WHAT PATHS?
PATHWAYS
Math, Computers, & Data
Students that pursue a pathway in Math & Computers seek to understand computation; this includes analyzing algorithms and proving properties such as correctness and complexity, and requires an understanding of appropriate mathematical tools. Upon learning how to create original computational structures, students develop an understanding of fundamental techniques in algorithm and data structure design.
AT A GLANCE
IS THIS YOU?
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I would like to explore and create with new technology.
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I want to understand how the universe works.
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I like to solve problems using math or science.
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I appreciate advanced technology and engineering.
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I enjoy developing theories or hypothesis.
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I like to study, conduct research, or work in a lab.
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I like complicated problems and intellectual challenges.
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I am innovative and creative.
DESIGNING
Algorithms
MODELING & PROCESSING Data
WRITING
COMPUTER Programs
Explore the Different Possibilities
Check out the specific concentrations within this interest cluster, with information regarding specific careers, as well as potential majors to pursue in college!
CONCENTRATION IN
Artificial Intelligence/Algorithms
Programs in Artificial Intelligence focus on how complex inputs — such as vision, language and huge databases — can be used to make decisions or enhance human capabilities. The curriculum includes coursework in computer science, math, statistics, computational modeling, machine learning and symbolic computation.
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Computational Media
Students combine their creativity with computer science principles to carve a distinct path in which they are uniquely positioned to create and engage with digital media for entertainment, music, education and business.
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Mathematics
Students pursuing a mathematics major will study important connections with other disciplines that may inspire interesting and useful mathematics, and where innovative mathematical reasoning may lead to new insights and applications. Our applied math group focuses on biology, combinatorics, computer science, scientific computing, numerical analysis, and areas of physical applied mathematics.
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Web/Mobile App Development
For the student that immerses themselves in various program languages in order to develop usable applications.
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Data Processing and Technology
For the student who seeks to use of computers to perform defined operations on data. Potential careers include: Data Entry/ Microcomputer Applications, Data Modeling/Warehousing
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Computer Engineer
For the student that seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment in order to have a revolutionary impact on the economy and society. Potential careers include: Network Systems, Information Support and Service, Web and Digital Communications, Programming and Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Systems Analysis
Potential Majors
CONCENTRATION IN
Game + Interactive Tech Design
Students interested in exploring and expanding how people engage with computers and other immersive media technologies. Potential careers include: Video Game Design, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence
Potential Majors
ROADMAPS
Connect with Alumni or a Senior Mentor
Check out how our alumni students and current seniors are pursuing this pathway! Learn about what it takes. To learn more about an alumni's journey, check out their roadmap.
COURSEWORK
Choosing the Right Courses
Provided here are the COC classes that are recommended for your pathway. You are not required to take all them, so you should talk to your counselor to clarify which classes are right for you. Explore the different possibilities below!
CAWT 140
Survey of Microsoft Office Programs
Examines operating systems, Microsoft Office, word processing, spreadsheet analysis, database management, presentation software, and the application of information technologies to organizational settings.
Professors/Instructors
COMS 105
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Examines the principles and practices of public speaking, communication theory, and techniques for public speaking. Includes speech organization, development, research, audience analysis, reasoning, and presentation skills for the development of informative and persuasive speeches.
Professors/Instructors
PHYSICS 222
Physics: Wave Motion, Heat, & Optics
Prerequisite: PHYSIC-220 and credit for or concurrent enrollment in MATH-212. Introduces modern physics, including heat, thermodynamics and kinetic theory, wave motion and sound, geometric and physical optics. UC credit limitation: PHYSICS 110-111 and 220-221-222 combined, maximum credit one series.
Professors/Instructors
PHYSICS 221
Physics: Electricity & Magnetism
Prerequisite: PHYSIC-220 and credit for or concurrent enrollment in MATH-212.
Introduces electric and magnetic fields, circuit theory and electromagnetic induction
Professors/Instructors
PHYSICS 220
Mechanics of Solids & Fluids
Prerequisite: MATH-211. Presents a calculus-based introductory study of particle and rigid body statics and dynamics, vibrational motion, and fluid mechanics.
Professors/Instructors
PHYSICS 110
General Physics I
Presents a non-calculus-based introductory study of Newtonian mechanics, the conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum, including topics in vibrational motion, waves, and fluid mechanics. Designed for students majoring in the life sciences or any other major requiring a non-calculus based physics course.
Professors/Instructors
CMPSCI 282
Advanced Data Structures
Explores the foundations of database design with in-depth coverage of data structures using the Java programming language including effective storage of data in disk-based files.
Professors/Instructors
Hubbard, M.
CMPSCI 256
Discrete Structures
Introduces discrete structures used in Computer Science emphasizing their applications. Topics include functions, relations and sets, basic logic, proof techniques, basics of counting, graphs and trees and discrete probability.
Professors/Instructors
Hubbard, M.
CMPSCI 236
C++ Obj. Oriented Programming
Introduces Object Oriented Programming (OOP) using the language C++. Topics covered will be C++ classes/ objects, input/output streams, overloading, inheritance, templates and exception handling.
Professors/Instructors
CMPSCI 235
C Programming
Introduces C Programming including data types, operators and expressions, control flow logic, program structure, arrays functions and file I/O.
Professors/Instructors
Barker, T.
CMPSCI 222
Computer Organization
Introduces advanced computer architecture.
Professors/Instructors
CMPSCI 182
Data Structures and Program Design
Presents object-oriented view of data structures: stacks, queues, trees, lists, hash tables and analysis of performance of algorithms for data structures. This course is a second semester (intermediate) Java programming language course.
Professors/Instructors
Four-Year Ed Plans
Provided here are ed plans for you to take AOC & COC coursework for specific concentrations within this pathway.
Keep in mind that these ed-plans are subject to change based on your individual needs and preferences.
AA Degrees
Many of the ed-plans above do not result in earning an Associate Degree. However, completing one of the ed-plans above will still allow you to complete your IGETC and to transfer several General Ed college credits.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR THIS PATHWAY
Computer Science is VERY competitive. If you take any SAT Subject Tests, it’s important to take and get a high 700 on the SAT Math II Subject Test (preferably 800) to demonstrate you’re strong in Math beyond what’s covered on the SAT or ACT. Getting a perfect or high score on SAT II Physics or any other science Subject Test isn’t required, but it also will help your application.
Try to take as many COC CMPSCI courses as possible to see if you really want to pursue this career. These classes test your ability with lab components where you have to code programs on your own.
There are many online resources you can use to help you to learn to code by yourself. Codecademy.com is a popular option. This website teaches you basic coding languages for free.
You can start now! Learn by doing. Books, videos, and classics only teach you theory. If you have an idea, execute it.
App development is encouraged. Smartphones are the future of technology so it’s best to get a head start now. Most android apps are coded through Android Studio and IOS apps are coded with Xcode. Mobile games are often coded through Unity. Many of these programs have useful youtube tutorials online, so watch them and try them out.
