Computer Technologies Degree/ Certificate Programs

Academic Offerings

The academic programs and courses provided by the Computer Technologies department equip students with the knowledge, tools, skill sets and practical experience to be competitive in job markets as well as prepare those who desire to continue their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.  Students are also challenged and encouraged by subject matter experts, and participate in fully active classroom instruction including both lecture and practical application knowledge delivered both on-campus or in distance learning environments. 

Program options offered through the Computer Technologies department include Associate in Science Degrees, Associate in Applied Science Degrees and Proficiency Certificates.

  • Associate in Science (A.S.): A degree for those who plan to transfer to bachelor’s degree-granting institutions.
  • Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.): A degree that provides students career-specific skills leading directly to employment. Students with this degree may also transfer to bachelor’s degree-granting institutions.
  • Proficiency Certificates: Proficiency certificates are short-term, focused course offerings that are primarily developed to prepare students for employment. Students may also continue their education, since all credits received through the proficiency certificates can potentially transfer seamlessly into an associate’s degree program in a related field.

Degree Programs

Proficiency Certificates

Academic Advisors

Academic Advisors see students by scheduled appointment only. Please contact the front desk staff (BG-12) to schedule an appointment with your advisor at (215) 751-8777, or book an appointment online through Starfish.

Department of Computer Technologies Advisors
 

Additionally, Curriculum and Program Coordinators serve as Faculty Advisors and are a great resource for students when they have questions or concerns regarding their academic degree programs.

Degree/Certificate Program Descriptions

If you are uncertain which career path to choose, a description of each academic program can be found below:

Computer Information Systems – Information Technology

The Computer Information Systems-Information Technology degree program provides a solid foundation in computing areas most important in today’s workplace— including PC operating systems, common applications software, data communications and networking, database management systems, computer programming, systems analysis and design, and project management.  In addition to core coursework students are required to complete a set of elective courses chosen to develop specializations in a selected area of computing or to obtain a broader understanding of computer technologies. Many of our students use elective courses to earn related Proficiency Certificates, in addition to their degree in areas such as Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, Network and Systems Administration, or Web Development.

Computer Science

In the Computer Science degree students learn computer programming and computer science fundamentals such as program structure and modularization. Students study algorithms, data structures, and time complexity in several programming languages including Python, Java, and C++. The program teaches students the details of how a computer operates and how to create sophisticated computer hardware, software and programming. The degree also prepares students to transfer to select computer science programs at four-year colleges and universities.

In addition to the A.S. degree in Computer Science, the department also offers two certificates in programming that are designed to help students enter the workforce with valuable software development skills: Computer Programming I – Application, Web, & Database Development and Computer Programming II – Algorithms & Computations. When completed, the proficiency certificate coursework may be applied towards the Computer Information Systems-IT or Computer Science Degrees.

Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity degree program enables students to gain valuable knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to monitor, detect and identify information technology security threats and vulnerabilities. Students in this program learn how to evaluate, analyze and resolve information technology security issues, as well as diminish/prevent a potential breach. This degree program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in information technology security or transfer to a four-year college or university. The Cybersecurity program also consists of courses that help to prepare students for certain industry certification exams such as:

  • CompTIA Security+
  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP)
  • Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

In addition to the A.A.S. degree in Cybersecurity, the department offers two certificates which are designed for students who are interested in entering the workforce sooner and pursuing careers in the information technology security field as described above. When completed, the coursework from the proficiency certificate in Cybersecurity I or Cybersecurity II may be applied towards the Cybersecurity degree.

Data Science Proficiency Certificate

Across diverse industries, data has increasingly become one of the most prized resources of any organization. Data Science and Big Data analytics have created a new frontier as organizations seek new opportunities and advantages from mountains of information. This proficiency certificate prepares graduates to function as members of a data analytics team, contribute to a data science project, and implement data analytics solutions using real-world data to solve real-world problems.

  • During your studies in this proficiency certificate program, you will learn to:
  • Perform data exploration, problem-solving, and analysis with programming languages used in data science.
  • Function as a member or leader of a team on a data science project and present results to different audiences.
  •  Produce the most suitable visualizations to describe data and communicate findings.
  •  Apply statistical methods and models relevant to data science.
  • Demonstrate proper ethical practices for the storage, collection, and analysis of data.

Mobile Application Development Proficiency Certificate

The Mobile App Development Proficiency Certificate prepares students to begin developing native Android and iOS applications that run on phones and tablets. Through hands-on coursework, students will learn several programming languages and develop interfaces and logic that allows them to process data. After learning the fundamentals of app development, students will learn to work with device sensors and integrate remote data into their applications so that applications can communicate across the internet.

The program of study requires no prior background in development or programming. Basic computer science principles and concepts will be introduced and reinforced across the curriculum. This certificate is an excellent choice for students looking to get into app development for a personal project or to enter programming careers, as well as those who are already working in the field and want to expand their knowledge and skills.

Network Administration

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Network Administration prepares students for entry-level employment as network and computer systems administrators, who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems. Courses in the program are closely aligned with entry-level professional certifications in computer systems and network administration.  

The Network degree program prepares students for the following industry certifications:  

  • CompTIA A+ Certification,
  • CompTIA Network+ Certification,
  • CompTIA Server+ Certification
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification
  • Cisco CCNA Certification

In addition to the A.A.S. degree in Network Administration, the department also offers a certificate program in Network & Systems Administration. When completed, coursework from the proficiency certificate may be applied towards the Network Technology Management & Administration degree.

Web Development I or Web Development II

There are two levels of Web Development proficiency certificates offered at Community College of Philadelphia, Web Development I and Web Development II: Cloud Computing. Web Development I prepares students for entry level careers as Web Application developers by providing skills in website design and development, JavaScript, network fundamentals, and server-side development.

Students wishing to further advance their web design skills can continue with the second level certificate which teaches cloud-computing through additional coursework in web development, JavaScript, Linux, operating systems, and cloud-computing fundamentals. Students who complete these certificate programs are able to develop and deploy real-world applications in cloud-based environments.