Computer Programming
AAS-T, Certificate
The programming option in Information Technology (IT) includes a four-quarter certificate and six to seven-quarter AAS-T degree program. Prerequisites require an additional quarter for most students. This high-powered curriculum was designed with input from Puget Sound industry representatives to include the skills needed for successful employment. Classes in the program provide expertise in current programming languages, program design and operating systems, an introduction to computer hardware, and essential communications and problem solving skills.
Career Opportunities
Despite the recent economic downturn, the information technology field is evolving and expanding faster than any other sector of the economy. Current Department of Labor statistics indicate that 8 of the 9 fastest growing occupations by the year 2016 will be in the area of Information Technology. Our program focuses on expanding computer programming skills beyond the core elements toward those skills more closely aligned with those of Computer Systems Analysts. More than 146,000 new IT jobs will be created in the United States by the year 2016 in this field alone. This is 26% growth over todays employment. A Washington State Employment Security Department paper confirms these job growth statistics for King County. There is a critical shortage of qualified IT professionals who can envision, design, create manage and implement todays programs in WAN, LAN, Cloud and mobile platforms. If IT has a cutting edge, this field is it.
Students completing the programming option in Information Technology will be prepared for positions in the software industry such as systems analyst, programmer I, junior software engineer, programmer analyst, Visual Basic programmer, Web application and forms programmer. Other opportunities include positions as programmers or web and data support personnel in banks, law firms and other businesses and with schools and public agencies.
Learning Outcomes (AAS-T) (Certificate)
Use programming languages currently appropriate to the current information technology industry, i.e., Visual BASIC, UNIX, Java, Perl, C++.
- Interpret and evaluate requirements for program projects
- Develop detailed design specifications and test strategies
- Identify and articulate physical requirements for systems implementation
- Demonstrate theoretical and working knowledge of the principles of programming through completion of tasks and projects
- Use multiple operating systems and computer applications
- Demonstrate an understanding of good user interface design principles through appropriate use of such principles and through exercising judgment in the use of such principles when carrying out tasks or projects
AAS-T degree outcomes include those of the Programming certificate as well as the following general course outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in various formats including written documentation, email, spoken word and address communication to an audience of differing knowledge and listening levels by utilizing appropriate terminology, schematics, electronic presentation and technical documentation; as taught in ENG 101 Composition and ENG 106 Technical Writing
- Demonstrate computational and problem solving skills as applied to the computing industry; as exemplified in ITC 102 Computer Information Concepts, and MAT 119 Math Behind IT
- Demonstrate knowledge of human relations and team work as applied to the work environment of information technology industry in America and around the world; as taught in HUM 105 Intercultural communications and BUS 140 Customer relations.
Entrance Requirements
- COMPASS test. (Eligibility for ENG 101 and MAT 098)
- Prerequisites: Completion of the following core courses with a 2.0 GPA or better: ENG 106, Technical Writing; Ability to use Microsoft Office (or MIC 101, Introduction to Microcomputer Applications); previous computer work experience (or ITC 102, Introduction to Computer Information Systems).
- Equivalent course work or experience will be evaluated for possible substitution.
The program begins fall quarter of each year. Acceptance into the program for other quarters will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Admission to the program is on a first-come, first-served basis after applicants provide proof that the entrance requirements have been met.
How to Get Started
- Contact the Program Manager:
Program Contact:
Lisa Sandoval lsandoval@sccd.ctc.edu 206.287.5558 - Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College
- After completing the above test(s), you must take your results and/or an unofficial copy of your college transcript to the Information Technology counselor to determine eligibility to enter the program. Please call 206 516-3150 for assistance.
Counselor: Michele Dela Rosa, MDelaRosa@sccd.ctc.edu
Graduation Application
Programming AAS-T DegreeProgramming Certificate
Estimated Training Costs
- Tuition
- Photo ID Card (one-time fee)
- Student Activity Fee (per quarter)
- Transportation Mgmt Fee (per quarter)
- Computer Lab Fee (per quarter)
- Universal Technology Fee (per quarter)
- Books & Supplies (per quarter) $100 - $200.00
Curriculum
| Prerequisites | Cr | |
| Ability to use MS Office Software | ||
| Eligibility for MAT 098 | ||
| ENGL 106 | TECHNICAL WRITING | 3 |
| ITC 102 | INFORMATION COMPUTER CONCEPTS | 3 |
| Provides a broad introduction to computers and information systems. Includes hardware, software, data organization, data communications and systems development. Covers the evolving role of computers in society. | ||
| MATH 119 | Q - MATHEMATICS BEHIND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY | 3 |
| Learn basic aspects of discrete mathematics common to information technology: scientific notation; binary and hexadecimal number systems; logical operations and the design of logical networks; set theory; relations and functions; combinatorics; graphs and directed graphs; regular expressions; and finite-state machines. | ||
| 1'st Quarter | Cr | |
| Restricted IT Elective * | ||
| BUS 140 | CUSTOMER RELATIONS | 5 |
| Develops skills to identify and resolve customer complaints, handle difficult customers, and utilize effective verbal and nonverbal communication methods. Learn appropriate professional use of various electronic media and contribute positively to the service culture of an organization. Examines future trends and changes in work environments. | ||
| ITC 110 | PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS AND FUNDAMENTALS | 5 |
| Intro to basic computing concepts such as Input-Processing-Output, control structures, arrays, structured programming, and object oriented programming using Visual BASIC as an example language. | ||
| 2'nd Quarter | Cr | |
| Restricted IT Elective * | ||
| ITC 172 | VISUAL BASIC WITH ASP NET | 5 |
| Intro to object-oriented, event-driven programming using Visual Basic (VB) in the Windows environment. Create Windows applications and write Windows interfaces to existing applications. Study of Visual Basic forms and tools, and writing VB code modules, processing and functions. | ||
| ITC 220 | DATABASE DEVELOPMENT FOR PROGRAMMERS | 5 |
| Provides programmers with an overview of database theory and systems. Provides experience with relational databases, simple ADO, SQL, and XML. | ||
| WEB 110 | WEB AUTHORING I | 4 |
| Covers the mechanics of web page production starting with absolute basics. Covers document structure, text elements, list elements, links, tables and working with images and creating framesets. Focuses on creating HTML files ?by hand? with emphasis placed on browser compatibility issues and HTML/XHTML validation. | ||
| 3'rd Quarter | Cr | |
| CSC 142 | COMPUTER PROGRAMMING FOR ENGINEERS | 5 |
| Covers the general principles of modern programming, including how to design, implement, document, test and debug computer programs. Based on Java. Covers objects, messages, expressions, statements, methods, classes, conditionals, iterations, arrays and collections. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree. | ||
| ITC 255 | SYSTEMS ANALYSIS | 5 |
| Explores the process of identifying when a system needs to be upgraded or replaced. Uses a set of tools and techniques for analyzing system components and requirements, charting process flow and data structures, determining feasibilities and providing alternate solutions. | ||
| ITC 280 | WEB DATABASES | 5 |
| Intro to the skills, tools, and techniques needed to create database driven websites and practical experience. The languages and methods used for database access will remain flexible to account for the most current industry standards. | ||
| 4'th Quarter | Cr | |
| ITC 115 OR | INTRODUCTION TO C++ PROGRAMMING | 5 |
| Intro to the C++ language, emphasizing the use of C++, not just as a ?better C?, but also as a way of creating less buggy, more maintainable, better-designed programs. Covers the basic object-oriented programming concepts by creating objects and understanding how they relate to classes. Develop C++ code that illustrates practical applications of these concepts. | ||
| CSC 143 | COMPUTER PROGRAMMING II | 5 |
| ITC 216 | PROGRAMMING FOR THE WEB | 5 |
| Provides hands-on intro to web programming using PERL. Reviews HTML and client-side language such as JavaScript, to validate and enhance web pages. Introduces server-side programming. Actual programming and scripting languages will remain flexible in order to best reflect current industry usages. | ||
| ITC 298 | SPECIAL TOPICS | 5 |
| Total Credits = 63 | ||
* Choose 5 credits from ITC 134, ITC136, ITC 140, NET 120
NOTE: This curriculum is being developed and revised. Please check with Information Technology Programs, 206 516-3150, for current information.
Students must maintain a grade of 2.0 or better in every class to remain in this program.
Students who intend to complete the Programming AAS-T degree should meet with the Information Technology counselor to plan their courses beyond those listed above. AAS-T degree students must complete the following additional requirements: English 101, Composition; MAT 107, Mathematics a Practical Art; Humanities 105, Intercultural Communications; IT elective; Science or Social Science elective; ITC 285 Capstone Project. Total AAS-T degree credits: 95-97
For Further Information:
Information Technology Programs
Business, Information Technologies & Creative Arts
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE3176
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 516-3150
FAX: (206) 516-3131
Lisa Sandoval lsandoval@sccd.ctc.edu 206.287.5558



