You Can Keep Your Head in the Clouds with a Career in Computer Science
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.
Find the path that fits your personal needs and professional goals:
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.
Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Associate in Science Degree - Computer Programming
27 units + General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement - Computer Programming
27 units
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.
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.
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.
Associate in Science Degree - Database Applications Developer
27 units + General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement - Database Applications Developer
27 units
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.
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 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 breakign 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 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.
Certificate of Achievement - Information Systems Management
13 units
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.
Certificate of Achievement - Mobile Apps Development - Android
15 units
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.
Certificate of Achievement - Mobile Apps Development - iPhone
12 units
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.
Certificate of Achievement - System Administrator (Networking)
17 units
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
