Computer Science AAS
Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information may change. Please contact your adviser for more information regarding the courses. To see which materials are needed for your courses, click this bookstore link Links to an external site. and enter the course information.
You also may be interested in the Computer Science AAS-T Transfer Degree.
General Overview
As of Spring 2025 we are no longer accepting new students into the Computer Science program.
How long is the program?
- 3 quarters (9 to 11 months) with 47 total credits for the IT Fundamentals Certificate
- 6 quarters (22 to 24 months) with 92 total credits for the Computer Science AAS Degree
When do classes meet? Mornings and early afternoons with some online options; there also may be evening classes that meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Are summer classes required? No
In this program, you will learn to design, develop, and test client-server applications. You also will practice more advanced database tasks before completing a capstone project or an internship.
You can learn more about the Computer Science program in our $25 class CCP 046 Bridge to Information Technology Programs.
What does a computer programmer do?
What is the average salary?
$139,160 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most computer programmers earn at least $82,530; there is a wide salary range. Jobs with higher pay often require a bachelor's degree.
Who can I contact with questions?
- New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
- For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Computer Science.
Overall Materials Needed:
- Functioning, recent Windows laptop or computer, not an Apple or Chromebook (you must be able to install software)
- USB drive (thumb drive)
- Webcam
- Headset with microphone
- Working internet connection
- Textbooks for class (may range from $20 - $50 per general education class)
Key Course Icons (learn more)
green means the class has expensive materials
red means the class has lots of assignments
purple means the class has a lot of technical vocabulary
orange means the class has complex content
blue means the class moves at a fast pace
gold means that this is the most challenging quarter in the whole program
Quarter 1 Classes 
Description: This quarter introduces you to computer programming and networking. This quarter has four classes, including two in General Education. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
You may wait to take your social science class in the summer after Quarter 3 and enroll in just 12 credits this quarter. Please talk with an adviser before you choose this option, to make sure that financial aid will cover summer.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COL 101 | College Success | NO | 2 |
| IT 101 | Fundamentals of Information Technology | NO | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition or other communication or humanities class | varies by class | 5 |
| ANTH& 106 | American Mosaic or other social science class | varies by class | 5 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,062 | |||
Quarter 2 Classes
Description: You will create simple applications with object-oriented programming and use HTML and CSS for web design. Please consult your adviser about the best math class for your goals; you can learn more about math placement here.
Prerequisite note: You cannot take CSI 120 or CSI 140 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in IT 101.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSI 120 | Computer Programming I |
NO | 5 |
| CSI 140 | Web Development I | varies | 5 |
| AMATH 190 | Financial Algebra |
NO | 5 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,941 | |||
Quarter 3 Classes
Description: coming soon! Please consult your adviser about the best math class for your goals; you can learn more about math placement here.
Prerequisite note: You cannot take CSI 122 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 120, and you cannot take CSI 142 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 140.
It's time to apply for the IT Fundamentals certificate! What is this certificate?
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSI 122 | Computer Programming II |
NO | 5 |
| CSI 142 | Web Development II | varies | 5 |
| --- | any elective from General Education, Cloud Network Technology (CNT), or Cybersecurity Analyst (CYA) | varies | 5 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,941 | |||
Quarter 4 Classes
Description: coming soon!
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take CSI 224 or CSI 230 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 122. You cannot take CSI 244 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 142.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSI 224 | Computer Programming III | NO | 5 |
| CSI 230 | Database Development I | NO | 5 |
| CSI 244 | Web Development III | NO | 5 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,991 | |||
Quarter 5 Classes
Description: coming soon!
Prerequisite notes: You cannot take CSI 226 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 224. You cannot take CSI 234 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 230, and you cannot take CSI 246 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 244.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSI 226 | Computer Programming IV | varies | 5 |
| CSI 234 | Database Development II |
NO | 5 |
| CSI 246 | Web Development IV | TBD | 5 |
|
Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,991 |
|||
Quarter 6 Classes
Description: In your final quarter, you create a functional computer science project, or learn some game development skills, or work as an intern. You also study data structures and algorithms.
You have some options for your computer science classes:
- take CSI 248 (5 credits)
- take CSI 255 (5 credits)
- take CSI 294 (5 credits, with 165 intern work hours required)
For CSI 294, you must find an internship and get it approved by program faculty.
Prerequisite note: You cannot take CSI 248 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 246, and you cannot take CSI 255 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 224. You cannot take CSI 260 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 226.
It's time to apply for your degree!
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSI 248 or CSI 255 or CSI 294 | Cross Platform Development or Game Development or Internship | NO | 5 |
| CSI 260 | Introduction to Data Structures & Algorithms | NO | 5 |
| --- | any elective from General Education, Cloud Network Technology (CNT), or Cybersecurity Analyst (CYA) | varies | 5 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,941 | |||
Grand Total Estimate for Your Computer Science AAS Degree: $11,867