Computer Science

Computer Science

Transfer Pathway A.S.

This 60-credit Computer Science Transfer Pathway A.S. degree program offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Science degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Computer Science bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing the pathway degree and transferring to one of the seven Minnesota State Universities* enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs in a related field

The Computer Science Pathway consists of the Required Pathway Curriculum and select Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) requirements to bring your credit total to 60 credits.

*Universities within the Minnesota State system include Bemidji State University; Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University, Moorhead; Southwest Minnesota State University; St. Cloud State University; and Winona State University.

Full-time schedule recommendation

See how to schedule your classes each semester to complete your degree in two years.

Full-Time Recommended Course of Study

2023-2024 Required Courses

Computer Science Pathway Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  CS 1110
Computer Programming with Java
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
Focuses on the use of the Java language to provide a comprehensive introduction to fundamental programming concepts for students interested in exploring computer programming. Program logic, algorithm design, object-oriented programming, and fundamental programming structures are emphasized. Course activities focus on the use of Java to design, code, debug, and test programs of moderate complexity. Gaining knowledge of these concepts and techniques will prepare the student to develop programs to solve real-life problems.

Prerequisites:

  • MATH 1118 College Algebra I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CS 1117
  CS 1119
Computer Programming with Python    OR

Computer Programming with C++
4

Computer Programming with Python
Course Outline
Credits: 4
Focuses on the use of the Python language to provide a comprehensive introduction to fundamental programming concepts for students interested in exploring computer programming. Program logic, algorithm design, object-oriented programming, and fundamental programming structures are emphasized. Course activities focus on the use of Python to design, code, debug, and test programs of moderate complexity. Gaining knowledge of these concepts and techniques will prepare the student to develop programs to solve real-life problems.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Computer Programming with C++
Course Outline
Credits: 4
Focuses on the use of the C++ language to provide a comprehensive introduction to fundamental programming concepts for students interested in exploring computer programming. Program logic, algorithm design, object-oriented programming, and fundamental programming structures are emphasized. Course activities focus on the use of C++ to design, code, debug, and test programs of moderate complexity. Gaining knowledge of these concepts and techniques will prepare the student to develop programs to solve real-life problems.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CS 2200
Computer System Architecture
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
Explore the fundamentals of computer systems architecture as it relates to the execution of a program. This course will examine how memory and processors work and how programming fundamentals take advantage of the computer system architecture. The course will utilize assembly language and other tools to demonstrate the interaction of computer hardware and software.

Prerequisites:

  • CS 1119 Computer Programming with C++
  • CS 2300 Algorithms and Data Structures

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CS 2300
Algorithms and Data Structures
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
Introduces procedural and data abstraction. Includes elementary abstract data types including lists, stacks, queues, and their applications. Includes intermediate abstract data types including trees, priority queues, heaps, hash tables, and their applications. Topics also include recursion and graph theory.

Prerequisites:

  • CS 1110 Computer Programming with Java
  • CS 1117 Computer Programming with Python
  • CS 1119 Computer Programming with C++
  • MATH 1118 College Algebra I
  • MATH 1119 College Algebra II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024

  CS 2350
  MATH 2100
Discrete Structures of Computer Science    OR

Discrete Mathematics
4

Discrete Structures of Computer Science
Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 04
Introduces theoretical concepts of computer science, number systems, coding schemes, formal logic, sets and relations, induction, recursion, recurrences, graphs, proofs of program correctness, analysis of algorithms, asymptotic complexity measure at an advanced level. Credit will not be awarded for both Math 2100 and CS 2350.

Prerequisites:

  • CS 1110 Computer Programming with Java
  • CS 1119 Computer Programming with C++
  • CS 2300 Algorithms and Data Structures
  • MATH 1118 College Algebra I
  • MATH 1119 College Algebra II
  • MATH 1127 PreCalculus

Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Discrete Mathematics
Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 04
Introduces number systems, coding schemes, formal logic, sets and relations, induction, recursion, recurrence relations, graphs, trees, and analysis of algorithms. Credit will not be awarded for both MATH 2100 and CS 2350.

Prerequisites:

  • MATH 1119 College Algebra II
  • MATH 1127 PreCalculus

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Computer Science Pathway Curriculum 20

Liberal Arts

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  ENG 1108
Writing And Research Skills
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites:
  • ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills

Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  ENG 1111
  ENG 1114
  ENG 1130
Research Writing    OR

The Research Paper    OR

Writing and Research For the Professions
2-3

Research Writing
Course Outline
Credits: 2
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Students will analyze primary and secondary sources and develop formal research writing in students' academic and/or professional disciplines including EMS, Paralegal, and Criminal Justice. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

The Research Paper
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical analysis of fiction or nonfiction texts, at least one book-length, resulting in a research paper that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources. Prereq: Grade of C or higher in ENG 1108.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Writing and Research For the Professions
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical audience analysis of professional texts across the disciplines, at least one book length, resulting in a professional research proposal, feasibility study, or report that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources, persuasion, and students' mastery of professional and audience analysis, business writing, researching, and evaluative skills. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  COMM 1100
  COMM 1110
  COMM 2230
Interpersonal Communication    OR

Public Speaking    OR

Small Group Communication
3

Interpersonal Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07
Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Public Speaking
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Is the introductory study of the theory and practice of public speaking. Public presentation skills are required for individuals to be successful in our workplaces, communities and many other contexts in today's society. Students will learn about the different types of public speeches commonly encountered and learn how to research, organize and write their ideas into clear and understandable forms of public communication. Students will also practice the delivery skills needed to present ideas effectively. Students will be required to speak and participate often and will also be required to present their speeches in a classroom setting with an audience of their peers and an instructor.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Small Group Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3)
Recommend: PHYS 1081
3-5



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  MATH 1133
Calculus I
5

Course Outline
Credits: 5
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 04
Provides an introduction to single variable calculus and prepares students for Calculus II (MATH 1134). The topics include limits, derivatives (including trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions), continuity, applications of derivatives to related rates and optimization, graphing using information from the first and second derivatives, separable differential equations, Riemann Sums, basic integration techniques (including substitution), definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Trapezoidal and Simpson's Rule. Students will become proficient with a computer algebra system. Use of technology will be embedded throughout the course. Recommendation based on the Inver Hills Assessment Test results or grade of "C" or higher in MATH 1127 or MATH 1119 within the last 2 years.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 5)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Liberal Arts Elective(s)
MnTC courses only.
4-7



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Total Credits in Liberal Arts 30

Electives

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  ITC 2000
PC Hardware and Software (A+)
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues. Students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA's A+ certification exam, which covers the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a successful computer technician. Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 1108 or completion of both ENG 0099 and READ 0093/0094 with a grade of C or higher.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CS 1101
Introduction to Computer Science and Problem Solving
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Provides an overview of computer science topics with an emphasis on problem-solving and algorithm development. This course is geared for students with no computer science or programming background and can serve as a solid foundation for further study in computer science. Algorithm development will be taught using pseudocode and diagrams. Computer programs will be written utilizing one or more computer languages. Topics to be included are computer architecture, networks, Boolean logic, and computer ethics.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Program Electives
Any additional Computer Science course(s)



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Liberal Arts Elective(s)
Additional Liberal Arts electives. MnTC courses only.



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Total Credits in Electives 10
Total Credits: 60
‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.

Recommended Elective Courses
Depending on Transfer plans, students may wish to consider taking some/all of the following courses as part of the General electives:
  • MATH 1134 Calculus II
  • PHYS 1081 Calculus-Based Physics I
  • PHYS 1082 Calculus-Based Physics II
  • PHIL 1120 Symbolic Logic