Mathematics: Computer Science (AA)
Program Overview:
Use Your Logical Mathematics Skills for a Career in Computer Science
Help a customer trouble-shoot issues with their operating system. Monitor website traffic and recommend strategies for improvement. Fix faulty lines of computer code for optimal programming. Negotiate with vendors to get the highest level of service for your organization’s technology. Careers in computer science are perfect for the person who enjoys using logic, data, and organization to solve problems.
Mathematicians and computer science professionals make the world run more smoothly. They are constantly problem-solving and improving the efficiencies of functions and programs. It is a field that requires attention to detail, an aptitude for reason, and a determination to find an answer to a perplexing issue. Getting an Associate in Arts in Mathematics: Computer Science degree gives you a real-world answer to what you can do with your complex knowledge and skills. It’s a highly satisfying career with a lot of potential to get ahead and to explore new avenues.
| Contact |
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| Dean/Chairperson Dr. Lernik Saakian |
| Phone (323) 241-5366 |
| Email |
| Office Location Technical Education Center, Room 310 |
| Office Hours Mondays to Fridays: 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
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Department |
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Pathway |
Careers in Computer Science
Computer Scientists with math backgrounds have many options available to them in today’s computer-focused world. Computer Scientists can work typical business hours, and can also be called in on weekends and afterhours when deadlines and issues emerge.
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with a Mathematics Computer Science degree:
Career information below taken from bls.gov December 2019. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Associate Degree | $59,270/year | $28.50/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 4% increase (as fast as average) |
23,640 |
Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Associate Degree | $51,880/year | $24.94/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 3% increase (slower than average) |
1,120 |
Design and create websites using your background and knowledge of art.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Associate Degree | $78,200/year | $37.59/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 12% increase (much faster average) |
7,110 |
Write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $92,900/year | $44.66/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 5% increase (as fast as average) |
9,390 |
Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $167,940/year | $80.74/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| 5 years or more | 6% increase (as fast as average) |
17,990 |
Invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $124,740/year | $59.97/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| 5 years or more | 7% increase (faster than average) |
1,430 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Mathematics
You can get an Associate in Arts (AA) degree through LASC’s Mathematics program in Computer Science where you increase your aptitude for logic and further develop your computer skills:
- Demonstrate an ability to write a brand-new program in Visual Basic on an object-oriented interface.
- Become highly adept at various types of advanced mathematics, and solve systems of linear equations using graphing and algebraic methods.
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create community ties for after you graduate.
- Want to transfer? An Associate in Science for Transfer (AAT) degree in Mathematics will prepare you to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. You’ll be able to save money on your first two years of college learning from engaging, motivated faculty. Plus, you can graduate with guaranteed admission into a CSU! See your academic counselor for details.
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review LASC Associate in Arts in Mathematics: Computer Science (AA) degree below along with our suggested course of study for this program. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Major Code: 1701.01
Total Units Required: 60
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Write a program on an object-oriented interface in Visual Basic (with at least 65% success rate).
- Solve systems of linear equations by graphing, and algebraic methods (with at least 65% success rate).
- Graph a linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, log, and trigonometric functions (with at least 65% success rate).
- Evaluate the first and second derivatives of a given function (with at least 65% success rate).
- Determine whether a pair of functions are linearly independent or dependent on the real numbers (with at least 65% success rate).
| Required Courses: | Units |
|---|---|
| CO SCI 608 Beginning BASIC Programming | 3 |
| MATH 265 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| MATH 266 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 |
| MATH 267 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III | 5 |
| MATH 270 Linear Algebra | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 21 |
| Recommended Elective Units | |
| CHEM 101 General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CO SCI 636 Introduction to Data Structures | 3 |
| CO SCI 639 Programming | 3 |
| MATH 227 Statistics | 4 |
| MATH 275 Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHYSICS 37 Physics for Engineers and Scientists I | 5 |
| PHYSICS 38 Physics for Engineers and Scientists II | 5 |
| PHYSICS 39 Physics for Engineers and Scientists III | 5 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Interested in a career in computer science? Before your first class at LASC, you can start preparing for your career:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, develop your Student Education Plan (SEP), and discuss your academic goals so your counselor can advise you of different opportunities and support services to help you succeed, such as Math Lab and peer tutoring.
- Still in high school? Talk with your school’s IT department and your high school counselor to see if there are opportunities to intern at local businesses or to shadow someone for the day. Look for summer opportunities in your local community service organizations where you can learn more and gain more experience in your future career.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with off- and on-campus clubs and organizations, such as TRIO STEM or the Phi Theta Kappa, becoming a student ambassador or running for student body government. These create new relationships and show potential employers your commitment to building teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a student, upon successfully completing this program, you will be able to:
- Write a program on an object-oriented interface in Visual Basic (with at least 65% success rate).
- Solve systems of linear equations by graphing, and algebraic methods (with at least 65% success rate).
- Graph a linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, log, and trigonometric functions (with at least 65% success rate).
- Evaluate the first and second derivatives of a given function (with at least 65% success rate).
- Determine whether a pair of functions are linearly independent or dependent on the real numbers (with at least 65% success rate).