The Computer Science programs serve two distinct groups of students. The Associate in Science degree option prepares graduates for transfer as juniors to colleges and universities offering baccalaureate majors in computer science, information systems, and related fields. Mercer has dual admission and articulation agreements with Rutgers University, The College of New Jersey, and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).

The Certificate of Proficiency program is designed for students who have previously completed degrees in mathematics, science, or engineering. Certificate students gain marketable programming skills which complement their previous academic study. In addition, the Certificate program satisfies many Computer Science master’s degree "bridge" requirements.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Apply the fundamental concepts and techniques of computation, algorithms, and software design to a specific problem in a variety of applied fields;
• Provide detailed specifications, analyze the problem, and design a solution that functions as desired, has satisfactory performance, is reliable and maintainable, and meets desired criteria;
• Apply a firm understanding in areas of mathematics and science;
• Discuss the societal implications of computer software.

Admission to the A.S. option requires a high school diploma or equivalent with four years of college-prep mathematics. One or more years of high school science is recommended. While acceptance may be granted for students not prepared to begin the mathematics sequence of courses at the calculus level, these students should begin the mathematics sequence at the level determined by placement test results.

A student must earn a grade of C or higher in core courses to progress in the program. Computer science, mathematics and lab science courses are considered to be curriculum core courses.

SEE ALSO:
Computer Information Systems degree program
Database Administration certificate program
Mobile and Web Computing certificate program