Programs Associate Degree in Computer Science?

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The discussion centers on the value of associate degrees in computer science and software/systems engineering. Participants express skepticism about the job market prospects for a general two-year degree, suggesting that more specialized programs, such as trade schools or coding boot camps, may be more beneficial for job seekers. These alternatives are perceived as better aligned with current industry demands and can enhance employability due to their focused curriculum and motivated student base. There is also a conversation about the potential for transferring from a two-year program to a four-year university, with advice to check specific transfer agreements. While an associate degree can serve as a starting point, many believe that a bachelor's degree or more targeted training is necessary for significant advancement in the tech field.
KamenRiderTorbjorn
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I wanted to know has anyone here heard about associate degrees in computer science or software/systems engineering and if so are there worth pursuing?
 
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What research have you done on this?
 
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KamenRiderTorbjorn said:
associate degrees in computer science
If you are in the US, are you referring to community college AS degrees, or more trade-school 2-year type degrees?

Just my personal opinion, but a 2-year degree in a general subject like CS won't get you very far in the job market. If you want to advance more quickly in the job market, a 2-year programming trade school or web developer type of curriculum would make you more attractive to employers:

http://catalog.sjcc.edu/degrees-cer...s/cis-computer-programming-associate-science/

There are also accelerated "programming boot camp" programs that are fairly attractive to employers, because they are very directed at what current program developers are using, and the students who pay for these programs are usually very motivated to learn and do well, which makes them good employees despite their lack of long-term programming experience:

https://www.switchup.org/rankings/best-bootcamps-san-francisco

(full disclosure -- my son attended the #1 academy on that list) :smile:
 
berkeman said:
If you are in the US, are you referring to community college AS degrees, or more trade-school 2-year type degrees?

Just my personal opinion, but a 2-year degree in a general subject like CS won't get you very far in the job market. If you want to advance more quickly in the job market, a 2-year programming trade school or web developer type of curriculum would make you more attractive to employers:

http://catalog.sjcc.edu/degrees-cer...s/cis-computer-programming-associate-science/

There are also accelerated "programming boot camp" programs that are fairly attractive to employers, because they are very directed at what current program developers are using, and the students who pay for these programs are usually very motivated to learn and do well, which makes them good employees despite their lack of long-term programming experience:

https://www.switchup.org/rankings/best-bootcamps-san-francisco

(full disclosure -- my son attended the #1 academy on that list) :smile:
well since you put it that way is it possible for me to still transfer to 4 year college with a computer programming associate degree?
 
KamenRiderTorbjorn said:
well since you put it that way is it possible for me to still transfer to 4 year college with a computer programming associate degree?

Sure. Check with your CC to see which 4-year univeristies your 2-year degree transfers to, though. The cost of a 2-year CC degree and education is probably less than the private shorter boot camps, but the cost (and opportunity costs) of a 2+2 year degree is likely higher.
 
berkeman said:
Sure. Check with your CC to see which 4-year univeristies your 2-year degree transfers to, though. The cost of a 2-year CC degree and education is probably less than the private shorter boot camps, but the cost (and opportunity costs) of a 2+2 year degree is likely higher.
is it even possible getting a tech job with just a A.S? After looking online people are saying shoot for a bachelors. Which that is the goal, but I'm just curious.
 
I think just an AS in Computer Science or other general degree is just a starting point, not an entry point into the job market (just my opinion). You need either a much more focused short-term education (trade school or coding academy), or a 4-year degree with demonstrated abilities in larger coding projects (compilers, database coding, web coding, etc.).
 
After doing some research online I found out Arizona State has a transfer admission guarantee, but I'm not sure if it applies to ASU online also.
 

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