Computer Science
The Degree
Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Outlook
According to the U.S. Labor Department, the computer systems analyst profession is expected to be among the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. through the year 2010. The demand for systems analysts and other skilled computer professionals is predicted to increase as organizations attempt to maximize the efficiency of their computer systems.
As international and domestic competition increases, organizations will face growing pressure to use technological advances in areas such as factory and office automation, telecommunications technology, and scientific research. The Computer Science degree program at Finger LakesCommunity College is designed to meet the growing need for well-trained computer personnel.
The Program
The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Computer Science at Finger Lakes Community College is a technical degree, offering a solid core of required computing science courses. The degree also requires a core of mathematics (including Calculus I and II) and science courses, in addition to required liberal arts courses necessary to transfer with full junior status to a four-year institution. The curriculum in the program is continually updated to reflect new changes in technology, such as the Internet and the latest networking concepts.
Honors Courses: In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
Computer information resources for student learning are extensive at FLCC. Our classrooms and computer labs are equipped with state-of-the-art personal workstations connected to a local area network (LAN). We also provide wireless network capabilities for all students with laptops. Full access to the Internet is provided throughout campus. Courses are taught using both MS Windows and Linux environments.
Facilities: Computer labs are open evenings and weekends, and are also available at the FLCC Geneva and Wayne County Campus Centers. The College also offers a computer certification and testing center at its Canandaigua campus, where students can take exams for Microsoft, Cisco, CompTia, and other technologies.
Resources: A wide variety of software packages and peripherals are available to support classroom instruction, and through our library, students have on-line access to respected research databases such as Lexis Nexis, Expanded Academic Index, Medline, and others. In addition to classroom and lab experience, you may attend panel discussions with FLCC alumni who are working in computer areas, participate in field trips to computer sites, and attend seminars with transfer colleges and a "Career Day Breakfast."
The Graduates
Graduates of the program have transferred to many four-year private and public institutions such as the Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher College, Nazareth College of Rochester, SUNY Colleges at Brockport, Geneseo and Utica/Rome, among others*, to complete their baccalaureate degrees. They have gone on to become systems analysts, programmers, consultants, and network administrators at such companies in the Finger Lakes region as ExxonMobil, Thompson Health, Garlock, Sutherland Group, and Canandaigua National Bank and Trust Company, among others.
Salary: According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, median annual earnings of computer systems analysts were $59,330 in 2000. Salary levels vary depending on the industry segment, geographic region, and level of education and experience attained. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that the starting offers for graduates with master’s degrees in computer science averaged $61,453 in 2001.
* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions.
The Scholarships
The Brenda Brockman Beck Scholarship and the Pat Nettnin Memorial Scholarship are awarded annually to a computer science major who meet the specific criteria of the awards. For details, contact a member of the Computer Science Department or the Financial Aid Office.
The Faculty
The Computing Sciences faculty bring to FLCC a wide breadth of talent and a great depth of experience. Each faculty member specializes in a particular area of the discipline, and continually strives to stay current in that area. We are committed to providing students with the most up-to-date programs and courses, and strive to provide our students with excellent education at the certificate and associates degree levels.
