Computer Science Degree for Transfer

 

Description

The Associate in Science in Computer Science degree for Transfer is designed to provide the foundational courses for a student to successfully complete upper division course work in a Computer Science major from the California State University (CSU) system. Special emphasis is placed on CSU Bakersfield (CSUB) transfer requirements. Other specialty areas offered at CSUB including Information Security and Computer Information Systems may also be achieved. Students will also be prepared to transfer into other CSU schools.

Computer Scientists utilize a variety of technical, mathematic, creativity, and problem-solving skills to design, develop, produce, and optimize new software products. Computer Science degrees require advanced and intense mathematics, science, and computer programming course curriculum.

Preparations in high school including calculus, physics, and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) are beneficial. Development of an educational plan and semester check-ins with counseling are strongly encouraged and highly recommended.

Students will develop and demonstrate the necessary academic, technical, analytical, and communication skills in preparation to transfer to a B.S. Computer Science Program.

The degree guarantees transfer to a CSU campus as a junior.

See Taft College’s Transfer Center. Our Transfer Admission Guarantees include many other schools. Check with your Counselor to see if this degree will enable transfer to other four-year schools.

 

Earnings Potential

An associate degree in computer science for transfer offers the salary potential of $68,245 at five years, based on five-year studies of graduates by California Community Colleges. This does not reflect salaries with a four-year degree.1

Some careers require a minimum of a four-year degree or additional training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2024, the median annual wage for Computer and Information Technology Occupations is $105,990. The median annual wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists is $140,910, which requires a master’s degree. Additional median annual wages include: $123,100 for Database Administrators and Architects; $113,310 for Computer Science Post Secondary Teachers; $103,790 for Computer Systems Analysists; $63,010 for Computer Science Teachers in Technical and Trade Schools; and $61,550 for User Support Specialists.2 

1 California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Salary Surfer. 2021. https://salarysurfer.cccco.edu. Accessed 7 May 2025.

2 “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2024. www.bls.gov/ooh. Accessed 7 May 2025.

 

Program Requirements

To earn an Associate in Science in Computer Science degree for Transfer (AS-T), students must complete all course requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis; and must complete the General Education Breadth pattern for CSUs with an overall grade point average of 2.0.

Additionally, students shall be deemed eligible for transfer into a CSU baccalaureate program when the student meets both of the following requirements:

  1. Complete a minimum of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU, including both of the following:
    1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education Breadth Requirements.
    2. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
  2. Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

 

Program Goals

  1. Provide the necessary lower division courses including math, science, computer science, and general education that will transfer successfully to CSU system institutions.
  2. Prepare students to be academically ready for the upper division course work for a B.S. Computer Science program and industry employment.
  3. Acquire, understand, and apply initial software design, analysis, testing, and problem-solving skills.
  4. Demonstrate necessary critical thinking and lab skills to prepare the students for upper division major courses and subsequent industry employment.
  5. Provide students with several career alternatives as they seek their Computer Science education.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Science in Computer Science degree for Transfer, each student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills as individuals and as teams.
  2. Apply foundational computer programming, math and science skills while solving current industry problems.
  3. Make effective career choices in the computer programming field.

 

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