Computer Science

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Program Spotlight

The Computer Science offerings at Skyline College are intended to give students a solid foundation in computer programming, as well as an opportunity to investigate personal computer use with a micro computer, and the societal implications of our growing use and dependence on computerized technology.

Our computer programming courses include a three semester sequence of C (Comp 190), Advanced C (Comp 250), and C++ (Comp 684) for students wanting a more sophisticated foundation in computer programming.

Check out the current class schedule

Employment Statistics

Average Salary in California

National Ranking in Employment*

Computer Programmers

Computer Systems Analyst

* California employs the highest percentage of professionals in this role.

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor

Many job paths are available with a degree in computer science: these are just two of many, many roles you could achieve!

The Field

Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. Unlike electrical and computer engineers, computer scientists deal mostly with software and software systems; this includes their theory, design, development, and application. In order to succeed in Computer Science, students should possess a passion for technology and will need to develop strong analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Skyline College currently offers an Associate Degree for Transfer in Computer Science which allows students to easy transfer to the California State University.

Career Outlook

Jobs in Computer Science are growing at an increasingly fast pace as the tech industry expands. Some jobs include Information Security Analysts, Computer Systems Analysts, Computer and Information Research Scientists, Computer Network Support Specialists, Computer User Support Specialists, Database Architects, Database Administrators, Computer Network Architects, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Web and Digital Interface Designers, Web Developers, Computer Programmers, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, Software Developers, Data Scientists and more.

Salaries in computer-related jobs vary greatly depending on education level and industry sector. Computer Programmers in California make an average of $114,740 per year according to the U.S. Department of Labor. You can view the employment data for a variety of jobs attainable with a path in computer science on the Computer and Mathematical Occupations page from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Looking for classes offered in upcoming semesters?

Check out the current class schedule.
Program Type Total Units
Computer Science for Transfer AS-T 60 Units
Junior Developer CS 9 - 10 Units

Check out the current class schedule for upcoming semesters.

Class Schedule

The Skyline College STEM Center brings together academic and student support services for students taking science, technology, engineering and math courses.

The center supports student success by ensuring students have access to resources such as academic tutoring, counseling services, a resource depository for STEM pathways and transfer, a hub for internships and work based learning opportunities, as well as a place where students and staff can collaborate and build a community and supportive connection.

Check out the STEM Center

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to use sound ethical reasoning when discussing biological science and the use of biotechnological techniques.
  • Apply the knowledge of biological science to distinguish between observations, inferences, relationships, and testimonials under investigation.
  • Employ the appropriate techniques effectively and safely, including the appropriate use of equipment and tools to produce an acceptable outcome when performing a technical laboratory task.
Office Information
Location: Building 7
Email: lamb@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-7939
Fall 2024 Courses  |  Summer 2024 Courses

Type Status Title Days Time Instructor
IN
PROGRESS
CIS 122 - 98375 - Intro. to Programming: Python
CIS 122 Introduction to Programming: Python

Designed to teach computer programming to major and non - Computer Science majors with an introduction to Python Programming in interesting, relevant, and practical contexts. Focus is on hands-on Python programming skills, problem-solving using algorithmic thinking, abstraction, implementing an algorithm to executable code, debugging and testing software programs. Fundamental programming constructs such as variables, data types, selection, iteration, functions, data structures (lists, strings, dictionaries, tuples, DataFrames), file I/O, and other core concepts are covered. Applications focus on computational techniques to understand, analyze, and automate data analysis, basic encryption algorithms, matrix manipulation, sorting and searching algorithms, basic game design, and more.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 144-162
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 112
T Th 2:10pm-3:25pm Momeni, K
Day Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 242 - 98301 - Comp. Arch. & Assembly Lang.
CIS 242 Computer Architecture and Assembly Language

Covers the basics of digital logic gates, circuit design, computer organization and ISA standard computer architecture. Covers number systems (binary and hexadecimal) and data representation. Also covers Assembly language programming, memory systems, addressing, Operating Systems, interrupt/exception handling, input/output processing, and the connection between high-level language and assembly language.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: COMP 250 or COMP 284 or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 142
T Th 11:10am-12:25pm Katz, A
Day Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 242 - 98302 - Comp. Arch. & Assembly Lang.
CIS 242 Computer Architecture and Assembly Language

Covers the basics of digital logic gates, circuit design, computer organization and ISA standard computer architecture. Covers number systems (binary and hexadecimal) and data representation. Also covers Assembly language programming, memory systems, addressing, Operating Systems, interrupt/exception handling, input/output processing, and the connection between high-level language and assembly language.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: COMP 250 or COMP 284 or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 142
T Th 11:10am-12:25pm Katz, A
Day Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 250 - 98297 - Intro to Obj Ori Program.: C++
CIS 250 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: C++

Introduction to programming and software engineering for computer science and engineering majors and computer professionals. A systematic approach to the design, implementation, and management of robust C++ computer programs. Course emphasizes Object-Oriented programming design, programming documentation, testing and debugging techniques. This course conforms to the ACM CS1 standards.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 144-162
Prerequisites: MATH 222 or MATH 225 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 122, ENGR 120
M W F 10:10am-11:00am Katz, A
Day Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 250 - 98298 - Intro to Obj Ori Program.: C++
CIS 250 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: C++

Introduction to programming and software engineering for computer science and engineering majors and computer professionals. A systematic approach to the design, implementation, and management of robust C++ computer programs. Course emphasizes Object-Oriented programming design, programming documentation, testing and debugging techniques. This course conforms to the ACM CS1 standards.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 144-162
Prerequisites: MATH 222 or MATH 225 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 122, ENGR 120
M W F 10:10am-11:00am Katz, A
IN
PROGRESS
CIS 250 - 98299 - Intro to Obj Ori Program.: C++
CIS 250 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: C++

Introduction to programming and software engineering for computer science and engineering majors and computer professionals. A systematic approach to the design, implementation, and management of robust C++ computer programs. Course emphasizes Object-Oriented programming design, programming documentation, testing and debugging techniques. This course conforms to the ACM CS1 standards.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 144-162
Prerequisites: MATH 222 or MATH 225 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 122, ENGR 120
M 6:10pm-9:00pm Katz, A
Evening Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 252 - 98300 - Intro to Data Struct.: C++
CIS 252 Data Structures: C++

Design and implementation of larger projects using object-oriented software engineering principles with emphasis on definition and use of data structures including: arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, hash tables, dictionaries, sets and graphs. Standard methods are used for sorting, searching and analyzing the relative efficiency of algorithms (Big-O notation). This course conforms to the ACM CS2 standards.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 144-162
Prerequisites: CIS 250 or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 132
T 6:10pm-9:00pm Katz, A
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
CIS 262 - 98303 - Discrete Math. for Comp Scienc
CIS 262 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science

Covers the fundamental mathematical elements of computer science including mathematical logic, sets, functions and relations, generating functions, combinatorics, methods of mathematical proof, basic number theory, algorithms, graphs, and trees.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 144-162
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra or equivalent, or placement by other measures as applicable; and CIS 250 or CIS 274, or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9A3
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area B4), UC (IGETC Area 2A)
C-ID: COMP 152
\
TBA Williams, P
Evening Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 274 - 98305 - Intro to Obj Orient Pgmg: Java
div class="smc-catalog-course-title"> CIS 274 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: Java

Introduction to object-oriented computer programming for computer science majors and computer professionals. Emphasizes object-oriented design, good software engineering principles and developing fundamental programming skills in Java. This course conforms to the ACM CS1 standards.

Units: 4
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Lab hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 192-216
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 122
M W 5:10pm-6:25pm Hoffman, J
Evening Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 274 - 98305 - Intro to Obj Orient Pgmg: Java
div class="smc-catalog-course-title"> CIS 274 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: Java

Introduction to object-oriented computer programming for computer science majors and computer professionals. Emphasizes object-oriented design, good software engineering principles and developing fundamental programming skills in Java. This course conforms to the ACM CS1 standards.

Units: 4
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Lab hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 192-216
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 122
W 6:35pm-9:20pm Hoffman, J
Evening Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 274 - 98306 - Intro to Obj Orient Pgmg: Java
div class="smc-catalog-course-title"> CIS 274 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: Java

Introduction to object-oriented computer programming for computer science majors and computer professionals. Emphasizes object-oriented design, good software engineering principles and developing fundamental programming skills in Java. This course conforms to the ACM CS1 standards.

Units: 4
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Lab hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 192-216
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 122
M W 5:10pm-6:25pm Hoffman, J
Evening Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 274 - 98306 - Intro to Obj Orient Pgmg: Java
div class="smc-catalog-course-title"> CIS 274 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: Java

Introduction to object-oriented computer programming for computer science majors and computer professionals. Emphasizes object-oriented design, good software engineering principles and developing fundamental programming skills in Java. This course conforms to the ACM CS1 standards.

Units: 4
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Lab hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 192-216
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 122
W 6:35pm-9:20pm Hoffman, J
Day Class   IN
PROGRESS
CIS 286 - 98304 - Intro Data Structures - Java
CIS 286 Introduction to Data Structures: Java

Abstract data type implementation and usage techniques for computer science majors and computer professionals. Object-oriented approach to a variety of abstract data types including: lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, trees, maps and graphs. Also includes advanced sorting and searching topics, and algorithmic analysis using Big-O notation. This course conforms to the ACM CS2 standards.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
  • Total Student Learning hours/semester: 144-162
Prerequisites: CIS 274 (offered at Skyline) or CIS 284 (offered at Canada) or CIS 255 (offered at CSM); or equivalent experience programming in Java.
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: COMP 132
T Th 9:35am-10:50am Katz, A

The college catalog contains lists of all courses that we may offer in the current academic year.

View the Full Course Catalog

Primary Contact

Benjamin Lam
Benjamin Lam (Program Services Coordinator)
Science|Math|Technology-STEM Division
lamb@smccd.edu More details »

Department Faculty

Michael Kane
Michael Kane (Dean of Business, Education and Professional Programs)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Division Office
kanem@smccd.edu More details »
Nick Langhoff
Nick Langhoff (Professor)
Science|Math|Technology-Engineering (ENGR)
langhoffn@smccd.edu More details »
Ali Karahroudy
Ali Karahroudy (Assistant Professor)
Science|Math|Technology-Engineering (ENGR)
karahroudya@smccd.edu More details »
James Hoffman
James Hoffman (Adjunct Instructor)
Science and Technology-Engineering
hoffmanj@smccd.edu More details »
Thomas Brooks McCall
Thomas Brooks McCall (Assistant Professor)
Science|Math|Technology-Engineering (ENGR)
mccallt@smccd.edu More details »