Computer Science

Computer science is the study of computer technology, both hardware and software. Principal areas of study within computer science include artificial intelligence, computer information systems and networks, security, database systems, human computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics and theory of computing.

Contact

Chair
James Finley
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Dean
Courtney Doussett (Interim)
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Instructional Department Specialist
Sue Lafferty
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Admin. Assistant to the Dean
Martha Ramirez
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Full-Time Faculty
John Coverdale
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Full-Time Faculty
Judy Perry
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Full-Time Faculty
Jessiah Ruiz
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Academic Programs in Computer Science

The academic maps below will give you an idea of the classes you need to take. However, please meet with a counselor to personalize your education plan.

School Trailhead for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Suggested Initial Coursework - TRAILHEAD
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree - Area of Emphasis (AOE) in Math & Science - CSU Pathway - MAP
Computer Science for Transfer (ADT) - Pathways for Transfer to a CSU or UC School - MAP
Program Flyer (Computer Information Systems - C++ Programming) - INFO
Program Flyer (Computer Information Systems - Computer Programming) - INFO
Program Flyer (Computer Information Systems - Graphic Design) - INFO
Program Flyer (Computer Information Systems - Java Programming) - INFO

Additional Resources

What can I do with this major? (Computer Science) - INFO
What can I do with this major? (Graphic Design) - INFO
Riverside Community College District General Education (RCCD GE) Requirements (PLAN A) - INFO
California State University General Education (CSU GE) Requirements (PLAN B) For students who would like to transfer to a campus in the California State University (CSU) system - INFO
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Requirements (PLAN C) For students who would like to transfer to a campus in either the California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) system - INFO

Career Options

Career options for students who get a degree in computer science include: software applications developer, computer systems analyst, graphic designer, network systems administrator, web developer, and computer programmer.

Student Voice

Matthew Johnson

Matthew Johnson is an alumnus of Norco College who majored in Computer Science and transferred to UC Santa Cruz in 2017. While at UCSC, Matthew worked as an intern with SurveyMonkey before graduating and accepting a full-time position as a software engineer at their Portland office.

“While at Norco College I spent a lot of time with friends at the STEM Center and was a STEM tutor and SI Leader (math and computer science) for two years,” said Johnson.