This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the AAS/DTA degree and prepares you for a major in computer science at Western Washington University. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (15-17 credits)
CS 101 Computers and software (5 credits)
or Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
Take CS 101 if you don't have any programming experience. If you do, take a social science instead.
ENGL&101 English composition I (5 credits)
PHIL&115 Critical thinking (5 credits)
or another Humanities course (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
Optional:
EDPL 100 College success (2 credits)
This course is really helpful if you don't have much college experience.
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
- Learn about computer science careers as part of CS 101.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
CS& 141 Computer science I - Java (5 credits)
MATH& 141 Precalculus I (5 credits)
If you're not ready for MATH& 141, start the math sequence leading to it.
If your math placement is higher than MATH& 141, take that course instead.
Talk with your advisor about adjusting the pathway to match.
CMST& 101 Intro to communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)
or CMST 245 Organizational communication (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Compare the different computer science majors at universities you're interested in.
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
CS 145 Computer science II (5 credits)
MATH& 142 Precalculus II (5 credits)
If your science sequence is geology:
GEOL 212 Historical geology (5 credits)
GEOL 212 is offered in the spring every two years. If it isn't available, take GEOL 211 Physical geology instead.
If your science sequence is biology, chemistry or physics:
Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
Career exploration:
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
MATH& 151 Calculus I (5 credits)
ENGL& 235 Technical writing (5 credits) (preferred)
or ENGL 201 Advanced composition (5 credits)
If your science sequence is geology:
Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
If your science sequence is biology or chemistry:
CHEM& 161 General chemistry with lab I (5 credits)
If your science sequence is physics:
PHYS& 114 General physics I (5 credits)
If you took a year of physics in high school, PHYS& 114 isn't required. In that case, take a Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
Career exploration:
- Listen to podcasts about computer science or the kind of career you're aiming for.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about transferring to a university. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (15 credits)
MATH& 152 Calculus II (5 credits)
or a Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
If you took CS 101 in Quarter 1, take a social science. Otherwise, take MATH& 152.
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
If your science sequence is geology:
Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
If your science sequence is biology:
BIOL& 221 Majors biology - ecology/evolution (5 credits)
If your science sequence is chemistry:
CHEM&162 General chemistry with lab II (5 credits)
If your science sequence is physics:
PHYS& 221 Engineering physics I (5 credits)
Action items:
Quarter 6 (15 credits)
CS 240 Data structure and algorithm fundamentals (5 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
If your science sequence is geology:
GEOL 212 Historical geology (5 credits)
If you already took GEOL 212, take GEOL 211 Physical geology instead.
If your science sequence is biology or chemistry:
Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
If your science sequence is physics:
Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
or MATH 204 Intro to linear algebra (5 credits)
If you took PHYS& 114 in Quarter 4, take a social science. If not, take MATH 204.
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
