Program - Computer Science Transfer Pathway Degree

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Computer Science Transfer Pathway Degree

Program Information

The Computer Science Transfer Pathway Associate of Science (AS) degree program offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Science degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Computer Science bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing this pathway degree and transferring to one of the six Minnesota State universities enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs in a related field.

  • Minnesota State Transfer Pathways offer students curriculum that is designed to fully transfer to a parallel program at one of six universities in the Minnesota State system:

    • Bemidji State University: Computer Science Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • Metropolitan State University: Computer Science Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • Minnesota State University, Moorhead: Computer Science Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • Southwest Minnesota State University: Computer Science Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • St. Cloud State University: Computer Science Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • St. Cloud State University: Software Engineering Bachelor of Science (BS) degree (offered at the Coon Rapids Campus)
    • Winona State University: Computer Science Bachelor of Science (BS) degree (Bioinformatics, Computer Information, Human Interaction) 
  • By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning goals:

    1. Design and implement algorithms to solve problems in various application domains;
    2. Design and write software solutions utilizing appropriate data struc- tures incorporating object-oriented principles and best practices;
    3. Be fluent in two or more programming languages;
    4. Understand ethical and moral issues as related to software development;
    5. Understand the computer’s architecture as it relates to the design of software solutions; and
    6. Have a strong educational base to become a life-long learner in the field of Computer Science.
    • A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • Some students may need preparatory courses in the areas of English, mathematics or reading. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward this degree.
    • Satisfy residency requirements. 
    • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all program requirements.
    • Completion of specific degree requirements.
    • Each state university has specific program requirements for completion. Please speak with your advisor about requirements at receiving institutions.
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.
  • 30 CREDITS

    CSCI 1101* Introduction to Computer Science and Problem-Solving 3
    CSCI 1106* Fundamentals of Computer Science I 4
    CSCI 1107* Fundamentals of Computer Science II 4
    CSCI 2021* Machine Architecture and Organization 4
    CSCI 2100/MATH 2100* Discrete Mathematics  4
    Choose at least 11 credits from the following electives:
    CNET 2101* Introduction to Networks 3
    CSCI 1115 Visual Basic Programming 3
    CSCI 1125*+ Object-Oriented Programming Using Java 3
    CSCI 1155* Introduction to Functional Language Programming 1
    CSCI 1201  Database Systems 4
    CSCI 2253* Assembly Language Programming 4
    ENGR 2218* Digital Logic 4
    MATH 1201* College Algebra II and Trigonometry 4
    MATH 1210* Pre-Calculus 5
    MATH 1401* Calculus II 5
    *Course has prerequisite. See course schedule or catalog description.
    +Transfer Note: Students intending to transfer should choose the following elective: CSCI 1125.
  • 30 credits

    Complete at least 30 credits in courses from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), including all courses listed. You must complete at least one course in six of the ten goal areas. One course may satisfy more than one goal area, but the course credits may be counted only once.

    1. Communication 
      ENGL 1120* OR ENGL 1121 4
      CMST 1110* OR CMST 2220
    *Students may take CMST 2215 in place of CMST 1110
    (required by Minnesota State University, Mankato)
    3
    2. Critical Thinking
    3. Natural Science
    4. Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
      MATH 1400* 5
    5. History/Social/Behavioral Sciences
    6. Humanities/Fine Art
    7. Human Diversity (at least one course required)
    8. Global Perspective (at least one course required)
    9. Ethical/Civic Responsibility
    10. People and the Environment
    *Course has prerequisite. See course schedule or catalog description.
  • The following two-year Pathway Plan is suggested for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this pathway. For assistance with pathway planning, students should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. See also the college catalog Appendix for course offering information.

    FIRST YEAR

    Semester  One  Semester Two 
    CSCI 1101* 3 CMST 1110 OR CMST 2220 3
    ENGL 1120* OR ENGL 1121* 4 CSCI 1106* 4
    MATH 1400* 5 CSCI 2100/MATH 2100* 4
    General Ed/MnTC 4-5 General Ed/MnTC 5-6
    TOTAL  16-17 TOTAL  14-15 

    SECOND YEAR

    Semester Three Semester Four
    CSCI 2021* 4 CSCI 1107* 4
    General Ed/MnTC 11-12 CSCI 1125* 3
        General Ed/MnTC 4-7
    TOTAL  15-16 TOTAL  11-14
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.

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