Computer Science / Computer Information Systems
Computer science will help you find rewarding jobs in the Information Technology (IT) field. Highline offers a mix of short certificates, 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Arts (AA) degrees, and Associate of Science (AA) degrees that prepare students to transfer to computer science bachelor’s degree programs at 4-year schools like the University of Washington. Most transfer students plan to earn this degree. The associate degree can be general in its emphasis, providing a broad educational background for students who wish to transfer to a university.
The Network Security Engineer and Web Development are great pathways into the BAS Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics degree.
Bachelors Degree
Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics provides students with the breadth and depth of knowledge in cybersecurity and reinforces the skills with hands-on labs. U.S. Bureau of Labor projects 31% growth in employment in the cybersecurity field between 2019 to 2029.
Program Map
- Secure the commonly used operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Apple at the small office/home office (SOHO) level to the enterprise level.
- Securely install, configure, program and maintain routers, switches and hubs for the SOHO to enterprise level operation.
- Evaluate, plan and implement cloud security for the variation of cloud environments including public, private and hybrid.
- Evaluate, implement and maintain mobile security for SOHO to enterprise level operation.
- Securely install and maintain the popular database products – such as MySQL, MS SQL Server and Oracle – while being able to evaluate the appropriate operating system for the situation, perform security audits, and apply the knowledge to new technology such as big data installations and analytics.
- Design, install and maintain a secure database using one or more of the popular database products on various operating systems to industry standards.
- Evaluate, implement and use big data architectures such as Cloudera, Hortonworks, or Map-R to utilize Hadoop Distributed File Systems.
- Able to effectively perform the tasks related to penetration testing on various platforms, applications and network designs including pre-evaluation, setting of parameters, evaluate/report results, and give recommendations on remediation of findings.
- Plan, conduct and report on the digital analysis of networks, cloud deployments, desktop and mobile devices using proper forensics techniques and determining the appropriate legal parameters that should be adhered to.
- Design and conduct an e-discovery investigation, while applying the appropriate legalities such as litigation holds, HIPAA standards, etc.
- Apply knowledge of professional ethics when dealing with sensitive and confidential information or when making a decision on what path or methodology to use.
Career
A degree in Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Forensics enhances opportunities for employment and promotion in a variety of information technology-related positions, such as cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity administrator, cybersecurity consultant, network engineer, computer forensic specialist, incident response, penetration tester and software engineer.
Department/Program URL:
Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Department
GPA Requirement:
A minimum 2.5 cumulative college-level GPA
Number of Credits:
180
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Central Washington University
- Seattle Pacific University
- Seattle University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A
Key Advisors
Associate Degrees
Associate in Science – Track 2 degree with a concentration in Computer Science focuses on the study of theory, experimentation, and engineering that form the basis for the design and use of computers. Students will study a variety of subjects including programming languages, such as Python and Java, software programming, developing new software applications, and network and systems administration. Completion of this program prepares students to apply to a Computer Science major program or related field at Washington State four-year colleges or universities, as well as opening doors to a variety of careers such as software engineering, web design, computer programming and more.
NOTE: Depending on where you want to transfer, an Associate in Arts DTA or Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP degree may be a better choice. Meet with an advisor and contact the 4-year program you want to transfer to for help choosing.
Program Map
Career
Software Developer, Computer Science, Software Engineer, Programmer
Department/Program URL:
Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Department
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0
Number of Credits:
90
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Communicate effectively, both in speech and writing, within the technical field.
- Manage a project from start to finish, both individually and in teams.
- Analyze and deconstruct a problem to identify potential solutions.
- Use technology (such as search engines, blogs, discussions boards, computer programs or various network/Internet resources) to identify resources to help solve a problem.
- Think critically and utilize qualitative and quantitative reasoning skills to design and implement an effective problem solution.
- Perform complex computations using quantitative and scientific algorithms and methods.
- Apply algorithmic and symbolic thinking to the problem-solving process.
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington – Seattle
- University of Washington – Tacoma
- University of Washington – Bothell
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A
Key Advisors
Courses in this program parallel the first two years of a university program, and credits earned in these courses generally transfer to four-year colleges throughout the United States. Study in this program leads to an Associate in Arts DTA (AA-DTA) degree.
NOTE: Depending on where you want to transfer, an Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP or Associate of Science degree may be a better choice. Meet with an advisor and contact the 4-year program you want to transfer to for help choosing.
Program Map
Career
Software Developer, Computer Science, Software Engineer, Programmer
Department/Program URL:
Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Department
GPA Requirement:
A minimum 2.0 cumulative college-level GPA; Completion of at least 23 of the total required credits at Highline with a minimum 2.0 GPA (known as the residency credit requirement).
Number of Credits:
Completion of a minimum of 90 college-level credits (courses numbered 100 or above)
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- After successfully completing the Written Communication/Communication Studies requirement, students will communicate effectively, both in speech and writing, within the technical field.
- Manage a project from start to finish, both individually and in teams.
- Analyze and deconstruct a problem to identify potential solutions.
- Use technology (such as search engines, blogs, discussions boards, computer programs or various network/Internet resources) to identify resources to help solve a problem.
- Effectively communicate orally and in writing to and with diverse audiences in public and human communication contexts.
- Articulate the political, social, legal, global or systemic issues that manifest or contribute to discrimination and marginalization of individuals or groups.
- Explain different cultural perspectives on a topic.
- Critically analyze human diversity through the lens of the academic discipline in a Diversity and Globalism studies class.
- Identify and assess factors that influence personal and community health and wellness while employing lifestyle choices to enhance life-long well-being and quality of life.
- Draw logical conclusions using symbolic or quantitative methods. This includes comprehending, analyzing, representing, calculating, and communicating information presented using numbers, words, graphs, and/or symbols.
- Analyze and interpret evidence using social science framework.
- Explain the relationships between social structures and human behavior.
- Analyze and/or produce forms of creative expression, applying critical thinking and exhibiting cultural competence.
- Use scientific, analytic, or logical methods, modes of inquiry, and terminology to demonstrate knowledge, comprehension, and application of science concepts and insights.
- Collect and analyze data quantitatively using appropriate tools within a discipline specific setting (i.e., lab or field).
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington – Seattle
- University of Washington – Tacoma
- Central Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A
Key Advisors
Courses in this program parallel the first two years of a university program, and credits earned in these courses generally transfer to four-year colleges throughout the United States. Study in this program leads to an Associate in Computer Science (DTA/MRP) degree.
NOTE: Depending on where you want to transfer, an Associate in Arts DTA or Associate of Science degree may be a better choice. Meet with an advisor and contact the 4-year program you want to transfer to for help choosing.
Program Map
Career
Software Developer, Computer Science, Software Engineer, Programmer
Department/Program URL:
Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Department
GPA Requirement:
A minimum 2.0 cumulative college-level GPA; Completion of at least 23 of the total required credits at Highline with a minimum 2.0 GPA (known as the residency credit requirement).
Number of Credits:
Completion of a minimum of 90 college-level credits (courses numbered 100 or above)
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington – Seattle
- University of Washington – Tacoma
- Central Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A
Key Advisors
A network security engineer protects systems from cyber threats, including bugs, malware, and hacking attempts. … Testing and configuration of hardware and software systems. If you are compelled, then the AAS in Network Security Engineer (NSE) program might be the job for you. In roles such as network administrator and network specialist, graduates maintain network hardware and software. Network specialists analyze, design, install, test, and support systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), Internet, intranet, wireless and other data communications systems. They provide day-to-day on-site administrative support for network users in a variety of work environments. Network administrators also may plan, analyze, coordinate, implement and communicate network security measures.
Program Map
Career
- Maintain network hardware and software.
- Network specialists analyze, design, install, test, and support systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), Internet, intranet, wireless and other data communications systems.
- Provide day-to-day on-site administrative support for network users in a variety of work environments.
Department/Program URL:
Computer Information Systems Department – Network Security Program
GPA Requirement:
Cumulative GPA 2.0
Number of Credits:
91 Credits
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Build and configure a computer using essential components, peripherals and various operating systems.
- Implement a LAN with Microsoft and/or Linux servers and workstations adding management of users, e-mail, Websites and network resources.
- Demonstrate proficient knowledge of computer commands for Windows/Linux operating systems.
- Design and correctly address an enterprise network with built-in redundancy devices.
- Implement a virtual environment for networking within a computer or server.
- Secure access and protect the data in a network server.
- Manage a complex project from start to finish, both individually and in teams.
- Analyze project requirements and gather information necessary to thoroughly understand project scope and specifications.
- Effectively use technology to identify resources to solve networking issues, troubleshoot problems and remain current in the technology field.
- Communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders, both in speech and written documents.
Top Transfer-To institutions
- Highline College’s BAS in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A
Key Advisors
This program will equip students to be exposed to creating good quality content and utilizing effective online marketing strategies – SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and social media. In order to carry out these tasks students should be knowledgeable in numerous technical aspects of web development, coupled with good content creation skills and business principles.
View in Catalog
Department/Program URL:
Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Department
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Understand and be able to build and maintain websites based.
- Able to utilize and optimize content.
- Be able to utilize multiple tools.
- Demonstrate marketing skills.
- Identify data via website analytics/statistical analysis & present.
- Problem-solving and diagnosis of methods needed for SEO
This program will equip students to be exposed to creating good quality front end website designs and integration into backend code. In order to carry out these tasks students should be knowledgeable in the design aspects and be able to use numerous tools ranging from wire framing through graphic design when designing front end websites. In addition they should have some exposure and be able to identify and integrate designs into server side scripting as well as client side scripting code.
Career
Web Developer, Web Designer
Department/Program URL:
Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Department
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0
Number of Credits:
93
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze project requirements and gather information necessary to thoroughly understand project scope and specifications.
- Communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
- Determine and apply appropriate technologies and tools to problems.
- Design, build and maintain a scalable and minimally redundant database.
- Design, develop and maintain a aesthetically pleasing and functional websites.
- Create, edit, and maintain code in various technologies & languages.
- Document all work accurately and thoroughly.
Top Transfer-To institutions
- Central Washington University
- Highline College’s BAS in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
- Green River College’s BAS in Software Development
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A
Key Advisors
Highline College’s Information Systems Project Coordinator program prepares the student for an entry level position as a supervisory/project manager in the Computer Forensics field. Project Coordinators provide day-to-day administration of projects and ensure that services or products are delivered in a timely, cost effective, and qualitative manner. Students should currently be working in or have supervisory/managerial skills gained in a commercial environment. The program will equip students with the tools and skills required in becoming a proficient Project Coordinator of IT projects.
Highline College’s Information Systems Project Coordinator program prepares the student for an entry level position as a supervisory/project manager in the Networking field. Project Coordinators provide day-to-day administration of projects and ensure that services or products are delivered in a timely, cost effective, and qualitative manner. Students should currently be working in or have supervisory/managerial skills gained in a commercial environment. The program will equip students with the tools and skills required in becoming a proficient Project Coordinator of IT projects.
Highline College’s Information Systems Project Coordinator program prepares the student for an entry level position as a supervisory/project manager in the Software field. Project Coordinators provide day-to-day administration of projects and ensure that services or products are delivered in a timely, cost effective, and qualitative manner. Students should currently be working in or have supervisory/managerial skills gained in a commercial environment. The program will equip students with the tools and skills required in becoming a proficient Project Coordinator of IT projects.
Highline College’s Information Systems Project Coordinator program prepares the student for an entry level position as a supervisory/project manager in the Web Development field. Project Coordinators provide day-to-day administration of projects and ensure that services or products are delivered in a timely, cost effective, and qualitative manner. Students should currently be working in or have supervisory/managerial skills gained in a commercial environment. The program will equip students with the tools and skills required in becoming a proficient Project Coordinator of IT projects.
Certificates of Achievement (45 credits and above)
- Certificate Networking (formerly Network Scripting and Automation)
- Certificate Systems (formerly Windows/Unix/Linux and Network Virtualization)
Certificates of Achievement (Under 45 credits)
- Computing Foundations (formerly PC Hardware/Software and Networking)