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Computer Programming
View Catalog Details

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Contact: Barry AndrewsTitle: Department ChairContact: bandrews@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Computer Programming

Business Division
Degree S7302

The A.S. Degree in Computer Programming is designed to prepare students for a career in computer programming. The degree offers a balanced set of classes that provides students with client, server and database programming skills required by the industry. Emphasis is placed on object-oriented programming applications, configuring servers, creating and navigating databases, and reusable software components. Students will demonstrate the ability to design and implement business environment applications that will contain the front end user interface and back end database. Student in this program select one of the following three programming language concentrations: C++, Visual Basic.NET or Java. Career opportunities available after the completion of this degree include programming for systems, mobile devices, device drivers and software engineering. Students wishing a bachelor’s degree (transfer program) should meet with a counselor or advisor to discuss transferability of courses.

This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

Required Courses

Correction: "Required Electives" section reads "3.5 - 7", but for "Web" concentration "CISW 17 (3 units) PLUS "CISW 31/31L (3.5 units) or CISW 24/24L (3.5 units)" is 6.5 units.  Therefore, "6.5 - 7" for "Required Electives" and "Total Units" is 26-27 (instead of 23-27).  7/26/2023

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • Computer and Information Systems Managers

      Computer and Information Systems Managers

      SOC Career Code: 11-3021.00

      Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $73.20

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $197,372.93
      Annual Job Openings
      6,892

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Computer Systems Analysts

      Computer Systems Analysts

      SOC Career Code: 15-1211.00

      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.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $45.04

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $121,044.20
      Annual Job Openings
      3,820

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Computer and Information Scientists

      Computer and Information Scientists

      SOC Career Code: 15-1221.00

      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.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $66.42

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $177,777.60
      Annual Job Openings
      579

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Computer Programmers

      Computer Programmers

      SOC Career Code: 15-1251.00

      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.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $41.23

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $110,222.24
      Annual Job Openings
      1,334

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Software Developers

      Software Developers

      SOC Career Code: 15-1252.00

      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.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $60.94

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $162,732.50
      Annual Job Openings
      17,336

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Software QA Analysts and Testers

      Software QA Analysts and Testers

      SOC Career Code: 15-1253.00

      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.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $44.57

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $124,793.01
      Annual Job Openings
      2,246

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Web Developers

      Web Developers

      SOC Career Code: 15-1254.00

      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.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $28.77

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $88,584.40
      Annual Job Openings
      795

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Web and Digital Interface Designers

      Web and Digital Interface Designers

      SOC Career Code: 15-1255.00

      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.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $27.13

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $96,925.62
      Annual Job Openings
      1,790

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Web Administrators

      Web Administrators

      SOC Career Code: 15-1299.01

      Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $35.02

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $109,213.06
      Annual Job Openings
      5,843

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

      Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

      SOC Career Code: 15-1299.08

      Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $35.02

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $109,213.06
      Annual Job Openings
      5,843

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Computer Programming

    Business Division
    Degree S7302

    The A.S. Degree in Computer Programming is designed to prepare students for a career in computer programming. The degree offers a balanced set of classes that provides students with client, server and database programming skills required by the industry. Emphasis is placed on object-oriented programming applications, configuring servers, creating and navigating databases, and reusable software components. Students will demonstrate the ability to design and implement business environment applications that will contain the front end user interface and back end database. Student in this program select one of the following three programming language concentrations: C++, Visual Basic.NET or Java. Career opportunities available after the completion of this degree include programming for systems, mobile devices, device drivers and software engineering. Students wishing a bachelor’s degree (transfer program) should meet with a counselor or advisor to discuss transferability of courses.

    This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

    Required Courses

    Correction: "Required Electives" section reads "3.5 - 7", but for "Web" concentration "CISW 17 (3 units) PLUS "CISW 31/31L (3.5 units) or CISW 24/24L (3.5 units)" is 6.5 units.  Therefore, "6.5 - 7" for "Required Electives" and "Total Units" is 26-27 (instead of 23-27).  7/26/2023

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Core Courses
    CISB 11Computer Information Systems3.5
    CISB 15Microcomputer Applications3.5
    CISM 11Systems Analysis and Design3.5
    CISP 10Principles of Object-Oriented Design2.5
    Choose from one of the following:3-3.5
    CISN 21
    Windows Operating System
    or CISN 31
    31L
    Linux Operating System
    and Linux Operating System Laboratory
    Choose from one of the following groups:3.5
    CISD 11
    11L
    Database Management - Microsoft Access
    and Database Management - Microsoft Access Laboratory
    Or
    CISD 21
    21L
    Database Management - Microsoft SQL Server
    and Database Management - Microsoft SQL Server Laboratory
    Or
    CISD 31
    31L
    Database Management - Oracle
    and Database Management - Oracle Laboratory
    Required Electives
    Choose one of the following concentrations:6.5-7
    C++
    CISP 31
    Programming in C++
    CISP 31L
    Programming in C++ Laboratory
    CISP 34
    Advanced C++ Programming
    CISP 34L
    Advanced C++ Programming Laboratory
    Java
    CISP 21
    Programming in Java
    CISP 21L
    Programming in Java Laboratory
    CISP 24
    Advanced Java Programming
    CISP 24L
    Advanced Java Laboratory
    Python
    CISP 71
    Programming in Python
    CISP 71L
    Programming in Python Laboratory
    CISP 74
    Advanced Programming in Python
    CISP 74L
    Advanced Programming in Python Laboratory
    Web
    CISW 17
    HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Programming
    Choose one lecture/lab combination from the following courses
    CISW 31
    Secure Web Server Programming in PHP
    CISW 31L
    Secure Web Server Programming in PHP Laboratory
    Or
    CISW 24
    Secure Web Server Programming in Python
    CISW 24L
    Secure Web Server Programming in Python Laboratory
    Total Units26-27

    CIS Program Website 

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Barry AndrewsTitle: Department ChairContact: bandrews@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 79-2200Phone: (909) 274-4943