Computer Science AAS-T

Program Details Computer Science AAS-T (I-BEST)

Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. 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 Degree.

General Overview

As of Spring Quarter 2025 RTC will be discontinuing the Computer Science ProgramWe will continue to allow current CSI students to finish their programWe will no longer be accepting new students into the CSI Program.

length of the program icon How long is the program?

  • 6 quarters (22 months) with 92 total credits

When do classes meet? Mornings and early afternoons with some online options.

Are summer classes required? Yes, to graduate on time.

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. This is the applied transfer degree, which is the best preparation for an applied bachelor's program like the BAS in Application Development.

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?

Overall Materials Needed:

  1. Functioning, recent Windows laptop or computer, not an Apple or Chromebook (you must be able to install software)
  2. USB drive (thumb drive)
  3. Webcam
  4. Headset with microphone
  5. Working internet connection
  6. Textbooks for classes (price may vary depending on if general education classes need them)

Materials Warning

Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!

Key Course Icons (learn more)

expensive materials green means the class has expensive materials lots of assignments red means the class has lots of assignments technical vocabulary purple means the class has a lot of technical vocabulary complex content orange means the class has complex content fast pace blue means the class moves at a fast pace key quarter gold means that this is the most challenging quarter in the whole program

Quarter 1 Classes key quarter

Description: This quarter introduces you to information technology careers. This quarter has three classes, including English. 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. 

Quarter 1 Course Information
Course ID Course Name Materials Credits
COL 101 College Success NO 2
IT 101 Fundamentals of Information Technology NO 5
ENGL& 101 English Composition varies by section 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.

Quarter 2 Course Information
Course ID Course Name Materials Credits
CSI 120 Computer Programming I expensive materialstechnical vocabularycomplex contentfast pace NO 5
CSI 140 Web Development I varies 5
AMATH 190 Financial Algebra lots of assignments or MATH& 107 Math in Society or MATH&146 Introduction to Statistics NO 5
Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,941

Quarter 3 Classes

Description: coming soon!

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?

Quarter 3 Course Information
Course ID Course Name Materials Credits
CSI 122 Computer Programming II expensive materialstechnical vocabularycomplex contentfast pace NO 5
CSI 142 Web Development II varies 5
MATH& 107 or 146 Math in Society or Introduction to Statistics lots of assignments or a General Education elective if you completed transfer math in Quarter 2 YES 5
Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,941

Quarter 4 Classes

Description: coming soon!

Prerequisite notes: You cannot take CSI 224 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 122. You cannot take 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.

Quarter 4 Course Information
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. You cannot take CSI 246 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 244.

Quarter 5 Course Information
Course ID Course Name Materials Credits
CSI 226 Computer Programming IV varies 5
CSI 234 Database Development II technical vocabularycomplex contentfast pace NO 5
CSI 246 Web Development IV NO 5
Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,991

Quarter 6 Classes

Description: In your final quarter, you explore structures and algorithms. You also create a functional computer science project, or learn about game development, or work as an intern. 

For CSI 294, you must find an internship and get it approved by program faculty. The internship requires a minimum of 165 work hours.

Prerequisite note: You cannot take CSI 248 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 226, and you cannot take CSI 255 until you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 224.

It's time to apply for your degree!

Quarter 6 Course Information
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
HIST 110 Survey of American History or any transfer-level General Education class (not COMP or AMATH) varies 5
Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,941

Grand Total Estimate for Your Computer Science AAS-T Degree: $11,867

Continue your education! You can enroll in RTC's Application Development BAS. Western Governors University Links to an external site. also has pathways from your AAS-T degree to their bachelor degrees in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Software Development, and more.

Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!

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