-credit AS in Computer Science can help prepare you for entry-level positions, but it's also a great stepping stone to your bachelor's. You might also decide to pursue the following programs available at SNHU:

- BS in Computer Science. Our associate degree directly aligns with our bachelor's in computer science. This means that upon completing the AS in Computer Science, you could have half of your BS in Computer Science completed.

- BS in Cybersecurity. Add to your computer science knowledge with skills that defend against cybersecurity attacks and assess risks that threaten the safety of an organization's data.

- BS in Computer Information Systems. Learn how to develop information systems that support executive decision-making. The 18 free electives in this program make it a great option for utilizing your associate in computer science credits.

- BS in Information Technologies. Learn how to create and apply technologies that support business operations. You can then specialize your skillset with one of the 5-course concentrations.

- BA in Information Technologies. While the Bachelor of Arts in Information Technologies program has the same IT courses as the BS in IT, its 21 free electives may allow you to apply for more transfer credits saving you time and money.

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That's why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials. Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)