Computer Science

Careers in Computer Science

Computer Science graduates are prepared to work in an ever-changing technological world. Job opportunities with highly competitive salaries are open in many different fields.

• Software Developer

  Software developers create and implement software programs, maintain and optimize existing software, design and update software databases, test software for stability and functionality and recommend improvements to existing programs as necessary.

• Database Administrator

  Database administrators apply knowledge of database management systems to administer, test, implement and coordinate changes to computer databases, as well as implement and manage security measures to safeguard them.

• Data Analysts

  Data analysts use analytical and statistical tools to discover useful information to aid in business decision making. They employ several methods of analysis including data mining, text analytics, business intelligence and data visualization.

Computer Science Faculty

National Center of Academic Excellence Certified (CAE2Y)

What is CAE2Y? The purpose of the National CAE program is to promote higher education in Cyber Defense (CD), prepare a growing number of cybersecurity professionals and to reduce vulnerabilities in the Nation's networks. The Computer Science program at CBC earned this certification by demonstrating commitment to excellence in the field of Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education. The vision for the CAE2Y program is to:

1. Provide programs that commit to excellence in the field of Information Assurance and Cyber Defense education at community and technical college and government training institutions.
2. Provide innovative, comprehensive and multidisciplinary education and training in the IA/CD field.
3. Strengthen the cybersecurity workforce by providing IA/CD education and training through degree and certification programs at community and technical colleges and government training centers.
4. Build an effective education pipeline model with K-12 schools to encourage students at an early age to enter IA/CD fields of study.
5. Provide the Nation with a pipeline of qualified students poised to become the future skilled technical force.
6. Continuously improve the quality of IA/CD programs, curriculum, faculty, students and other institutions.

Benefits:

• The CAE2Y designation serves as a capacity-builder and powerful motivator for the growth of Information Security programs in two-year institutions while at the same time strengthening the national infrastructure.
• The CAE2Y designation bring internal and external recognition along with opportunities for collaboration and funding.
• Externally, the awareness of the importance of cybersecurity, and the excellence of the program recognized through the CAE2Y designation is increased significantly among local politicians, Chamber of Commerce, local employers and the K-12 community. In addition, opportunities for collaboration and funding increase significantly.

The CAE2Y designation gives a benefit to the academic programs:

• Students become eligible for DoD-NSA scholarships; full-ride scholarships (full cost of tuition, fees and books + $14,000 stipend for undergraduates or $19,000 for graduate students) for concentrated studies in information assurance.
• Access to capacity building grants.
• Certificates sanctioned by NSA-DHS are presented to graduates recognizing them as information security professionals.

 

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Application

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is accredited as a BAS degree-granting institution by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. This application and guidelines are for applicants who are interested in the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management (Optional concentrations: Agriculture, Healthcare Administration)
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Security
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Development
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management (Optional concentration: Construction)

  Apply now!

For Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, Health Physics, Teacher Education, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degrees, do NOT use these guidelines and application. Contact each program for the program-specific application.

Eligibility

Applicants must have met the following requirements:

• Earned at least an associate degree from an academic transfer or career/technical program or completed at least 90 college-level credits from an academic transfer or career/technical program(s) and

Completed the following prerequisites:

• At least one 100+ level math course with a minimum grade of 2.0
• ENGL& 101 or the equivalent course with a minimum grade of 2.0

If you have questions about your eligibility, we strongly encourage you to consult the appropriate program advisor listed on the next page on the above prerequisites as you may have already taken the course(s) or equivalent.

Application Deadline

Each program reviews completed applications and admits new students throughout the academic year. While new applications are continuously reviewed, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early; seats in these classes can become very limited as we approach the beginning of each quarter. In order for your application to be considered, all steps must be completed with the required materials submitted one week prior to the first day of each quarter.

Requirements Checklist

• Completed online CBC Application for Admission (For new CBC students only)
• Completed CBC BAS application
• Official transcript(s)*, sealed, verifying;
  • Your completion of two-year degree and/or all other college credits earned
  • Your completion of the program prerequisites, if applicable
• Resume (max. 3 pages)

*For applicants who are current/past CBC students or CBC graduates: If you already have your academic records at CBC (e.g., CBC courses, courses from other institutions), you are NOT required to submit official transcript(s) with your application.

*You may submit your application while waiting for your official transcript(s) to arrive. The application will not be processed until the transcript(s) are received. Official transcripts must be received in a sealed envelop or sent electronically through our Washington State Student Management System (SMS), or authorized online service provider.

Instructions

1. Complete the online CBC Application for Admission at columbiabasin.edu. (Note: if you are a current CBC student you do NOT need to submit a CBC Application for Admission).
2. Receive CBC Student ID Number via your CBC acceptance email (after your admissions application has been processed).
3. Submit the BAS Application with all required documents listed in the Requirements Checklist via postal mail or in person.

Apply now!

 

 

Graduate Education Beyond BAS

The graduates of the BAS in Cyber Security / Software Development programs may choose to pursue master's degrees in the related field of study.

Columbia Basin College has established the articulation agreement with Western Governors University Washington to provide the alumni with a more seamless transition to the graduate degree program. Effective April 2017, students who complete a BAS degree at CBC will also be eligible for enrollment in master's degree programs at Western Governors University Washington.

Check out the programs that CBC BAS graduates are enrolled in (as of June 2020):

• CBC DEGREE
  • BAS in Applied Management
• GRADUATE DEGREE
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
• MA
  • Elementary Education
  • Elementary Education (K-8)
  • Elementary Education Spec. Eng Lang Learners
  • Government
• MASTER OF EDUCATION
  
  • Elementary Education (Leads to initial Teacher Licensure)
  • Secondary Education (Leads to initial Teacher Licensure)
• MBA
  • Business Administration
  • Healthcare Management
  • IT Management
  • Management and Strategy
  • Master of Business Administration
• MS
  • Accounting
  • Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
  • IN Project Management
  • Management in Leadership
  • Mental Health and Wellness
  • Operations/Project Management
  • Speech-Language Pathology
• CBC DEGREE
  • BAS Cyber Security
  • BAS Software Development
• GRADUATE DEGREE
• MS
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
• CBC DEGREE
  • BAS Project Management
• GRADUATE DEGREE
• MA
  • Elementary Education Spec. Special Education
  • Master of Engineering Technology and Technology Management
  • Engineering and Technology MGT

 

Program Learning Outcomes for the AAS in Programming and Software Development

Program learning outcomes are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students will achieve before they graduate. The outcomes below were developed by the faculty in Computer Science with input from accrediting bodies, advisory committees, employers, etc. This collaboration ensures that the outcomes are relevant for careers that this degree leads to.

Students who graduate with an AAS in Programming and Software Development will be able to:

1. Plan and implement security controls to protect data, software, and hardware.
2. Design, develop, and implement programming techniques to solve complex problems.
3. Demonstrate professional conduct including collaborative teamwork and effective communication.
4. Analyze the ethical, legal and regulatory impact of computer systems on organizations, society, and the individual.
5. Implement accessible graphical user interfaces in multiple languages.