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2023-2024 Catalog

Computer Programming Certificate of Completion

Program Description

46 credits

The Computer Programming Certificate of Completion provides an introduction and exploration into the world of computer programming and technology. This certificate prepares students with the essentials of computer programming along with critical thinking skills necessary to design programs and applications. Core courses provide a foundation in programming concepts. Topics such as Object-Oriented Programming, Web Development, Data, and Coding Communities of Practice (CCoP) will be introduced.

This program is intended for students who would like to enhance their current career and/or degree plan by adding fluency in programming to their set of skills. It is not meant for students who would like to pursue computer science/programming as a sole academic pathway and career. Those students interested in computer science/programming as a career should take the Associate of Science in Computer Science degree. This is not a fast track to becoming a programmer or software developer.

Students interested in this certificate of completion must meet with the ITECS department chair and computer science faculty before enrollment in this program. This meeting will help determine the relevancy of the program to the student's larger academic and career goals.

 

Educational Opportunities 

Some courses within this program are transferable and may be applied to two-year or four-year degree programs at other institutions -- starting with the sophomore year. Acceptance of transfer credits is at the discretion of the receiving institution.  Students considering transfer to another college or university should consult with that institution concerning transferability of courses.


Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment and/or contract opportunities. According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, in 2021 the average salary for a Computer Programmer was $82,130 for individuals with significant work experience and/or a Bachelor Degree in the field. 

 

Learning Outcomes

 

Students who successfully complete the Certificate of Computer Programming will be able to:


  • Interpret and differentiate computer programming terms and concepts

  • Demonstrate the ability to install, configure, and set up programing environments 

  • Use critical thinking to formulate, plan, and design coding solutions to solve problems

  • Apply troubleshooting methods to test and debug computer programs

  • Interpret and explain the software development life cycle

  • Demonstrate team communication and collaboration when working on programming projects

  • Demonstrate participation and engagement within a Coding Community of Practice


Certificate Requirements

Fall

CSCD110Intro to Linux & Scripting

3
CSCD121Code Hosting & Community of Practice

1
CSCD131Careers in Computer Science

2
CSCD139Programming I

4
MATH100College Algebra

5
Total Credit Hours:15

Winter

CSCD140Programming II

4
CSCD169Web Programming I

4
ENGL101English Composition I

3
NASD101History of Indians in the United States

3
Total Credit Hours:14

Spring

CSCD183Database Concepts

4
CSCD189Web Programming II

4
CSCD197Programming Project

3
SPCH100Basic Communications

3
CSCD186Introduction to Data Visualization and analysis

2
Total Credit Hours:16