Computer Programming, Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Systems

Computer Programming is an option of the Associate of Applied Science degree program in Computer Information Systems. The degree prepares students to enter various paraprofessional and professional careers in computer programming, which is the process of preparing a sequence of coded instructions that directs a computer’s operations.

Students develop an understanding of the basic concepts and tools of programming. They are taught programming, systems and procedural concepts and analyses, computer operations and business concepts. The College is located near many corporate and governmental computing centers which employ programming personnel. The College has been successful in assisting graduates in obtaining employment through its cooperative education program and job placement services.

Graduates are able to:

• contribute to analyses of problems of data format, methods of processing and required user results
• plan detailed program logic, defining necessary program steps using a program logic plan
• use a problem-oriented procedural language to convert a detailed program logic plan into an efficient and well structured applications program
• verify and test accuracy and completeness of programs by preparing sample data and by using debugging techniques and software aids
• prepare appropriate documentation of programs
• communicate effectively regarding computer technology with other programmers and with clerical personnel, analysts, managers and users
• understand information flow within business
• adapt to changing equipment, high level languages and applications software through reference manuals and software updates
• work effectively as a member of a team
• understand the ethical, social and economic implications of the uses of the computer
• be aware of state-of-the-art hardware concepts and operating procedures, including computers
• communicate effectively through the Internet, e-mail and the World Wide Web
• use an object-oriented language such as Java, C++ and C# for program development
• use programming languages such as Visual Basic, ASP, C and XML
• use database technologies such as Oracle and MS SQL Server