STC’s Associate in Computer Science Named Among Top-3 Online Degrees for 2022
“Imagine entering the bachelor’s program, finishing in two years with two prestigious certificates in your hand, and then either entering the workforce or transferring to another school of your choice… the possibilities are endless. The pathway is clear. If a student starts with our associate degree, we can help them move fast into the career they want and/or pursue a baccalaureate degree at South Texas College.”
ZDNet, an online hub for technology news coverage and analysis has named South Texas College’s Associate Degree in Computer Science among the top-3 online programs available for students.
Highly regarded by IT professionals, ZDNet has recognized STC’s Computer Science Program for its lecture-based instruction and practical experience while preparing industry professionals for the workforce, according to an announcement released in February.
ZDNET’s rigorous methodology for ranking encompasses data and tools from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) annual survey. That data compiled includes program admission rates, conferred certificates and degrees as well as graduation rates.
“I think we have one of the best programs because we make it is affordable, fully accessible, completely online, and we have all the resources to help our students succeed,” said Computer Science faculty Nicholas Hinojosa, who is also a graduate from the program at STC. “This all stems from the pathways we create and the opportunities we provide for our students so they can succeed in the workplace or academically if they decide to pursue their bachelor’s degree. Our program has the most qualified faculty because they have man years of experience and hold various industry certifications.”
STC's computer science associate degree includes 60 credit hours in general education and degree specific courses such as programming fundamentals, computer organization, and C programming. Students who complete their associate degree in Computer Science can then apply to the college’s Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree in Computer and Information Technologies (BAT-CIT), offering a myriad of career possibilities from software development, cybersecurity, and much more.
The South Texas College BAT_CIT program offers two certificates embedded within a few selected courses for bachelor’s graduates; the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate.
Computer Science Program Department Chair, Saeed Molki, said faculty will assist students so they move fast through the program into a career or graduate program of their choice.
“Imagine entering the bachelor’s program, finishing in two years with two prestigious certificates in your hand, and then either entering the workforce or transferring to another school of your choice… the possibilities are endless,” Molki said. “The pathway is clear. If a student starts with our associate degree, we can help them move fast into the career they want and/or pursue a baccalaureate degree at South Texas College.”