Associate of Occupational Science in Computer Programming
What is Computer Programming?
The explosive impact of computers and information technology on our everyday lives has generated a need to design and develop new computer software and to incorporate new technologies into a rapidly growing range of applications. As organizations attempt to control costs and keep up with changing technology, they need programmers to build new computer languages and systems.
Why pursue a career in Computer Programming?
As personal appliances, businesses, and industries become more computerized and techno-centric, the need for programmers intensifies in many environments. Computer Programming has been a rapid-growth industry since its inception and will continue to grow as more people rely on computers for communication, shopping, entertainment, education and research. These industries will require employees with the skills that are taught in the Associate of Occupational Science in Computer Programming program.
Demand for Computer Programmers
In the next decade, jobs in computer systems design is projected to increase by 45% and be among the 10 fastest growing industries in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Median annual earnings of computer programmers are very good. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers.
The Computer Programming program prepares students for occupations as Computer Programmers and related careers. Find related occupational information on the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET website.
SOC Codes (Standard Occupational Classification) related to Computer Programming careers: 15-1131.00
Overview
The Associate of Occupational Science in Computer Programming program is a comprehensive, occupational training program in computer programming. It provides 60 semester credit hours of instruction with extensive hands-on training, including projects and case studies. Day and evening classes meet 20 hours per week for four semesters (60 weeks or 16-months).
Degree Award
Graduates who successfully complete the academic requirements and fulfill financial obligations will be awarded the Associate of Occupational Science in Computer Programming degree.
Outline
Typical Course Outline
Associate of Occupational Science in Computer Programming
| BC205 | A+ Essentials | 4 |
| BC206 | A+ IT Technician | 3 |
| BC207 | Introduction to Linux | 3 |
| BC204 | Introduction to Networking | 5 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
| WS201 | Web Site Design | 3 |
| PJ202 | Project Management | 3 |
| PD203 | Professional Development | 3 |
| DB201 | SQL Database Management | 3 |
| PM205 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
| CP301 | Visual C#.NET I | 3 |
| CP302 | Visual C#.NET II | 3 |
| CP303 | Visual Basic.NET I | 3 |
| CP304 | Visual Basic.NET II | 3 |
| CP305 | Java 3 | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
| AM205 | Applied Math for Programmers | 3 |
| CP307 | SQL-SQL Server | 3 |
| CP308 | XML Web Services | 3 |
| CP309 | ASP.NET I | 3 |
| CP310 | ASP.NET II | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
Totals:
- Lecture: 40 Semester Credit Hours
- Lab: 20 Semester Credit Hours
- Needed to Graduate: 60 Semester Credit Hours
- Semesters may be offered out of the sequence shown.
Objectives
The Associate of Occupational Science in Computer Programming program is designed to provide training in the fundamentals of computers, and computer programming, to qualified post-secondary students, generally those who have no experience in the computer industry. Students are expected to become proficient in Visual C#.NET, Visual Basic.NET, and ASP.NET. Also presented are XML, Java, Database Applications and Design as well as Structured Query Language (SQL). Students will also learn problem-solving, troubleshooting and repair skills for computers and basic computer-network configurations. The program is designed to prepare students to seek the Microsoft Certified Applications Developer certification (MCAD) permitting graduates to gain entry-level employment in the computer-programming industry
Placement & Tuition
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Q. How much will this program cost me? A.
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Q. What are my financing options to pay for this program? A. In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible:
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Q. How long will it take me to complete this program? A. This program is designed to take 16 months to complete. |
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Q. What are the chances of getting a job when I graduate? A. Graduates of Fountainhead College's Computer Programming program for 2009-2010 have a total job placement rate of 100% and an in-field placement rate of 75%. Three graduates were placed in their field of study out of four students who graduated from this program during this time period. Fountainhead College actively pursues 100% placement of its graduates, however, employment is not guaranteed. |
* Based on average of 4 semesters
** Estimated Supply Cost
Complete 
Cost & Expenditures Chart.
- Changes to an Enrollment Agreement may require a $100 fee.
- Student receives a receipt for all funds paid to the college.
- Student receives invoices for all supply, textbook and fee charges.
- Student must purchase all required equipment and supplies from the College.
- Preexisting credit may be transferred which would change the total tuition.
- Online programs require the student to visit the campus at the end of each semester.
- Online students are not required to purchase a laptop from the College.
- Other than the laptop, online students pay the same tuition and fees as residential students.
Faculty
Get to know your Computer Programming Instructors.
Christopher Nicholson
Department Head & Instructor: Computer Programming
Christopher NicholsonChris Nicholson worked at ClientLogic in Oak Ridge as a Technical Support Representative where he managed client database records using the Oracle DBMS and diagnosed and remedied problems in computer networking.
Courses Taught
- CC2 WS201: Web Site Design
- CC2 PD203: Professional Development
- CC2 PM205: Introduction to Programming
- CC2 DB201: SQL Database Management
- CC2 PJ202: Project Management
- CP3 CP305: Java
- CP3 CP301: Visual C#.NET I
- CP3 CP302: Visual C#.NET II
- CP3 CP303: Visual Basic.NET I
- CP3 CP304: Visual Basic.NET II
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, University of Tennessee
- Bachelor of Arts, French, University of Tennessee
