Program Overview
Associate in Computer Science (DTA/MRP)
Core Competencies
- Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and summarize complex information, create an argument that acknowledges multiple perspectives, and use reasoning and evidence to draw conclusions.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply numerical, logical, and analytical techniques to analyze, evaluate, and explain quantitative information.
- Effective Communication: Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas through written, oral, and/or visual formats by utilizing their own voice to address various audiences and consider the perspectives of others.
- Information & Visual Literacy: Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret, evaluate, synthesize, and organize selected textual, visual, or electronic resources for a given situation, maintaining strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines governing information access.
- Community & Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to interact productively and equitably with others in diverse local, national, and global communities; address social justice issues based on awareness of historical and contemporary systemic inequalities; proactively engage in their physical and mental health.
- Globalism: Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate how environmental, relational and cultural processes and interactions impact the world, people’s lives, and their own views.
Requirements
General Requirements
The general requirements for the Associate of Computer Science are the same as those for the AA-DTA degree. For a detailed list of those requirements, general information, and information on exceptions to general or specific degree requirements, students should refer to the overview information on Transferable Degrees and Certificates.
Specific Requirements
Communications Requirement: 15 credits
- ENGL& 101 - English Composition I
- ENGL& 235 - Technical Writing (EWU requires ENGL & 102)
- CMST& 101 - Introduction to Communication or CMST& 220 - Public Speaking (Gozaga requires CMST & 101)
Quantitative Requirement: 5 credits
- MATH& 151 - Calculus I
Diversity and Globalism Requirement: 3 credits
Students are required to complete a course of three or more credits to satisfy the Diversity and Globalism requirement. See the Associate of Arts (AA-DTA) degree requirements for specific course options to fulfill this requirement.
Physical Education Requirement: 3 credits
Students are required to complete a physical education course of three credits or more to satisfy the Physical Education requirement. See the Associate of Arts (AA-DTA) degree requirements for specific course options to fulfill this requirement.
Humanities Distribution: 10 credits
- Humanities Area I - 5 credits (EWU requires PHIL 110, Gonzaga requires PHIL & 101)
- Humanities Area II - 5 credits
Social Science Distribution: 15 credits
- At least five credits from Social Science Area I (WSU Vancouver requires ECON & 201 or 202)
- At least five credits from Social Science Area II
Science Distribution: 20 credits
- PHYS 201 - Mechanics
- PHYS 202 - Electricity and Magnetism (UW Tacoma requirement: any lab science)
- MATH& 152 - Calculus II (UW Tacoma requires MATH & 146)
- Plus: 5 credits of any lab science
Major Related Elective Requirement: 10-15 credits
- Ten credits Computer Programming (these vary by receiving institution)
- CSCI 143 - Object-Oriented Programming II w/Java (series required by CWU, UW Seattle and UW Tacoma)
- CSCI 152 - Data Structures with C++ and .NET (WSU requires the 151/152 series)
- MATH& 163 - Calculus III (UW Bothell requires MATH & 146)
- UW Tacoma does not require
Additional Electives: 12-17 credits
- EWU: MATH 230
- Gonzaga, WSU, WWU: PHYS 203
- Heritage & Whitworth Engineering Physics 3 with lab (PHYS& 223) - 5 credits
See Notes below for other recommendations
Notes
- Gonzaga - recommends MATH& 264, PHIL& 120, MATH 230, and ENGL& 111 to fulfill graduation requirements
- Pacific Lutheran - Intro to CS, Digital Systems, Data Structures, Statistics, and Discrete Structures will be evaluated for comparability to PLU’s CSCE 144, 231, 270, and Math 242, 245 courses
- Seattle Pacific - Prefers C++ but accepts Java with SPU bridge course. MATH& 153 will be evaluated for comparability to SPU’s Math 1236
- Seattle University - Programming and Problem Solving 1 and 2 will be evaluated for comparability to CPSC 1420 and 1430 courses
- WSU (all campuses) - Recommends discrete structures. Discrete Structures is a certification course for all computer science and as such is required for admittance to the computer science program.
- Whitworth - Recommends electives including one Fine Art and one course fulfilling “American Diversity”
Highline College
Overview:
Highline College is a public community college located in Des Moines, Washington. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses. The college is known for its commitment to diversity and its focus on providing accessible and affordable education.
Services Offered:
Highline College provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic Success Centers, Access Services, Academic Advising, Bookstore, Cohort Learning Communities, Computer Labs, Counseling Center, Honors Program, Information Technology Services, Library, Math Resource Center, MESA Program, Prior Learning Assessment, Registration Dates & Deadlines, Running Start, Transition Success Center, TRiO Program, Tutoring Center, Veterans Services, Women’s Programs & WorkFirst, Workforce Education Services, and Writing Center.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, Grants, Workforce Education Services, College Cost information, Financial Literacy resources, Benefits Hub, and Student Employment Openings.Campus Resources:
Campus tours, Student Housing, Wellness Center, Department Directory, Staff & Faculty Directory, Locations and Directions, Parking, Bus Routes, Public Safety, Emergency Information, and Maps.Academic Programs:
Highline College offers a variety of academic programs, including:
Degrees and Certificates:
A wide range of associate degrees and certificates in various fields.Applied Bachelor’s Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in specific fields.Programs A-Z:
A comprehensive list of programs offered by the college.Learn English:
English language courses for international students.Finish High School:
Programs for students who need to complete their high school education.Continuing Education:
A variety of non-credit courses and workshops.Flexible Learning:
Online and hybrid courses for students with busy schedules.Other:
Highline College has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The college offers a variety of resources and support services for students from diverse backgrounds. The college also has a strong focus on workforce development and provides students with the skills they need to succeed in the job market.
