Computer Programming

Learn a valuable skill-set you can take anywhere in our Computer Programming program. In addition to mastering modern high-level programming languages, you’ll gain experience with databases, spreadsheets, computer hardware and networking. Through hands-on lab and classroom experience, you’ll earn your Associate in Applied Science degree and acquire the skills needed to begin your career or transfer to a four-year college.

Flow charts and visual learning aids will help you become familiar with programming concepts and logic, ensuring your progression to more advanced topics. Additionally, you’ll develop interpersonal skills by working in teams, and learn how to effectively participate in the collaborative programming efforts you’ll see in the industry.

Develop good stylistic and organizational techniques using code libraries and modularization. You’ll also become familiar with Visual BASIC, a widely used language that develops software applications with Graphical User Interfaces. Additionally, you’ll learn languages such as Java and C or C++.

Gain real work experience through our on-the-job practicum. You may also choose to broaden your skill base by taking other related technology courses such as Networking, Graphic Design and Web Page Development. This training and coursework ensures that you know what to expect when entering the workforce and, even better, that you’ll be ready for it.

Faculty Contact

Weston Miller
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator | Computer Programming and Game Design & Development
712-362-7938 | wmiller@iowalakes.educreate new email

Program Details

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 terms

DEGREE: Associate in Applied Science (69 credits)

CAMPUS: Estherville

Internship/Practicum

Did You Know?

Starting Salary: $56,941

Average Salary: $78,935

Projected Employment Growth: 0.3%

Last Dollar Scholarship Program

Curriculum

Term 1

Credits: 3

Introduction to the concepts of computer programming and Graphical User Interfaces.  Includes structured design techniques for modern problem solving.


Credits: 3

This course provides students with a foundation in the design, implementation and management of database systems. This course will provide an illustration of the physical and logical representation of data using theory and practice. The concepts of Data Modeling, Normalization and the SQL language will be explored in depth followed by actual implementation in case studies and class projects. The students will also discuss the role of database technology in modern industry. The students will utilize the open source MySQL database for all in-class examples and projects.


Credits: 3

Student will learn how to prepare and evaluate system specifications, troubleshoot minor hardware problems, configure and install hardware, manage memory, maintain and optimize operating systems, and use diagnostic software.


Credits: 3

Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.


Credits: 3

An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cogni­tive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.


Credits: 3

A survey course applying basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods to examine society, culture, cultural institutions, cultural diversity, and cultural stability and change.


Credits: 3

An applied mathematics course dealing with mathematics related to most academic disciplines .It provides introduction to matrices, linear programming, combinations, permutations, statistics, mathematics of finance.

Prerequisites: MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts, MAT 120 – College Algebra, MAT 121 – College Algebra, or MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig


Credits: 3

Operation of real and complex numbers; factoring; exponents; quadratic equations; inequalities; matrices; rational functions; logarithmic functions; and graphing or functions .

Prerequisites: Ap­propriate placement score or MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts


Credits: 4

Topics include linear functions and inequalities; quadratics; conics; polynomials and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; linear systems; matrices and determinants .Additional topics may include sequences, series, permutations, combinations and probability.

Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 156 or MAT 157


Choose either BUS 161, PSY 111, or SOC 110
Choose either MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121

Term 2

Credits: 3

This course will give students the opportunity to explore web de­velopment concepts without the aid of design products like Adobe Dreamweaver. This course will begin with a brief history of the technological constructs of the Internet followed by an in depth, hands on approach to XHTML, CSS along with basic JavaScript. Concepts will include XHTML Documents Type Descriptions, basic formatting, hyperlinks, handling graphics and XHTML events, and various XHTML tags. JavaScript concepts will include: The Document Object Model, variables, statements, loops, decisions and program logic. Students will be exposed to the new tags and properties of HTML5 and CSS3.


Credits: 3

CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, com­munications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.


Credits: 3

This course presents the basic concepts of information systems and computer literacy. The course incorporates theory as well as hands-on practice which focuses on spreadsheets and database management systems (DBMS).


Credits: 3

Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.

Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy


Credits: 4

Foundational training in local area networking technology serving as a general introduction to LANs, WANs and the internet. Topics include IQRs, network interface cards (NIC), cabling (coax, STP, UTP and fiber), ARCNET, network protocols, hubs, routers and bridges.


Choose CSC 110 or CSC 116
Humanities: 3 credits

Term 3

Credits: 3, 5

Students will gain practical experience at individual work stations and will be required to report on their field experience. Evaluations will be based on their on-site performance.


Term 4

Credits: 3

Studies the most commonly used structured techniques of flow charting included with the concept of data flow in large integrated systems. Also included are systems design, systems analysis and systems development for data processing solutions.


Credits: 3

Structured language which is powerful, efficient and versatile. The student can write programs from very simple applications to advanced editors, operating systems and sophisticated applica­tion programs.


Credits: 4

This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and pro­cedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and produc­er of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypoth­esis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.

Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210


Credits: 3

This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and pro­ducer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descrip­tive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.

Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210


Choose MAT 157 or MAT 156
Science: 4 credits
Social Science: 3 credits

Term 5

Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of program design and analysis for students with some prior programming experience.  It is designed to expand students’ knowledge of computer science and sharpen their programming skills. Topics to be covered include an overview of fundamental programming concepts as well as object oriented programming techniques, classes, inheritance, graphical user interfaced, layout managers and event, exception handlers, and database connectivity.

Prerequisites: CIS 141 – Computer Science


Credits: 3

Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and docu­mentation as well as literary analysis.

Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I


Credits: 3

This course will provide an overview of legal theories, principles, and rules governing digital media law. The course will explore the ethics behind the laws and actions discussed in class.  At the end of the course, students will possess a working knowledge of media law, including issues relating to First Amendment rights, copyright infringement, intellectual property, defamation, libel, slander, and consumer protection, and will have critical thinking skills to examine situations from an ethical standpoint.


Credits: 3

This course is designed to introduce the student to the concepts and practical uses of mobile application development. The major objective is to develop a practical approach to learn the fundamentals of mobile application development and learn how they can be applied to other Operating Systems.


Credits: 3

The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking.  Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.


Credits: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.


Credits: 3

Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.


Choose either SPC 101, SPC 112 or SPC 122

† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.