Program Details

Associate of Science - Computer Science

Associate of Science

Tidewater Community College

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program in Computer Science is designed primarily for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in computer science. The curriculum emphasizes programming, software design, study of algorithms, and data structures as well as computer hardware and architecture.

Computer Science courses required for the Computer Science degree are available at the Chesapeake and Virginia Beach campuses.

Outcomes

Explain the development of computers systems, the social and ethical implications of computers, and properties of programming languages.
Design and implement solutions to problems of substantial complexity using the C++ programming language.
Write computer programs using proper syntax and utilize problem solving and top-down refinement techniques.
Identify and design simple physical devices that use combinational circuits such as encoders, decoders, code converters, multiplexers, demultiplexers, and adders.
Examine advanced topics in Computer Science such as I/O methods, virtual memory, disk management and operating systems.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Transfer Degree

Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Tidewater Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights	TCC had 10 graduates in the AS program in Computer Science in 2020-21.

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree. For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Tidewater Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

Visit our transfer site for more information

External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

3364

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer. https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
New River Community College	Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Computer Science, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree Computer Science Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Engineering - Computer Science Specialization	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Information Systems	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Information Systems Technology, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community College	Information Technology, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Science in Information Technology	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Computer Information Systems Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science in IST: Database and Program Developer Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate in Applied Science Degree in Infor Systems Tech	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing Specialization, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Central Virginia Community College	AS in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Sciences in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Piedmont Virginia Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associated of Science	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
15-1253.00	Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1252.00	Software Developers	Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1255.01	Video Game Designers	Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1255.00	Web and Digital Interface Designers	Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1221.00	Computer and Information Research Scientists	Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
25-1021.00	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
15-1243.01	Data Warehousing Specialists	Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1243.00	Database Architects	Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1231.00	Computer Network Support Specialists	Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.07	Blockchain Engineers	Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.00	Computer Occupations, All Other	All computer occupations not listed separately.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.08	Computer Systems Engineers/Architects	Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.06	Digital Forensics Analysts	Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.03	Document Management Specialists	Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.02	Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians	Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.05	Information Security Engineers	Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.09	Information Technology Project Managers	Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.04	Penetration Testers	Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.01	Web Administrators	Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
11-3021.00	Computer and Information Systems Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.	Management Occupations
15-1241.00	Computer Network Architects	Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1211.00	Computer Systems Analysts	Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1211.01	Health Informatics Specialists	Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1241.01	Telecommunications Engineering Specialists	Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1251.00	Computer Programmers	Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1254.00	Web Developers	Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2051.01	Business Intelligence Analysts	Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2051.02	Clinical Data Managers	Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2051.00	Data Scientists	Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1212.00	Information Security Analysts	Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 60 credits remaining to be completed

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Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Associate of Science - Computer Science at Tidewater Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$165	Per Credit	$9,900	$0	$9,900	Tuition is subject to change by action of the State Board for Community Colleges. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Fees
Institutional Fee	$7	Per Credit	$420	0	$420	Used to fund expenses related to campus parking including, but no limited to parking improvements, signage, parking lot repairs, lot security, and overall improvements. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$180	0	$180	Used to fund various student activities and programs including, but not limited to honor societies, leadership training, community and cultural events, clubs, athletics, student publications, and learning assistance. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Auxiliary Capital Fee	$20	Per Credit	$1,200	0	$1,200	Used to construct, maintain, and operate facilities for which state General Fund dollars are not permitted. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.

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