Programming and Software Development, AAS

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The Programming and Software Development program provides a strong foundation in modern computing, emphasizing core programming principles, software design, and practical problem-solving. Students develop proficiency in industry-relevant languages, including C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL, while exploring key areas such as algorithms, data structures, secure coding, database design, web development, mobile applications, cloud concepts, and applied machine learning. The curriculum supports flexible academic pathways, enabling students to tailor their studies toward software development, web programming, mobile applications, data analytics, or emerging AI-driven technologies.

Through hands-on labs and real-world projects students build professional portfolios that demonstrate both technical skill and creative capability. The program prepares graduates for entry into a broad range of computing careers or continued study in advanced technological fields, equipping them with versatile, in-demand competencies valued across today’s industry landscape.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

Develop software applications using industry-standard programming languages and tools.
Create secure, data-driven web and mobile applications.
Design and manage relational databases to support application functionality.
Apply data structures, algorithms, and software engineering practices to solve computing problems.
Integrate programming with foundational robotics or mechatronic systems where applicable.
Produce well-documented, maintainable code and professional project portfolios.

Required Courses

First Year

Fall Semester

CSCI 127 - Joy and Beauty of Data Credit(s): 4
ETEC 100 - Introduction to Mechatronics Credit(s): 3
M 115M - Probability and Linear Mathematics Credit(s): 3 * ^R ²
MART 231 - Interactive Web I Credit(s): 4

First Semester Total: 14

Spring Semester

COMX 115C - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credit(s): 3 *^R
CSCI 113 - Programming with C++ I Credit(s): 4 *
CSCI 121 - Programming with Java II Credit(s): 4 *
CSCI 175 - Introduction to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Credit(s): 4
CSCI 240 - Databases and SQL Credit(s): 3

Second Semester Total: 18

First Year Total: 32

Second Year

Fall Semester

CSCI 176 - Applied Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Credit(s): 4
CSCI 210 - Web Programming Credit(s): 4 *
CSCI 238 - Standards-based Mobile Applications Credit(s): 4 *
Program Elective Credit(s): 3-4 ¹

First Semester Total: 15-16

Spring Semester

CSCI 290 - Undergraduate Research Credit(s): 1-3 *
OR
CSCI 298 - Internship Credit(s): 3 *
OR
CSCI 299 - Programming Capstone Credit(s): 3 *
WRIT 104W - Workplace Communications Credit(s): 3 * ^R
Program Elective Credit(s): 9-10¹

Second Semester Total: 13-16

Second Year Total: 28-32

Total Credits: 60-64

¹Choose elective courses from the “Program Electives” list below.

² M 115 is offered every semester.

^R Indicates Related Instruction requirement.

*Indicates prerequisite/corequisite needed. Check course description.

Program Electives

Choose from the electives listed below based on your chosen program focus. Please note which semester elective courses are offered and plan accordingly.

Software Developer Focus

IT Developer Focus

GIS Developer Focus

Game Developer Focus

Web Programming Developer

Program Information

Why Choose This Program?

Comprehensive and Diverse: Explore multiple development areas, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the multifaceted software landscape.
In-Demand Skills: Master languages and technologies sought after by leading companies across various industries.
Flexibility: Customize your learning journey to align with your specific interests and career aspirations.
Hands-on Experience: Learn by doing practical projects, simulations, and potential industry internships.

Explore Different Frontiers: Tailor your learning by aligning with specific interests - from mobile app development to robotics - through elective courses and project work.

Master the Fundamentals: Solidify your knowledge in programming paradigms, algorithms, and data structures using diverse languages like C, C++, Python, and Java.
Craft Desktop Applications: Build interactive and functional software for various platforms, gaining expertise in user interfaces, event-driven programming, and file manipulation.
Develop Mobile Apps: Go mobile by understanding mobile frameworks, creating user-friendly apps for smartphones, tablets and web apps.
Unleash Database Power: Manage and manipulate data through the power of SQL, exploring relational databases and their role in modern applications.
Embrace Robotics & IoT: Join the revolution by understanding sensor integration, microcontrollers, - building your own devices and exploring robotic systems.
Create Immersive Games: Design and develop captivating games, delving into game engines, physics simulations, and artificial intelligence.

Opportunities after Graduation

Computer Science is a rapidly growing field that offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Here are some compelling reasons to start pursuing a career in Computer Science at FVCC:

Become Industry-Ready: Hone your skills through practical projects simulating real-world scenarios, building a strong portfolio to showcase your talents.

Gain Versatile Skill Sets: Graduate with a diverse skill set coveted by employers, opening doors to various exciting career paths, such as Software Developer Full Stack Developer Game Developer GIS Developer Mobile Apps Developer Programmer Robotics Engineer and IoT Specialist.

High Demand: The demand for skilled Computer Science professionals is growing at an unprecedented rate. With the increasing use of technology in almost every industry, there is a huge demand for professionals who can design, develop and maintain software, websites, and applications, games, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. It is expected that the demand for Computer Science professionals will continue to grow rapidly over the next 10 years, making it a stable and secure career path to pursue.

Excellent Job Prospects: Computer Science job prospects are excellent. Graduates with a degree in Computer Science are highly sought after by employers across various industries. The field offers a wide range of career options, from software development and game development to artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and more. With such a broad range of career options available, there is always something new and exciting to explore for Computer Science professionals.

Competitive Salaries: Computer Science professionals are among the highest-paid professionals in the workforce. The salaries for Computer Science professionals are highly competitive, with the median salary approximately $97,000. This makes it an attractive career choice for those who are looking for financial stability and job security.

Flexibility: Computer Science professionals have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings, from large corporations to startups or as freelancers. They can often choose to work remotely, giving them the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. This flexibility makes it easier for Computer Science professionals to balance their work and personal lives.

Advising Information:

For more information, contact an advisor.

Academic Advisor	Faculty Advisor
Jori Bullemer	Jim Goudy, M.S.
LRC 129	BSS 129
(406) 756-3905	(406) 756-3617
jbullemer@fvcc.edu	jgoudy@fvcc.edu