The study of computer science involves the theory, design, and application of computer
systems, with a focus on software. Applications include business and industry, engineering,
gaming, research and more.
In this program, you will learn the theoretical foundations of computing and networking,
programming languages, and how to work with algorithms and other mathematical concepts.
This program will help prepare you to transfer to study computer science at a four-year
university and begin a career as in software development, engineering, database administration,
networking architecture or computer modeling.
rfi_lightbox
5
Request Information
Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
✖
Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Science (AS) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or related major. Speak
with your advisor about the best courses to take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Computer Science degree programs. Each
career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries,
open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Computer Science Careers page.
Blockchain Engineers
Blockchain Engineers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Blockchain Engineers career profile for most current data.
$112,143 Median Salary
3.1% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
1 Job Postings
Description:
Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain
applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing,
and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions
over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with
infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.
Core tasks:
Assess blockchain threats, such as untested code and unprotected keys.
Automate the deployment of software updates over geographically distributed network
nodes.
Design and deploy blockchain design patterns to make transactions secure, transparent,
and immutable.
Design and develop blockchain technologies for industries such as finance and music.
Quick facts:
Computer Programmers
Computer Programmers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Computer Programmers career profile for most current data.
$83,252 Median Salary
-7.8% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
114 Job Postings
Description:
Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to
run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals.
May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents,
data, and information.
Core tasks:
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and
applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure
that the desired results are produced.
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase
operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific
jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other
equipment.
Quick facts:
Data Scientists
Data Scientists
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Data Scientists career profile for most current data.
$107,576 Median Salary
13.8% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
609 Job Postings
Description:
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw
data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization
software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine
learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured
datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data
reports.
Core tasks:
Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such
as sales, attrition, and healthcare use.
Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration
methods.
Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.
Quick facts:
Database Administrators
Database Administrators
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Database Administrators career profile for most current data.
$97,847 Median Salary
-0.3% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
742 Job Postings
Description:
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database
management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate,
and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability.
May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Core tasks:
Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and
analysts to make changes.
Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer
files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database
performance.
Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
Quick facts:
Software Developers
Software Developers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Software Developers career profile for most current data.
$128,508 Median Salary
8.6% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
4,065 Job Postings
Description:
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility
programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and
techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software
or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers
to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance
requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually
or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Core tasks:
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system
or modification of an existing system.
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within
time and cost constraints.
Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations
or capabilities for data processing projects.
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems
and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements
and interfaces.
Quick facts:
Web Developers
Web Developers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Web Developers career profile for most current data.
$82,334 Median Salary
4.2% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
439 Job Postings
Description:
Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive
web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry
standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance,
scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure
and integrate websites with other computer applications.
Core tasks:
Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content
creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of
problems.
Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
