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Computer Science

Earn an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Aims

Are you someone who is analytical, detail-oriented and enjoys solving puzzles? Do you have the ability to stay focused and persevere through a challenge with patience? If this sounds like you, consider a career in computer science where you’ll be open to a world of technological problem-solving.

This associate degree in computer science is focused primarily on coding and is designed specifically for students who wish to complete their first two years of college at Aims and then transfer to a four-year college or university to continue their studies.

Earning an associate degree in computer science from Aims puts you on an affordable path to getting your bachelor’s degree. Thanks to a statewide agreement between community colleges and universities, when you complete this liberal arts associate degree, you can transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior and earn your bachelor’s degree in computer science. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save substantial costs. 

At Aims, your instructors, Pathway Advisors and Transitions Center coaches will work together to help your transfer go smoothly.

If you’re ready to embark on an in-demand career in the field of computer science, learn more about this degree from Aims.

Gain Knowledge and Skills in Computer Science

This liberal arts degree with a computer science emphasis offers introductory skills designed to prepare you for more advanced coursework offered in the bachelor’s degree program you choose. 

Computer skills at Aims are taught using traditional lectures as well as a flipped classroom model. Students often learn new concepts independently so that in-class time is used for application and deeper engagement in conjunction with instructor guidance. Assignments are practical and hands-on with a balance between individual and collaborative projects. Knowledgeable faculty will teach you basic computer skills, introduce you to high-level programming languages and help you learn content such as:

  • File management
  • Computer architecture
  • Algorithm development
  • Data representation
  • Logical expressions
  • Sub-programs
  • Input/output operations

Faculty will also help you develop the soft skills necessary to excel in the workplace, including:

  • Critical thinking
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Teamwork
  • Research
  • Time-management
  • Problem-solving
  • Analytical thinking

Careers in Computer Science

The demand for individuals proficient in computer programming is high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. 

After earning a bachelor’s or higher degree in Computer Science, you can pursue any number of careers, including:

  • Programming
  • Mobile applications programming
  • Computer software engineering

If you are interested in a similar career path but are looking for employment after earning a two-year associate degree, consider the Computer Information Systems Associate Degree program.

Continue Your Computer Science Studies at a Colorado Four-Year Public University

Thanks to a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement in Colorado, after graduating from Aims with a liberal arts associate degree in Computer Science, you can go on to study at any participating public university statewide. Below is a list of colleges and universities in Colorado that are a part of this statewide agreement and offer bachelor's degrees in Computer Science.

Note: Aims Community College does not currently offer CSC 1165 or CSC 2225. Talk to your Aims Pathway Advisor about cooperative registration agreement options with CSU and UNC.

*For both the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Colorado Denver, this agreement applies only to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science. If you are interested in the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, contact a program advisor at CU Boulder or CU Denver as early as possible in your associate degree program at Aims.

Here’s what your journey from Aims to a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science will look like:

  1. An Aims Enrollment Coach can answer your questions about this degree transfer program and help you get started on the path to earning your degree.
  2. After becoming an Aims student, you’ll choose classes to earn your computer science associate degree. Your Aims Pathway Advisor will help you ensure you follow the pathway that best suits you and helps you reach your goals.
  3. You’ll also work with an Aims Transfer Coach to get help choosing the school you’d like to transfer to and researching what scholarships are available.
  4. You can also reach out to a transfer advisor at your chosen four-year school to make sure you're choosing classes that will support you when you go on to complete your bachelor's degree.
  5. Before graduating from Aims, your Transfer Coach will help you prepare for the transition to your new school as a junior.
Aims2UNC Program

The Aims2UNC Transition Program

Aims2UNC is a joint initiative streamlining the path for students to seamlessly transition between the two colleges. You’ll get support from advisors specific to this program who will assist you as you earn your associate and bachelor's degrees in computer science.

Learn more

Computer Science Faculty and Staff

Aims computer science faculty keep your needs and interests in mind, guiding you to understand the concepts of programming and computational thinking you need to be successful for a career in this field. With smaller class sizes compared to four-year schools, faculty are able to give you personalized instruction that will prepare you to transition to a four-year degree program.

  • Headshot of Ellen Swieter

    Ellen Swieter

    Professor, Business Technology
  • Portrait of Jennifer Bailey

    Jennifer Bailey

    Instructor, Computer Information Systems
  • Portrait of Kenny McDaniel

    Kenny McDaniel

    Professor, Computer Information Systems
  • Portrait of Grayson Brown

    Greyson Brown

    Professor, Computer Information Systems