In Cascadia College's Computer Science pathway, you will study computers and computation. Unlike electrical and computer engineers, computer science graduates work mostly with software and software systems. Software engineers create the apps, programs, and cloud services that we use every day, while academic computer scientists research their theory, design, development, and application. A computer science degree is the most common route to employment as a software engineer.
Modalities
Coursework may be completed through a combination of in-person (web enhanced), hybrid and online modes, though not every course is offered in the same modality each quarter. Specific courses may be offered at certain times of the year. Consult the current Class Schedule.
Placement
Many courses at Cascadia College have placement prerequisites for reading, writing and math ability. The courses that you will place into determine how you progress through your pathway and how long your degree will take. There are a variety of ways to find your English and Math placement level.
In order to earn the Associate's degree connected to this pathway, you will need to complete the following math courses:
Students who are considering a transfer to UW Seattle will also need to take MATH& 163 (Calculus 3). You will need to consult with an academic advisor after placement to be sure to enroll in a course that is consistent with your planned course of study.
If you have any questions about this pathway, contact: advising@cascadia.edu.
Planning Your Courses:
The information below assumes the following:
- You are beginning with an English placement of ENGL& 101
- You are beginning with a math placement of MATH& 151
- You will be attending full-time each quarter (3 classes)
- You will start in the fall quarter
- You are ready to take 100 and 200-level classes in your first quarter
- You are NOT taking courses during summer quarters
If any of these points do not apply to you, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make some adjustments to your course schedule. Talk with an Academic Advisor to create a long-term academic plan that meets your needs.
The Annual Course Planning Guide shows Cascadia’s tentative plan for classes and the quarters in which they are offered. It is intended for planning purposes only and should not be considered a guarantee of class offerings. Actual quarterly sections may be changed, added, or removed. Students should use the Searchable Quarterly Class Schedule to see up to date class offerings.
Quarter One (Fall)
- Find your community! Attend activities and connect with student clubs related to your long-term goals or interests.
- Meet with your Advisor and build a long-term course plan.
- If you have credits through AP testing or from another college, begin the process of having them officially evaluated.
Quarter Two (Winter)
- Compare the different Computer Science majors offered at the universities you're interested in.
- Look for local opportunities to participate in computer science-related activities.
Quarter Three (Spring)
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major/university. Are you on track?
Quarter Four (Fall)
NOTE: Computer Science DTA requires taking specific lab science courses. Please review "Choice Classes" section at the bottom of this page to view your options.
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications!
- Apply for next year's financial aid at your desired universities.
- If next year's FAFSA isn't available yet, set a reminder for when it will be!
Quarter Five (Winter)
NOTE: Computer Science DTA requires taking specific lab science courses. Please review "Choice Classes" section at the bottom of this page to view your options.
- Meet with your Advisor to apply for graduation!
Quarter Six (Spring)
- Attend Cascadia's Commencement Ceremony (optional)
Choice Classes: Distribution and Elective Requirements - Explore and align your interests.
The recommended choice classes listed below were thoughtfully chosen to help you gain the necessary skills in this pathway. You are welcome to choose other classes outside the recommended list, but consult with an academic advisor to be sure that the classes meet the specific requirements for this pathway.
Humanities
AIIS 102 Introduction to American Indian and Indigenous Studies
ART& 100 Art Appreciation
CMST& 101 Introduction to communication
CMST 105 Professional Communication
CMST 110 Digital media, Culture, and Communications
HIST& 128 World Civilizations 3
HUM 107 Introduction to Human Centered Design
PHIL& 101 Introduction to Philosophy
MUSC& 105 Music Appreciation
MUSC 130 Popular Music in the United States
Social Sciences
ANTH& 206 Cultural Anthropology
GS 101 Introduction to Global Studies
GS 230 Contemporary Japan
ECON& 201 Microeconomics
PSYC& 100 General Psychology
Natural Sciences
In order to complete the Computer science DTA degree, students are required to take two lab science courses. Cascadia offers multiple lab science classes, however for this degree students are only allowed to choose from the following:
BIOL& 211 Majors Cellular
BIOL& 212 Majors Animal
BIOL& 213 Majors Plant
CHEM& 161 General Chemistry with Lab 1
CHEM& 162 General Chemistry with Lab 2
CHEM& 163 General Chemistry with lab 3
PHYS& 221 Engineering Physics 1
PHYS& 222 Engineering Physics 2
PHYS& 223 Engineering Physics 3
150 Course and Equity, Diversity, and Power Course (10 credits)
To meet the Equity, Diversity, and Power completion requirement for graduation, you must complete:
- One 150-series EDP course
- At least one additional EDP-designated course
150-series courses ground students in the needed cognitive tools and background to critically analyze their position in our increasingly interconnected, complex, and diverse world so they can pursue further study and seek out their careers more intentionally.
EDP-designated courses (including the 150-series courses) may also apply toward Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science, or General Elective distribution requirements as indicated.
Transfer Opportunities
For this pathway, Cascadia College recommends the Associate's degree linked at the top of this page. However, the College offers multiple degrees which are designed for transfer to public and private four-year institutions. Please consult with an Academic Advisor about which degree may be best suited for your long-term goals.
For a full list of related Bachelor's degrees in Washington state, visit WA Public Universities. Below are some examples:
View Cascadia’s Transfer Agreements for details of our partnerships with other colleges and universities.
University admissions requirements may vary – consult with the Career and Transfer Office for transfer assistance to plan your career and future educational goals.
Software engineer, data scientist, database administrator, information security analyst, web developer, systems analyst, information security analyst, business analyst, computer science researcher, mobile application designer or developer, product manager, user interface designer, video game developer.
You can learn more about career possibilities related to your interests in this pathway through O*Net Online. O*Net Online shares information about related careers, salary, skills related to the industry, and more.
Connect with Cascadia’s Career and Transfer Office for assistance as you go through the process of planning career and future educational goals.
Some job opportunities may also exist in business corporations, non-profits, and Tribal Enterprises.