Heroes of Ones and Zeroes

NOVA’s Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Computer Science

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Computer Science, A.S.

In the digital age, everyone uses a computer. But Computer Scientists are the brains behind the devices that dominate our daily lives. If you know your way around an algorithm, or can expound on the differences between Python and Java, then you just might have what it takes.

NOVA's A.S. in Computer Science prepares technically-inclined students for lucrative careers in the computer industry (or any industry that uses a computer!).

Make the Smart Choice

  • The A.S. in Science transfers easily to four-year schools with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science program.

  • If you have AP credits, talk to an advisor to determine what courses to start with.

  • Where Will I Learn?

    • Alexandria
    • Annandale
    • Loudoun
    • Manassas
    • Woodbridge
  • Transfer Information

    Students are advised to work closely with the faculty and counseling staff for program and course scheduling. Electives should be chosen carefully to meet the requirements of the transfer institution. The responsibility for proper course selection rests with the student.

  • Course Details

    Two Years Credits
    1st Semester
    CSC 221 Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming 3
    1HIS Elective 3
    2,3MTH 167 PreCalculus with Trigonometry 5
    ENG 111 College Composition I 3
    Choose One
    SDV 100 College Success Skills 1
    SDV 101 Orientation to (a Specific Discipline) 1
    Total 15
    2nd Semester
    CSC 222 Object Oriented Programming 4
    ENG 112 College Composition II 3
    MTH 263 Calculus I 4
    4 Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
    Total 14
    3rd Semester
    CSC 223 Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms 4
    Choose One
    CSC 208 Introduction to Discrete Structures 3
    MTH 288 Discrete Mathematics 3
    5MTH 264 Calculus II 4
    6 Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab 4
    Total 15
    4th Semester
    Choose One
    CSC 205 Computer Organization 3
    CSC 215 Computer Systems 3
    MTH 265 Calculus III 4
    4 Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
    7 Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab 4
    8 Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective 3
    9 Technical Elective 3 - 4
    Total 16-18
    Total credits for the Associate of Science = 60-62
    Two Years Credits
    1st Semester
    CSC
    221
    3
    Elective
    1HIS
    3
    2,3MTH
    167
    5
    ENG
    111
    3
    Choose One
    SDV
    100
    1
    SDV
    101
    1
    Total 15
    2nd Semester
    CSC
    222
    4
    ENG
    112
    3
    MTH
    263
    4
    Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
    4
    3
    Total 14
    3rd Semester
    CSC
    223
    4
    Choose One
    CSC
    208
    3
    MTH
    288
    3
    5MTH
    264
    4
    Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab
    6
    4
    Total 15
    4th Semester
    Choose One
    CSC
    205
    3
    Computer Systems
    CSC
    215
    3
    MTH
    265
    4
    Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
    4
    3
    Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab
    7
    4
    Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective
    8
    3
    Technical Elective
    9
    3 - 4
    Total 16-18
    Total credits for the Associate of Science = 60-62

    CSC courses used for this program may not be more than 10 years old, unless approved by the academic dean. 

    1 Select any HIS course listed under the social/behavioral science courses in General Education Electives. Elective should be selected with advice of a counselor or faculty advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

    Students will come to this program with different levels of preparation. If precalculus is needed, begin with MTH 167 (or MTH 161 and MTH 162). If placed out of precalculus, begin with MTH 263 and replace the precalculus credits with two electives from footnote #3 that total five credits or more. 

    May choose from the following list: CSC 205, CSC 208, CSC 215, MTH 265, MTH 266, MTH 288, PHY 201 or any science listed on footnote #6 and #7.  Students should consult a faculty advisor and their transfer institution to select appropriate courses.  

    See humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives. Students must choose courses from two of the three areas listed. Credit will not be applied if student takes two courses from the same area. Electives should be selected with advice of a counselor or academic advisor to meet requirements of the transfer institution.

    MTH 245 may be used for this requirement if the student's transfer institution requires it.

    Physical and life science elective must be selected from the following: BIO 101 , CHM 111, PHY 241, GOL 105, or GOL 106. Electives should be selected with advice of a counselor or academic advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

    7 Physical and life science elective must be selected from the following: BIO 102, CHM 112, PHY 242, GOL 105, or GOL 106. Electives should be selected with advice of a counselor or faculty advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

    See social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives. Elective should be selected with advice of a counselor or faculty advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

    Approved technical elective courses: PHY 201, CSC 205, EGR 121, EGR 122, EGR 270, CST 100, CST 110, MTH 265, or MTH 266. Any science listed on footnote #6 and #7.

     

     

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Real-World Impact

  • NOVA-Woodbridge Hosts Nationwide Hackathon Event

    Approximately 356 students from various colleges, universities and high schools across the country gathered at NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus to participate in the third annual Innovation Hackathon event, held at the Regional Center for Workforce Education...

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Want More Info About a Future in Computer Science?

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