An online associate degree in computer science is a great way to get started in this field. This entry-level degree provides the foundational skills necessary to pursue a career as a computer programmer, software developer, user support specialist or computer systems administrator.

With an associate degree in computer science, you’ll complete 60 credit hours of coursework focused on programming languages, database design and management, operating systems and networks and web development. By the end of your program, you’ll be ready to take on roles such as application developer or web designer.

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education beyond your associate degree, the credits you earn can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university. With an online format that allows for flexible learning from home or on the go and small class sizes that promote personalized attention from instructors, this program offers all of the benefits of traditional classroom study without any of the constraints.

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Online AS in Computer Science

Associate of Science (AS) in Computer Science degree programs are designed to provide the foundational skills necessary to begin a career or transfer seamlessly to a bachelor’s program.

Online associate computer science degrees may be offered as Associate of Arts (AA) degrees, while others may be Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS). The difference between these two types of associate programs is the focus on liberal arts and technical training. For example, an AS might prepare you for transfer into a bachelor’s program with general education courses, while an AAS could specialize more in applied tech training.

Most online associate computer science degrees offer a broad spectrum of classes that cover topics such as database structures, data mining and network security. Other core classes might include programming languages, software engineering, systems analysis and web design fundamentals. In some programs, students have the ability to tailor their studies by choosing elective courses like social media marketing or mobile application development. Some programs also give students the chance to participate in project-based learning through capstone courses or internships at local businesses and organizations.*

Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology

The Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology (IST) is an online associate degree program that will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to apply information technology (IT) to solve problems.

You will be taught how to analyze, design, implement and maintain IT systems. You will learn team-building skills and the importance of working effectively in a team environment. The focus of this program is on creating real-world solutions for real-world business problems.

Online AAS in Information Systems Technology

This 60-credit associate degree program is designed to be completed in 2 years. Most courses are online and asynchronous, with no set meeting times. You will learn the principles of computer programming and information systems, as well as fundamental business concepts.

However, many students complete this degree in less than 2 years by taking accelerated courses or earning credit for prior learning. The transfer of credits from accredited universities can also help you graduate faster.

Eligibility for admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED).

Online AA in Computer Programming

Although an associate degree in computer science usually takes two years to complete, the length of degree completion depends on the program and the student’s schedule. Online programs offer flexibility so you can create a personalized schedule that fits your work and family obligations.

If you aren’t sure what you want to do with your computer science degree, or if you want to keep your options open, this is a good choice. For example, if you are interested in developing software but aren’t sure what kind of software is right for you, this degree provides a broad introduction to computer science that will help guide your decision-making process.

The courses in this program provide an introduction to various programming languages and teach students how to utilize these languages when developing software applications and operating systems. This is an excellent foundational education for a number of different careers within computer science and technology.

See a list of online associate computer science degrees.

Online Associate Computer Science Degrees

When you’re ready to start your career in computer science, an associate degree is a great place to start. An associate degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for entry-level positions as well as give you a good foundation for pursuing a more advanced degree.

What Type of Degree is an Associate’s in Computer Science?

An associate’s degree in computer science is an academic credential awarded to students who complete a full-time, on-campus or online program of study. These programs typically involve around 60 credits and take about two years to complete. While many schools offer general programs that allow learners to choose their coursework, others may require them to focus on one area of the field such as web development or software engineering. There are also hybrid programs that blend online learning with traditional classes. In these options, students can often complete most or all of their coursework online but must go on campus for labs or to meet with professors and peers.

Why Get an Online Associate Degree in Computer Science?

Computer science curriculum tends to be highly technical and rigorous while touching upon many different subjects within the discipline like programming languages, operating systems, data structures and algorithms, networking principles, systems analysis and design, database management concepts and internet technologies—just to name a few! Therefore it takes time to develop the skills needed for designing software applications, creating databases and networks, troubleshooting hardware problems and performing other duties associated with this career field.Students gain hands-on experience solving real-world computing problems through classroom lectures, collaborative projects involving teamwork & critical thinking skills as well as independent research assignments.They will have learned how computers work from both a conceptual perspective & practical problem solving approach using specific programming languages.A number of companies have begun offering tuition assistance incentives

Careers in Associate Computer Science Degree

Engineering

Most entry-level jobs in engineering are found in the fields of computer science and software programming. Asking yourself which of these is best for you could be the first step toward finding a fulfilling career that allows you to pursue your passions.

While there are many different areas within the field, most professionals work with computers to solve problems and design new products. Graduates with degrees in computer science often enter a job as a programmer or software developer, where they are responsible for building code that can run on other computers or mobile devices; some also become involved with designing new software programs.

Management

Managers are responsible for making sure that the people and processes they are in charge of are working effectively. They may be in charge of several teams or they may oversee a single department. As a manager, you will always be held responsible by those above you when things go wrong and it is your job to ensure that this doesn’t happen. Management is a good position if you like being in charge of other people and have strong leadership skills. The IT world has many jobs for managers, including:

• Project Manager
• Product Manager
• Technical Account/Sales Manager

The number one skill required to succeed as a manager is soft skills. Good communication, an understanding of software development processes, the ability to deal with conflict, patience and empathy are all key attributes for a manager.

Computer Systems Analysis

As a computer systems analyst, you help organizations handle their information technology (IT) needs. You’ll find innovative ways to use existing systems and develop new ones. Current technologies like cloud computing and mobile devices make work exciting for systems analysts. They use them to create quicker, more reliable ways to send and store data. Having an associate degree in computer science can help you start your career as a computer systems analyst.

Computer Systems Analyst Job Description

Computer systems analysts identify business problems and recommend solutions through IT systems. They examine technical issues of businesses, organizations or individuals and find ways that computers could solve those problems better or faster. Then they design custom IT solutions to meet the specific needs of that organization using current technologies such as cloud computing or mobile devices.

How Much Do Computer Systems Analysts Earn?

The median annual salary for computer systems analysts is $87,220 per year.* The highest-paid 10 percent made over $132,890 per year, while the lowest-paid made under $52,340 per year.*

Education Requirements for Computer Systems Analysts

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in information technology management or information systems management.* However, it is possible to start your career with an associate degree in computer science. These programs provide you with skills needed to analyze business problems and offer IT solutions using current technologies like cloud computing and mobile devices. A bachelor’s degree may be required if you want additional advancement opportunities in the future.*

• Bureau of Labor Statistics

Information Technology and Services

If you’re interested in working in the technology field, but don’t want to complete a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree is a great way to get started. An associate of computer science will prepare you for several different careers.

Some of the most common positions held by graduates of an information technology program are:

• Software developer. Software developers work within teams to create new software products and applications that meet their clients’ needs.
• Computer support specialist. Computer support specialists work with companies to help keep their networks running smoothly and deal with any problems that may arise.

Computer Software

In the world of software development, computer programmers are the people who write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn a program design into instructions that computers can read and follow. Computer programmers perform various tests on the software they create to make sure it produces the expected results.

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Computer programmers generally have an associate degree in computer science or a bachelor’s degree in another field with a computer science minor. Experience with different programming languages, such as C++ or Java, is also important for getting hired as a programmer. Employers may require workers to earn certification (which requires passing an examination on programming concepts) before they can start work. Most programmers specialize in a few programming languages so that they know them well enough to be productive without wasting time looking up how to do things repeatedly. Since new programming languages are frequently being introduced, experienced programmers must continue their education throughout their careers in order to stay current on new language features, tools and frameworks that come along with these new languages.

Financial Services

The financial services industry has many different names:

finance and insurance sector

finance, insurance and real estate sector

financial services

financial services industry

financial services sector

financial and insurance services

financial sector

financial industry

Higher Education

You may also consider teaching computer science at a college or university. You’ll need a master’s degree to teach at most colleges, but having an associate degree is all you’ll need to teach lower-level classes. The same goes for community colleges.

It’s also possible to tutor students in computer science, either privately or through your school. If you want to work with children and young adults, teaching computer science in high school or technical school is another great option.

Program Development

If you decide to go into program development, you’ll be busy creating new programs or developing new ideas and improving existing ones. You’ll typically also be working with other people to develop software. Program development is a common career path with a computer science degree, and some jobs include:

• Software developer
• Software quality assurance analyst
• Security software engineer

There are many different career paths to explore with an associate degree in computer science.

There are many different career paths to explore with an associate degree in computer science. A degree in computer science can lead to a rewarding career. The field is growing and full of opportunity, but it is important to do your research. Computer science is a versatile degree that requires problem-solving skills and knowledge of data structures, algorithms, software design and coding languages such as Java or C++. With the right classes and internship experience under your belt, you can choose a path that best suits you.