Computer Programming (CPD)
Type: Career, Degree (AS)
Open Admissions
Division: STEM and Education
The Computer Programming Program prepares students for careers in the Information Technology field. This program provides a background in software development with required courses in several different programming languages. Students acquire skills needed to design and write software to support the needs of end-users. Electives can be selected from courses in Internet technology, database technology, hardware, operating systems, and programming languages. Students have the opportunity to gain work experience through an internship.
The following background is recommended for this program: algebra and computer literacy. Students without this background may need to take prerequisite course work prior to enrolling in some of the courses required in this program. Students are strongly urged to meet with their academic advisor on a semester basis to review the program, and discuss course selections for successful completion of the program.
First Year
Fall
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| CPS100 | Information Technology and Its Applications | 3 |
| CPS109 | Programming Logic and Design with Python | 4 |
| CPS240 | Web Programming with PHP and MySQL | 4 |
| MAT151 | Precalculus 1 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Spring
| CPS138 | Internet Networking and Security | 4 |
| CPS148 | XML | 3 |
| CPS168 | Introduction to Access | 2 |
| CPS122 | Operating Systems | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Second Year
Fall
| CPS140 | HTML | 4 |
CMP102-150
| Composition 2 Elective | 3 |
| CPS101 | Computer Science 1 (Java 1) | 4 |
| CPS170 | Database Theory and Applications | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
| CPS102 | Computer Science 2 (Java 2) | 4 |
| CPS224 | Object Oriented Programming in C++ | 4 |
| CPS218 | UNIX | 4 |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Requirement Notes
CPS100: may be fulfilled by challenge exam and 3 liberal arts credits.
Open Elective: This requirement is intended to further a student's career goals. Please meet with an advisor to determine how to best fulfill this course requirement. Students may choose to take PRO100/ITR200 in partial fulfillment of the 3 credit open elective requirement.
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Apply mathematical knowledge and analytical skills to solve software development problems.
- Communicate clearly and effectively using both verbal and written methods.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in solving software development problems.
- Work effectively with team members to analyze and solve software development problems.
- Design algorithms and develop code using different programming languages.
Occupational Skills Required
- Oral communication skills
- Written and reading skills
- Comfortable using a computer for email and accessing information on the Web
- Appreciation for using different programming languages
- Appreciation of mathematics to solve problems
- Organizational and time management skills to be successful in meeting
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
- Software Developer, Applications
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- Boston MSA - 22%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $50,600
Top Transfer Institutions
- Northeastern University
- Salem State University
- University of Massachusetts Lowell