Programming question

[RustedPC]

Hey I was wondering if anyone could give me a bit of info about getting a diploma thru a community college. I was just wondering how much math is involved in getting a programming diploma. Its only a 2 year one and was just wondering because it doesn't say you need any specific requirements. Just a grade 12 or GED, and I was just wondering if anyone knew how much math would be involved or is involved in a programming course?

[nemowolf]

You have to finish through calc classes.

[theGlitch]

I don't know about a community college, but at my state school we have to take: calculus 1/2, discrete and combinatorial structures in mathematics 1/2, probability, and empirical methods of computation (really a computer course but involves a ton of math).

ironically, you don't use much of these courses once you hit the real world...

[mdkxtreme]

I don't think you can learn much by getting an Associates Degree in computer programming, which from my understanding is what you're going after?. I'm not really sure about how tough the classes are for getting an Associates, but if you were to try and go for a Bachelors in Computer Science (which is also programming) you will need to almost master Calculus because you have to take Physics involving Calculus (according to California's University). Also, I don't think you can get a really good job when applying with just an Associates. Most people will probably have Bachelors on their resume's because a programming position is no joke. It's not like help desk where you can have little knowledge and still get the job. Companies need to trust you to make deadlines on projects and an Associates doesn't have that trust. Try heading into the Associate path and see if you want to spend an extra two years (sometimes three years) to get a Bachelors.

[nemowolf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdkxtreme

I don't think you can learn much by getting an Associates Degree in computer programming, which from my understanding is what you're going after?. I'm not really sure about how tough the classes are for getting an Associates, but if you were to try and go for a Bachelors in Computer Science (which is also programming) you will need to almost master Calculus because you have to take Physics involving Calculus (according to California's University). Also, I don't think you can get a really good job when applying with just an Associates. Most people will probably have Bachelors on their resume's because a programming position is no joke. It's not like help desk where you can have little knowledge and still get the job. Companies need to trust you to make deadlines on projects and an Associates doesn't have that trust. Try heading into the Associate path and see if you want to spend an extra two years (sometimes three years) to get a Bachelors.

I agree and disagree with this as it very much depends on the person in question. A bachelors in ANYTHING is always a plus when getting a job and many companies make it a blanket policy to ask for one in their recruiting. This does not mean that experience and a great interview can make it irrelevant. I myself have an Associates in Creative Writing, not a single cert. but i have an extensive background in computers and retail (Aka good customer service skills). This got me the job i am in and now i am using my employer to get my training and certs paid for.

Now to make it more for the OP, I would say that if your planning on doing this as a career but dont know if your sure about sinking 4+ years of education into it ... an Associates is a good place to start. Your going to need GE classes to get the AS so make sure that you knock out some english and remedial math classes right off the bat. Use your new student status to go to the CIS deparment and ask if they have a departmental councilor to help aide you in picking classes specifically for your CIS degree. They can also help you find alternates for classes you can't/don't want to take with computer related ones if possible.

You will need up to and through Calc for sure, depending on the school and program, you will need more math. Check the following link from my JC on what they require to get an idea Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs.

Since your asking about what math you need, i get the impression you have not done much research into this. As this is going to be a major investment of your time long and short term, i would highly advise doing as much as you can now to make sure you get all your ducks in a row.

[valk181]

At my Community College we had to have cal 1-3, and one other math course outside of that.

At the university I'm transfering to you have to take Cal 1-4, multiple physics courses (a science, but mostly a math), and two math electives.