Computer Science
Students prepare for entry in various careers in the Information Technology industry that require a solid foundation in computer programming. Students design, develop and test client-server applications, practice more advanced database tasks, and bring their learning together in a capstone project or internship at the conclusion of the program. Reinforcement of theory is achieved through lab projects and close instructor contact. General education classes needed for the degree are offered both in person and online.
Students completing the AAS or AAS-T degree requirements may transfer to one of the many local Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs in computer science, including the BAS in Application Development at RTC. They also can enroll at City University, DeVry University, and University of Phoenix with junior standing in a variety of business- and computer-related bachelor degree programs.
Enrollment Point: Fall, Winter, Spring
All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.
These amounts are based on median entry level wages, they are estimates and are not guarantees. For more information, visit careerinfo.net
Tuition
At Renton Technical College, tuition is affordable and competitive.
Financial Aid
Federal aid is available for most students to help pay for school. Fill out your FAFSA now to get started.
Scholarships
The RTC Foundation offers scholarships to help pay the costs of attending school.
All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Does not reflect Winter 2021 remote learning. Hours vary according to program. For the most current information, see the Class Schedule.
Entry Requirements
Admission Requirements
- No admission requirements
Admission Recommendations
- Typing skills of 25 words per minute highly recommended.
- Need to brush up on your tech skills? Check out our Bridge to IT course!
Apply and Get Registered!
Upcoming Registration dates:
Registration is first come first serve. Spring 2021 registration opens February 24 at 7 a.m. – until full.
- Connect with an Entry Advisor and complete the Admissions Application to get a student ID number
- Entry advisors are available in our RTC Virtual Welcome Center
- Phone: 425-235-5840
- Email: advising@rtc.edu
- New Student Advising Appointment booking page
- Entry advisors are available in our RTC Virtual Welcome Center
- Plan how to Pay for College
- Explore funding options
- If you’re interested in financial aid, complete an online FAFSA or WASFA along with a Financial Aid Data Sheet (RTC school code: 014001)
- Financial Aid Department (Bldg I-205)
- Zoom: RTC Virtual Welcome Center
- Email: financialaid@RTC.edu
- Phone: 425-235-5841
- Register for classes once registration opens. Directions for how to register can be found here: How to Register PDF Guide or How to Register YouTube Video
- Required:
- CNT 156 CompTIA A+ Core I – Item number L103
- CSI 120 Computer Programming I – Item number L509
- COL 101 College Success – You will not be able to register for this course. It will be added to your schedule within 5 business days of you registering and your updated schedule will be emailed to your student email (how to log into your student email)
- Optional:
- You have the option to add on a social science class in your first quarter. One of these classes is required for graduation but can be taken later on in the program. Taking this class will result in a heavier than average full-time course workload. It may take longer to complete the program if you decide to take this social science class later. Adding this class is recommended for people who already have a background in computer programming and/or networking. A social science, if desired – refer to the class schedule for options (ANTH&106, ANTH&234, PSYC&100, SOC&101) or visit the RTC Catalog for a quarter by quarter breakdown example.
- Required:
For help or additional questions, please contact advising:
- Phone: 425-235-5840
- Email: advising@rtc.edu
- Zoom: RTC Virtual Welcome Center
Course Information
Requirements for IT Fundamentals Certificate
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| COL 101 | College Success | 2 |
| CNT 156 | CompTIA A+ Core I | 5 |
| CSI 120 | Computer Programming I | 5 |
| CSI 122 | Computer Programming II | 5 |
| CSI 124 | Computer Programming III | 5 |
| CSI 130 | Database Design | 5 |
| CSI 140 | Front-End Web Development | 5 |
| AMATH 175 | Financial Math or | |
| MATH 092 | Descriptive Statistics with Algebra II or | |
| More advanced mathematics option | 5 | |
| ANTH& 234 | Religion and Culture or | |
| PSYC& 100 | General Psychology or | |
| SOC& 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| COMP 100 | Applied Composition or | |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition | 5 |
| Total | 47 |
Requirements for AAS Degree
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| COL 101 | College Success | 2 |
| CNT 156 | CompTIA A+ Core I | 5 |
| CSI 120 | Computer Programming I | 5 |
| CSI 122 | Computer Programming II | 5 |
| CSI 124 | Computer Programming III | 5 |
| CSI 130 | Database Design | 5 |
| CSI 140 | Front-End Web Development | 5 |
| CSI 226 | Computer Programming IV | 5 |
| CSI 234 | Applied Database Development | 5 |
| CSI 242 | Client-Side Scripting | 5 |
| CSI 250 | Rich Internet Applications | 5 |
| CSI 260 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms | 5 |
| CSI 293 | Capstone Design and Development Project | 5 |
| CSI 294 | Cooperative Education/Internship^ | (10) |
| AMATH 175 | Financial Math* or | |
| AMATH 190 | Financial Algebra* or | |
| MATH 092 | Descriptive Statistics with Algebra II* | 5 |
| ANTH& 234 | Religion and Culture or | |
| PSYC& 100 | General Psychology or | |
| SOC& 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| ART& 100 | Art Appreciation or | |
| HUM& 101 | Introduction to Humanities or | |
| MUSC& 105 | Music Appreciation | 5 |
| COMP 100 | Applied Composition or | |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition | 5 |
| Two approved general education options^^ | 10 | |
| Total | 92 |
Requirements for AAS-T Degree
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| COL 101 | College Success | 2 |
| CNT 156 | CompTIA A+ Core I | 5 |
| CSI 120 | Computer Programming I | 5 |
| CSI 122 | Computer Programming II | 5 |
| CSI 124 | Computer Programming III | 5 |
| CSI 130 | Database Design | 5 |
| CSI 140 | Front-End Web Development | 5 |
| CSI 226 | Computer Programming IV | 5 |
| CSI 234 | Applied Database Development | 5 |
| CSI 242 | Client-Side Scripting | 5 |
| CSI 250 | Rich Internet Applications | 5 |
| CSI 260 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms | 5 |
| CSI 293 | Capstone Design and Development Project | 5 |
| CSI 294 | Cooperative Education/Internship^ | (10) |
| AMATH 175 | Financial Math* or | |
| AMATH 190 | Financial Algebra* or | |
| MATH 092 | Descriptive Statistics with Algebra II* | 5 |
| ANTH& 234 | Religion and Culture or | |
| PSYC& 100 | General Psychology or | |
| SOC& 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| ART& 100 | Art Appreciation or | |
| HUM& 101 | Introduction to Humanities or | |
| MUSC& 105 | Music Appreciation | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition | 5 |
| MATH 136 | Inferential Statistics* or | |
| MATH& 107 | Math in Society** or | |
| MATH& 141 | Precalculus I** or | |
| MATH& 146 | Introduction to Statistics** | 5 |
| One approved general education option^^ | 5 | |
| Total | 92 |
^Students who find a full-time internship may substitute CSI 294 for all 10 CSI credits in the final quarter (CSI 250 and CSI 293).
^^Natural Science (BIOL& 100, GEOL& 101, or NUTR& 100) is recommended.
*Students who place into higher math or present math transfer credit may substitute other general education courses for the developmental math sequence. The AAS-T requires just 5 credits of a MATH& option.
**These classes have prerequisites. Students should plan carefully based on their math skills and placement results.
Approved General Education Courses
Approved General Education classes are listed below. Students should choose options that meet their career and educational goals. Transfer credits and requests to take a class not listed below must be approved by the program Dean.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ACCT& 201 | Principles of Accounting I | 5 |
| ANTH& 106 | American Mosaic | 5 |
| ART& 100 | Art Appreciation | 5 |
| BIOL& 100 | Survey of Biology | 5 |
| CMST& 101 | Introduction to Communication | 5 |
| CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 |
| ECON& 201 | Microeconomics | 5 |
| ECON& 202 | Macroeconomics | 5 |
| ENGL& 102 | Composition II | 5 |
| GEOL& 101 | Introduction to Physical Geology | 5 |
| HUM& 101 | Introduction to Humanities | 5 |
| MATH& 142 | Precalculus II | 5 |
| MATH& 148 | Business Calculus | 5 |
| MATH& 151 | Calculus I | 5 |
| MUSC& 105 | Music Appreciation | 5 |
| NUTR& 101 | Human Nutrition | 5 |
| PSYC& 100 | General Psychology | 5 |
| SOC& 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
Ready for more?
Check out the Bachelor of Applied Science in Application Development for more information or speak to an adviser today.
Program Outcomes
- Develop database-connected programming solutions.
- Develop web applications.
- Write clean code in at least two industry-standard programming languages.
- Apply basic knowledge of data structures and algorithms to programming tasks.
- Work effectively on diverse teams.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Accreditation
External accreditation is not applicable to this program.
Questions?
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