CGCC Computer Science Degree Creates Local Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is offering students a local pathway into the growing field of computer science through its Associate of Science Transfer in Computer Science degree.

The 90-credit degree is designed for students who want to begin their education at CGCC before transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Computer science skills can lead to opportunities across a wide range of industries, and CGCC provides an affordable opportunity to begin close to home while preparing for continued education at a university.

The Computer Science program combines computer science, programming, mathematics and general education coursework while helping students build practical skills in problem-solving, logical thinking, creativity, analytical skills and the ability to break complex challenges into manageable solutions.

“This pathway gives students an opportunity to begin building strong computer science skills right here in the Gorge,” said Pam Koop, CGCC Math Chair and Instructor. “Whether a student is already exploring computer science in high school or is discovering programming for the first time, they can see how those skills translate into an educational and career pathway.”

Courses such as Computational Thinking introduce students to computer science, algorithms, problem-solving, data organization, computing ethics and software development concepts. Students continue into Programming & Problem Solving, where they begin applying those concepts through hands-on programming. In Web Development & Object-Oriented Programming, students learn to design and build web-based applications while using object-oriented approaches to organize and reuse code. Data and Algorithms builds on that foundation by teaching students how to organize information and develop step-by-step solutions to programming challenges.

The Computer Science degree at CGCC gives students an affordable, close-to-home way to earn computer science, mathematics, and other general education classes that count toward a bachelor’s degree before transferring to a university.

To learn more about the Associate of Science Transfer in Computer Science, visit columbiagorge.cc/cs-degree or contact Columbia Gorge Community College at 541-506-6000, option 2.

About Columbia Gorge Community College

Columbia Gorge Community College provides affordable, accessible education and workforce training for communities throughout the Columbia River Gorge. With campuses in The Dalles and Hood River, CGCC offers transfer degrees, career and technical education, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities.