This is an archived copy of the 2018-2019 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://ecatalog.socc.edu.

The Certificate of Completion Programming Technician is a one-year certificate that includes the first year of the Computer Science and supporting Computer Information Technologies. This certificate is intended for students focused on becoming career-ready in one year. Students completing this certification will be prepared to seek entry-level employment in occupations such as a software testing specialist, junior developer, mobile application developer, or web developer.

Click here to learn how this certificate can lead to an AAS in CIS Software Development.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.

Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Programming Technician can be found online.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion Programming Technician is awarded.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

CIS90Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency)2
MTH60Algebra I (or placement in higher math course)4
WR90RAcademic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course)4

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CIS151 Network Essentials 4
CS160 Computer Science Orientation 4
MTH86 Computer Technology Mathematics 1 4
WR115 Introduction to Expository Writing (or higher) 3
 Credits15
Winter
CIS140U Intro to Operating Systems: Unix 4
CIS145 Hardware Installation Support 4
CS161 Introduction to Computer Science I 4
CS195 Web Development I 3
 Credits15
Spring
BA110 Group Dynamics for Teams 2 3
CS133WS Web Scripting 4
CS162 Introduction to Computer Science II 4
Specific Elective 3 4
 Credits15
 Total Credits45

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Plan, write and debug software applications within multiple programming environments.
  • Design, administer, and maintain a database.
  • Plan and design integrate technology systems ranging from servers to user interfaces.
  • Apply project life cycle concepts to assist in finding solutions to business needs.
  • Research, interpret, and communicate technical information in written, graphic, diagrammatic, electronic and oral forms.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently or in a group environment with sensitivity to needs of customers and coworkers.