Computer Science Department

Computer Science - Associate in Science Degree
Computer Science is the study of computers, both hardware and software.  Students learn how to design and write programs.  We teach some of the most widely used languages (currently C++, Java and Visual Basic), and also the basic elements of computer architecture: how computers are designed and how they work.  We continually review and update our program as this field changes so rapidly.  Computer Science students begin by learning the fundamental concepts of problem solving using computers, so that with some study they are able to work in any language and rapidly learn new techniques of design and development as their future positions will inevitably demand.

Graduates of Computer Science are very much in demand across a broad spectrum of the job market and are in short supply, so job prospects are excellent.  Most Computer Scientists love their work – what could be more fun than going to work every day to solve puzzles and create exciting projects?  They are also well paid and, because of the demand for their skills, are often given extra perks to entice them to stay in their jobs (or to move to new ones). Click for A.S. Degree Requirements

Westchester Community College's Computer Science degree prepares students to transfer into a baccalaureate program.  Recent Westchester Community College Computer Science graduates have transferred to four-year colleges and universities within the SUNY and CUNY systems (including Binghamton, Stony Brook, Albany and Lehman), and to private colleges and universities (including Pace University, Iona College, Manhattan College, NYU, Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute and Georgia Tech). Graduates also often find entry-level positions in the computing field to help them pay for their education and gain experience.

Computer Programming - Certificate
The certificate is designed primarily for professionals working in a related field who wish to become programmers or update their skills.  It will provide the student with all the fundamentals, as well as advanced levels, of computer programming.  Students will use several industry standard programming languages and development tools that prepare them for today’s technology demands. Prior programming experience is not required. Click for Certificate Requirements

Networking - Associate in Applied Science Degree
Students studying Networking learn the principles and practice of designing, building, and maintaining networks capable of supporting national and global organizations. The program features hands-on, project-driven training in high-demand job skills, using state of the art networking equipment.  In addition to acquiring a degree, students are prepared for the CCNA examination to become Cisco Certified Network Associates.

Networking is also a fast growing field as practitioners are increasingly employed in every sector of the economy.  Network systems analysts are needed to design, test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, and other data communications systems. Systems can range from a connection between two offices in the same building to globally distributed networks, voice mail, and e-mail systems of a multinational organization. Network systems and data communications analysts perform network modeling, analysis, and planning; they also may research related products and make necessary hardware and software recommendations. Click for A.A.S. Degree Requirements

Westchester Community College's Networking degree prepares students for both the workplace and transfer into a baccalaureate program.  Recent networking graduates have been employed by Westchester County, IBM, and Forecast International.  Others have transferred to four-year colleges and universities including SUNY Cobleskill, Pace University, Polytechnic University and NYIT. 

Networking - Certificate The Networking certificate is designed principally for professionals already working in a related field who wish to update and extend their skills.  Completion of the program prepares students for the CCNA examination to become Cisco Certified Network Associates, which will allow them to work in many areas of the networking field. Click for Certificate Requirements

Special facilities available for computer science and networking students include dedicated labs with equipment that is continually updated, at both the main campus in Valhalla and the Yonkers Cross-County extension site. An internship program is available to selected students. Students are encouraged to join the Computer Club (Omega) and the Math Teams, and to exercise their other interests and talents in any of the other student clubs.

Curriculum Advising:  We encourage computer science and networking students to meet with any of the professors below once a semester to ensure that they are on the right track for graduation.  Professors can advise students on the courses they should take the following semester, so before registration starts is a good time to meet.

For more information on various jobs within Computer Science and Networking, job prospects, and earnings, look at the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics