General Studies – Specialization in Computer Science
Summer 2024 is the last semester for which students can enroll in the AA&S General Studies degree – Specialization in Computer Science. Students currently enrolled in the AA&S General Studies Specialization in Computer Science or who enroll in this degree plan in Summer 2024, have until Spring 2027 to complete this degree. Students wanting to change their degree plan to the AS Computer Science should consult their advisor. Students enrolling in Camp in Fall 2024 or thereafter who want to complete a Computer Science degree will be enrolled in the AS Computer Science.
Purpose
This University Parallel Program leads to the Associate in Arts and Sciences Degree (AA&S). It is the first two years of a four-year college or university degree, usually the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. The Computer Science specialization starts the student on the study of Computer Science as a discipline.
Transfer Options
The Computer Science Specialization is specifically designed to provide the student with preparation necessary to transfer to a university program in Computer Science. This curriculum is aligned with the Virginia Community College System Common Curriculum for Computer Science. Students should use the Transfer Virginia Portal (transfervirginia.org) to consult the transfer guide(s) for the four-year institution(s) to which they want to transfer. Because certain majors have specialized requirements, students should become familiar with their particular requirements of the major at the four-year school to which they intend to transfer and then discuss these requirements with their advisors in order to select the correct courses at Camp Community College.
Students seeking immediate employment in the computing field will probably be better served by choosing one of the IST specializations in the management program. However, those students who desire to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science can get the foundation necessary to transfer. Courses are taught with the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) guidelines and will parallel university instruction. In addition, students are encouraged to select Mathematics courses based on where they plan to transfer. Students should understand that most university computer science programs require engineering calculus.
Student Learning Outcomes
The General Studies degree provides a coherent, shared experience for students to develop the general education core competencies expected of them as college-educated individuals. Upon completion of the associate degree, graduates demonstrate competency in 1) civic engagement, 2) critical thinking, 3) professional readiness, 4) quantitative literacy, 5) scientific literacy, and 6) written communication, defined as follows:
Civic Engagement is the ability to contribute to the civic life and well-being of local, national, and global communities as both as social responsibility and a life-long learning process. Degree graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and civic values necessary to become informed and contributing participants in a democratic society.
Critical Thinking is the ability to use information, ideas and arguments from relevant perspectives to make sense of complex issues and solve problems. Degree graduates will locate, evaluate, interpret, and combine information to reach well-reasoned conclusions or solutions.
Professional Readiness is the ability to work well with others and display situationally and culturally appropriate demeanor and behavior. Degree graduates will demonstrate skills important for successful transition into the workplace and pursuit of further education.
Quantitative Literacy is the ability to perform accurate calculations, interpret quantitative information, apply and analyze relevant numerical data, and use results to support conclusions. Degree graduates will calculate, interpret, and use numerical and quantitative information in a variety of settings.
Scientific Literacy is the ability to apply the scientific method and related concepts and principles to make informed decisions and engage with issues related to the natural, physical, and social world. Degree graduates will recognize and know how to us the scientific method, and to evaluate empirical information.
Written Communication is the ability to develop, convey, and exchange ideas in writing, as appropriate to a given context and audience. Degree graduates will express themselves effectively in a variety of written forms.
Students earning a specialization in Computer Science will also demonstrate an understanding of computing math concepts and demonstrate an understanding of hierarchical structure of computer architecture.
Admission Requirements: General Admission to the College is required. Students must complete placement tests (or equivalent) in English and mathematics. Students with deficiencies in these areas will be required to take appropriate developmental courses. New students should see a counselor and returning students their advisor for more information.
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year – Fall Term | ||
| ENG 111 | College Composition I | 3 |
| MTH 161 | Pre-Calculus I | 3 |
| Humanities | Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Social Science | ECO, PLS, PSY, SOC elective | 3 |
| CSC 221 | Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming3 | 3 |
| SDV 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| Total Semester Credits | 17 | |
| First Year – Spring Term | ||
| ENG 112 | College Composition II | 3 |
| MTH 162 | Pre-Calculus II1 | 3 |
| Arts/Literature | Arts/Literature Elective | 3 |
| CSC 222 | Object-Oriented Programming3 | 4 |
| HIS 111/121 | History of World Civilizations I or US History I | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year – Fall Term | ||
| Science | BIO 101, CHM 111, GOL 111, NAS, or PHY | 4 |
| CST 100 | Principles of Public Speaking | 3 |
| MTH 263 | Calculus I | 4 |
| CSC 205 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 14 | |
| Second Year – Spring Term | ||
| Science | BIO 102, CHM 112, GOL 112, NAS, or PHY | 4 |
| MTH 264 / 245 | Calculus II or Statistics I | 4 |
| CSC 223 | Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms3 | 4 |
| CSC 208 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 15 | |
| Total Program Credits | 61 | |
Program Footnotes:
1. Students and their advisors should choose the mathematics sequence required by the institution where the student plans to transfer.
2. Refer to the college catalog to identify acceptable Uniform Certificate of General Studies courses. PHI 220 is required by some colleges and universities. Students should review the Transfer Virginia Computer Science pathway for the institution to which they want to transfer.
3. Students should consider the programming languages required by the university they want to choose for transfer. Camp currently uses C++ for CSC 221 and CSC 222, and Java for CSC 223. Camp may be able to help students get the languages they desire with appropriate advanced planning.