Computer Science Degree

Computer science student studying on her computer

Begin Your Computer Science Education at MWCC

Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. At MWCC, you’ll study software and software systems from their theory, design, development and application. This knowledge will give you the foundation you’ll need after you graduate to continue your education in Computer Science at a four-year college.

Mount Wachusett Community College is providing a new option for students interested in Computer Science. Beginning Summer 2021, students at MWCC can enroll in a Computer Science degree program where they’ll receive quality education on the current and emerging technologies that shape our future. Learn how to understand complex problems and devise and execute solutions through a program that prepares students for a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

What Kind of Jobs Do You Get With a Computer Science Degree?

The MWCC Computer Science associate degree program will prepare you for transfer into a baccalaureate degree program in Computer Science. If you’re wondering, “What can I do with a degree in Computer Science?” MWCC gives you the skills to follow many career paths. With a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, you can pursue various opportunities, including:

  • Software Developer: Designs, develops and updates computer applications. Analyzes client’s needs and creates software.
  • Software Engineer: Develops new software and updates older software used on computers and other devices.
  • Information Security Analyst: Protects and detects cyber threats towards data and private information for organizations.
  • Computer Hardware Engineer: Researches, designs, repairs and updates the physical hardware needed for computers and devices to operate.

Critical Skills for a Career in Computer Science

There are a handful of critical skills needed to be successful in a computer science career, which are:

  • Mathematics
  • Problem analysis
  • Attention to detail
  • Technical writing
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Organizational

What Are the Computer Majors at MWCC?

Through innovative approaches to teaching and learning, the Computer Information Systems Department at MWCC helps students select the best program to meet their goals and develop hands-on skills from the following Associate of Science degrees:

The relevant certificates you can pursue at MWCC include:

Program Courses

This program requires a total of 62 credits — 33 credits from Mathematics and Computer Science courses and 29 credits from liberal arts and science. MWCC believes in a strong foundation of Mathematics and Computer Science degree courses that will help students transfer their earned credits toward a bachelor’s degree and beyond.

MAT 143: Statistics

This course familiarizes students with basic concepts of elementary statistics. Topics covered include central tendency and variability measures, regression and correlation, probability, confidence intervals, discrete and continuous random variables, the Central Limit Theorem and hypothesis testing.

MAT 180: Discrete Mathematics

This course introduces students to discrete mathematics with a primary focus on applications in Computer Science. Topics covered include logic, methods of proof, elementary number theory, set theory, mathematical induction, combinatorics, functions, relations, recursion and the efficiency of algorithms, trees and graphs.

MAT 211: Calculus I

This course introduces the concepts, methods and applications of differentiation. Students will be able to apply concepts like differentiation of polynomial, trigonometric, rational and composite functions. Other topics covered include related rates, a study of limits, optimization problems, curve sketching, antiderivatives and indefinite integration.

MAT 212: Calculus II

This course is a continuation of the topics covered in MAT 211 Calculus I, emphasizing the methods and applications of integration. Students will be able to apply concepts like integration of algebraic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Other topics covered include volumes, areas between two curves, arc length, Sequences and Series, work, fluid pressure and Hospital’s Rule.

MAT 220: Linear Algebra

student writing notes for computer science degree

This course teaches linear equations and their representations through matrices and in vector spaces. Topics covered include linear and vector equations, Gaussian Eliminations, linear independence, linear transformations, matrix algebra, the inverse of a matrix, vector spaces and bases, subspaces, dimension, rank, determinants, diagonalization, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, inner product, orthogonality and The Characteristic Equation.

CIS 150: Computer Science I

This course introduces students to Computer Science with an object-oriented programming approach to software development. Students will learn programming topics such as data types, expressions, arrays, methods, conditions, iteration, classes and objects. Other topics covered include algorithm development, debuggers, integrated development environments, test plans and documentation.

CIS 152: Computer Science II

This course is a continuation of the topics covered in CIS 150 Computer Science I with an introduction to data structures and sorting algorithms. Programming topics covered include inheritance, polymorphism, exceptions, recursion, GUI programming and file and database input/output. Using object-oriented programming (OOP) techniques, this course introduces students to data structures like stacks and queues.

CIS 224: Database Design and Implementation

This course teaches data modeling and Structured Query Language (SQL) skills with hands-on implementation. Students will be able to define a well-structured relational database and use database design concepts to create Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) and data dictionaries. Students will apply normalization models and business rules, write and run scripts and create select queries using inner and outer joins, “where” and “order by” clauses, “having” and “group by” clauses and aggregate functions. Students will also create action queries to update, delete and append data and work with SQL to create a two-layer application.

CIS 250: Systems Programming

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of systems programming through the Linux application programming interface (API) and the C language. Students will be able to use system calls and C library concepts to develop scripts and applications that interface with the operating system.

CIS 252: Algorithms and Data Structures

This course introduces students to data structures and algorithmic analysis necessary for the design of efficient computer programs. Data structures covered included stacks, queues, linked lists, graphs, trees, heaps and hash tables. This course will also teach a mathematical framework for evaluating algorithm efficiency. Students will be able to analyze algorithms for searching, manipulating priority queues, traversing trees, hashing, sorting and finding the shortest paths in graphs.

Admission Requirements for a Computer Science Degree at WMCC

Apply to WMCC’s Computer Science degree program online or in-person and get started on a Computer Science Degree at a time convenient for you. Most MWCC programs are open, rolling admission, which means you can apply at any time without deadlines or application fees.

WMCC doesn’t require a written essay or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. Students coming from high school or transferring from another college will need to submit their transcripts when applying.

After being accepted to MWCC, you’ll receive a follow-up from our admissions team on the next steps for enrollment into our Computer Science program. You’ll take an assessment to ensure placement in courses that match your academic abilities, keeping you on track throughout your educational journey. Every student receives personalized academic planning to help them map out their goals and enroll in the correct program.

If you’re interested in earning a Computer Science degree, your MWCC Academic Counselor will help you plan courses that guide you towards a successful transfer upon completion of our program.

Prepare for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

MWCC has transfer agreements with many Massachusetts colleges, including Fitchburg State University, making it quick and easy to transfer your earned credits toward a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Additionally, our Computer Science degree program meets the General Education Core requirements for STEM transfer. Prepare for a bachelor’s degree and beyond with an associate degree in Computer Science from MWCC.

Learn More About MWCC’s Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Degrees

Mount Wachusett Community College strives to provide students with quality education at an affordable cost. We’re happy to discuss your goals and find the program that’s right for you. You can request more information from an Admissions Representative today or call us at 978-630-9447.

Student on the lawn with laptop studying computer science

What can you earn with a Computer Science Degree?