About the Computer Science Program
The fast-paced field of computer science is dynamic and ever-evolving as new technology emerges, becomes mainstream, then shifts yet again. We start with required core classes across computer programming, operating systems, databases and networking, and computer architecture. Depending on career interests and skill sets, students can specialize in software, gaming, and mobile app development, as well as cloud computing.
Santa Monica College is one of 19 Los Angeles Community Colleges that has received the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Educate grant, which provides high school and college students with education and training in cloud computing. Increasingly, companies are moving to data centers, hybrid environments, and the cloud, creating competitive, yet attractive job prospects. Gain hands-on experience, proficiency, and access to a vast library of learning materials, all designed to help you master essential cloud computing skills.
With on-campus and fully online program options, SMC offers a format that works for you.
Cloud Computing Certificate Now Available by 19 LA Community Colleges and AWS Educate
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Justin Hong
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Program Paths
Computer Programming
Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
This program covers a broad spectrum of courses ranging from core computer science to a variety of branch fields of computer science. This major provides the student with the basic skills required of core computer science. Courses include programming in low-level and essential languages, Database Theory, Operating Systems Fundamentals, Computer Hardware, and Data Structures. Students finishing this major are well equipped to work in the field of computer science as well as transfer to a four-year degree program in this area.
Computer Science
Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
This program covers a broad spectrum of courses ranging from core computer science to a variety of branch fields of computer science. This major provides the student with the basic skills required of core computer science. Courses include programming in low-level and essential languages, Database Theory, Operating Systems Fundamentals, Computer Hardware, and Data Structures. Students finishing this major are well equipped to work in the field of computer science as well as transfer to a four-year degree program in this area.
Cloud Computing
Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
This certificate provides students with the industry skills to understand, build and maintain applications for the cloud. These skills include the technical principles of the hardware and software requirements to run systems in the cloud including storage, database management, and software systems, while maintaining secure access.
Cloud Computing
Department Certificate
This program provides the industry standard skills to understand and develop applications for the cloud. Students learn a range of topics that cover the technical principals of the hardware and software requirements to run systems in the cloud including storage, database management, and software systems while maintaining secure access.
Database Applications Developer
Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
This program develops user-friendly interfaces to database applications. A database application is made of data, a database engine to store the data, and an interface to extract and display the data. The skills needed to build a database application range from database theory and design, using a database engine such as SQL Server, or Oracle, to programming in ADO technologies to extract the data, as well as programming in Windows and Web applications on a client and server-side basis to present the data. In addition, with increasing concerns over security, a database developer must also be able to write secure code that runs with minimum risk of attacks.
Web Developer
Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
This program helps to design and develop applications and scripts for the World Wide Web (WWW). Web programmers need to be knowledgeable on a variety of Internet technologies (HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, Perl/CGI, Java, JSP, PHP, and the Microsoft .Net platform), networking and database management. They are chiefly responsible for providing the programming which makes webpages interactive or allows users to interact with back-end applications and databases. Web programmers are instrumental in making electronic commerce on the Internet possible.
Data Analyst
Certificate of Achievement
Data science is an applied field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from both structured and unstructured data sources. Data science incorporates data mining, machine learning and big data to make predictions and identify actions that organizations can take to be more effective. Data Analysts incorporate data mining, machine learning and big data to make predictions and identify actions that organizations can take to be more effective. Data Analysts are responsible for breaking down big data into usable information and creating software and algorithms that help companies and organizations determine optimal operations. This certificate will prepare students for jobs in this field by providing students with skills in different technologies and techniques that are used for data science and machine learning. Students may also choose to transfer to four-year universities with established undergraduate programs in Data Science.
Data Science
Certificate of Achievement
Data science is an applied field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from both structured and unstructured data sources. Data science incorporates data mining, machine learning and big data to make predictions and identify actions that organizations can take to be more effective. Data scientists are responsible for breaking down big data into usable information and creating software and algorithms that help companies and organizations determine optimal operations. This certificate will prepare students for jobs in this field by providing students with skills in different technologies and techniques that are used for data science and machine learning. Students may also choose to transfer to four-year universities with established undergraduate programs in Data Science.
Information Systems Management
Certificate of Achievement
This program aims to provide Computer Science students with the knowledge needed to develop Information Systems in a real-world setting. Students learn how to develop medium to large scale applications while applying the skills needed to plan and budget resources in development projects from conceptual design to deployment.
Mobile Apps Development - Android
Certificate of Achievement
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the emerging mobile career field. Students learn how to design and write apps for the Android platform. In addition to programming courses, the program includes courses that teach the fundamentals of mobile app and icon design.
Mobile Apps Development - iPhone
Certificate of Achievement
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the emerging mobile career field. Students learn how to design and write apps for the iPhone/iPad/iPod platform. In addition to programming courses, the program includes courses that teach the fundamentals of mobile app and icon design.
System Administrator (Networking)
Certificate of Achievement
The IT world is integrated by networks. Success in IT disciplines like database, website, or e-commerce development demands a supporting grasp of the network environment. Major technologies are the networks themselves, their fit within the operating platforms they connect to, specific network applications, and measures to achieve networks security.
Microsoft Azure
Department Certificate
This program provides the industry standard skills to understand and develop applications for the cloud using the Microsoft Azure platform. Students learn a range of topics that cover the technical principles of the hardware and software requirements to run systems in the cloud including storage, database management, and software systems, while maintaining secure access.
Cybersecurity
Department Certificate
This certificate will prepare students for an entry-level position in the field of information security. They will gain an understanding of technological needs, threats, and weaknesses in cybersecurity. Through this certificate, students will learn the tools needed to manage computer systems as well as gain insight into the legal, and social aspects of the cyber universe.
Entry Level Programmer
Department Certificate
This certificate provides students with the knowledge and practice needed to develop small-scale applications. The certificate also provides students with the building blocks to pursue further studies in computer science and/or start an entry-level position in the software development industry.
Department Certificate Forms
Cloud Computing Department Certificate Form
Cybersecurity Department Certificate Form
Entry Level Programmer Department Certificate
Microsoft Azure Department Certificate Form
Potential Career Options
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Salary: $144,840
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Information Systems Management
Computer Programmers
Salary: $82,974
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Entry Level Programmer
Computer Hardware Engineers
Salary: $135,975
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Computer Programming
Resources and Transfer
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses need to be taken at SMC before applying to your designer colleges/universities.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university.
Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
Student Clubs
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