The Associate of Science degree
Our Associate of Science degree (A.S.) courses prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science. The A.S. degree in Computer Science emphasizes the theory of computer science, while the Computer Information Systems degree emphasizes business applications.
University admission for computer science programs is competitive; completing the suggested Parkland courses does not guarantee admission to a university’s program. However, we strongly encourage you to complete the A.S. degree before transferring to a four-year institution in computer science. Early in your career at Parkland, plan your transfer program with a counselor/advisor and the catalog of the four-year college or university you plan to attend.
Length of Study
This degree program may be completed in two years of full-time study or longer if on a part-time basis. To transfer as a junior into a four-year computer science program, you must complete a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, including all of the essential prerequisite courses. Students with fewer than 60 semester credit hours at transfer are unlikely to complete the bachelor’s degree within two years after transfer.
General education courses
Part of the program’s curriculum includes general education—those courses that colleges and universities consider essential for every student’s success in college and life. We advise you to complete the general education core before you transfer. Computer science majors typically must complete some courses in their major during their freshman and sophomore years; therefore, they are more likely to complete general education requirements over all four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Please refer to the college catalog for further information about the A.S. degree.
Higher education
Parkland’s computer science graduates transfer to baccalaureate programs like those at the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, and Eastern Illinois University. Studies show that students who transfer from community colleges do as well or better than those students who started at the four-year school.
Entry requirements
High school graduation or equivalent is required, including a strong academic background in math and science.
Required Courses
Computer Science/Computer Information Systems A.S. Degree
For more information
Contact the Computer Science and Information Technology department at 217/353-2099.
Parkland Pathway to Illinois
A dual-enrollment opportunity for students to gain guaranteed admission to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). CSIT students may want to consider either the Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree programs. Program participants will receive personalized mentoring and academic counseling and will have access to resources at both institutions – including libraries, labs, extracurricular activities, and recreation (some fees may apply). They’ll also have an opportunity to live in UIUC housing and enroll in one UIUC course per semester for their major. To apply, download, complete, and submit a Parkland Pathway to Illinois application. You'll also need to submit an application to Parkland College to Parkland College. For more information about this program, contact Jennifer Smith at Parkland College (217.353.2002) or Dan Cullen at UIUC (217.333.0302).
What's the difference between an A.S. and an A.A.S. degree? Which one transfers?
Download one of these documents to learn more: PDF PPT
Career-to-Bachelor Degree Programs
Students at Parkland also have the option of pursuing an A.A.S. degree that will provide employable IT skills AND transfer to a four-year university toward a B.S. in computer science or information technology.
For more information, visit our page on Career-to-Bachlor degree programs.
