Computer Science (associate degree)

Emphasizes the recursive writing process through appropriate determination of subject, audience, purpose, and style, with correct usage of grammar, punctuation, and logical organization. Students will use appropriate technologies for writing and learning.

Emphasizes intellectual and analytical reasoning through reading and writing assignments. Includes instruction in library and research technologies and the writing of a research project.

A study of the principles and practices of effective human communication, with emphasis placed on public speaking. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and skill development necessary for effective speech. Listening skills are included in the study.

An introduction to Biblical faith and literature designed to help the student acquire a knowledge of the basic content of Scripture as well as be able to employ basic Bible study skills.

An introduction to theology as it has developed in the history of the church with a view to understanding the relation between faith and life. Special attention is given to understanding the doctrine of holiness.

A study of Cartesian and polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors and vector-valued functions in 2 and 3 dimensions, limits, differentiation of functions with applications, integration of functions with applications, Taylor polynomials, and series. It is strongly recommended that students take PHY 2110 and PHY 2120 concurrently with MAT 1510 and MAT 1520, respectively.

Designed to teach the student concepts and skills needed to succeed in an entrepreneurial venture. It will include understanding unique characteristics an entrepreneur should possess, and it will view marketing, economics, finance, accounting, management, communication and legal issues from a small business perspective.

The symbiotic relationship between the computing disciplines and mathematics has a long history. The foundations of hardware, software, networks, security, and digital multimedia rooted in theoretical and applied mathematics. This course will explore the mathematics of basic algorithm analysis, data structures, Boolean logic, sets, relations, functions, countability, computability, and complexity as applied to the computing domains. Special emphasis will be given to the practical applications of the binary and hexadecimal number system across the computing disciplines and the development of the theoretical finite state automation.

Enterprises today gather massive amounts of data that are archived using a variety of storage systems and technologies. Organizations now realize the value of accessing, synthesizing, and analyzing that vast data store to create business value. The ability to transform this data into business information that will enable managers and executives to make informed strategic business decisions has now become essential to business competitiveness. Using a variety of innovative analytical tools, the student will learn to harness the power of data to solve business problems as well as suggest new directions to create value for business.

Technology is all around us. It is deeply embedded and integrated into our daily lives. More than ever technology and design is the fabric of our culture, society, and core for modern business. Not only is technology the key enabler for strategic growth in today's digital economy but it is also a foundational pillar of communication around the world. From social media to online commerce, programming is the core foundational tool that organizations use to run their businesses. More than ever businesses need creative problem solvers to help expand their reach through technology enablement. You will begin your journey here in this course to empower modern businesses to succeed in our digital economy. You will begin to learn the fundamental principles that are the underlying framework for technology. That is to say that programming is the key element that drives the capabilities of simple to advanced systems. In this course, you will be learning a creative approach to problem-solving with code that is both scalable and timeless.

The ubiquitous aspects of the web are at all intersections of modern life. Instead of having social and business communications and applications walled off and only accessible as desktop applications, the Internet provides a development environment and ecosystem to facilitate serious and powerful computing, accessible to people around the globe. In this course students will learn the core fundamental principles and tenets of web technologies and development methodologies. This course is designed to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction in designing and scripting web sites. Major web scripting languages are covered in detail. Students will also learn how to implement visual design principles and digital design software. Through a project-based approach, students will develop the skills needed to develop web sites in a business environment.

Computers in all visible and hidden forms, from embedded chips to supercomputers, must input, output, store, and process data. Foundationally critical is the understanding that the digital world is binary data in all forms, including computer instructions we call software. The characteristics, structure, and meaning of this data must be understood by the computing professional to adequately protect and transform it into meaningful information and appropriate uses. Digital representations of our world requires professionals to accurately and efficiently store, search, retrieve, classify, analyze, and report this information. In this course the student will lay a foundation of understanding to accurately interpret what "digital" means and how binary data is stored, retrieved, and moved in software applications, operating system file subsystems, communications networks, and more complex relational and non-relational databases. Through problem sets and hands-on exercises, students will apply concepts to practice. There is no area of study in computing technology that is not touched by the storage, retrieval, and manipulation of binary data.

Because of increased cyber threats on financial, health, and other information, securing what is important to us has become a priority to companies and individuals. This course is designed to provide an in-depth introduction to wide range of cybersecurity issues confronting organizations today and the methods by which practitioners can secure a business environment. Since significant investments are being made in the security of networks and the IT infrastructure today, specific emphasis is placed on global network based threats and vulnerabilities. Other topics include physical security, access control, authentication, authorization, data security and integrity, encryption, recovery, computer forensics, penetration testing and business continuance. Students will learn about and work with firewalls, network security, application security, email security, and tools for securing, monitoring, and auditing the IT environment.

As an exponential number of devices are added to the global network, including cameras, thermostats, and security systems, the ability to understand how the Internet of Things (IOT) works has become paramount to both the individual and to the corporate environment. This course is designed to introduce the student to a wide range of network architectures, infrastructure, and configuration options. Throughout the course the student will explore the concepts of physical and virtual environments and network designs as well as the knowledge required to manage these complex environments. The course will cover the topics of wired and wireless networking including system virtualization, virtual local area networks, and network hardware and software.

The world is composed of objects of various kinds that interact with one another. Gaining an understanding of how to program using the perspective of objects will help the student to develop software that will be understandable and reusable. Students will explore features of object-based design and development using Java including UML, encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance. Java has gained a significant foothold in nearly every facet of technology in society and learning to program with it will provide a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue a knowledge of other object-based languages. An introduction to writing event-driven graphical interfaces will provide students a solid foundation for creating interactive software.

This continuation of the foundations of object-oriented programming in Java introduces the student to the basics of asymptotic algorithm analysis and fundamental data structures like linked lists, stacks, queues, and iterator abstract data types. Simple sorting, searching, and selection algorithms will permit the student to apply their programming skills to more advanced applications.

The Hardware and Operating Systems course is designed to introduce students to hardware and operating system concepts including hardware components, file structures, memory usage and paging, scheduling, and peripherals. In addition the students will acquire hands-on experience in installing and working with several operating systems including Microsoft Windows and Linux. Other UNIX operating environments such as AIX may be explored along with the Apple Mac operating system. Students will also learn how to network these diverse platforms together to meet business needs. The goal is to have students become skilled in installing, networking, and maintaining diverse operating system environments. The course will also help in preparing those interested in A+ certification.

The Portfolio I course is designed to prepare students to create a digital online presence in order to competitively position themselves in the marketplace. Students are prepared to develop a communication and presentation strategy that best suits their career goals.