| Job Title | Typical Education | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Web Developers | Bachelor Degree | $62,189 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | Master's or Professional Degree | $115,670 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | Bachelor Degree | $89,801 |
| Software Developers, Applications | Bachelor Degree | $105,329 |
| Software Developers, Systems Software | Bachelor Degree | $117,262 |
| Database Administrators | Bachelor Degree | $98,072 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Bachelor Degree | $87,432 |
| Computer Network Architects | N/A | $118,105 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | Bachelor Degree | $55,157 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | Bachelor Degree | $69,824 |
| Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers | Bachelor Degree | $75,813 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Bachelor Degree | $75,813 |
| Web Administrators | Bachelor Degree | $75,813 |
| Database Architects | Bachelor Degree | $75,813 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | N/A | $75,813 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | Bachelor's Degree | $75,813 |
| Information Technology Project Managers | Bachelor's Degree | $75,813 |
| Clinical Data Managers | Bachelor Degree | $73,137 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Master's or Professional Degree | $84,429 |
| Computer Operators | Associate Degree | $52,458 |
Cloud Computing Certificate Now Available by 19 LA Community Colleges and AWS Educate
"This was the best opportunity for me to start in a foreign country."
Justin Hong
About the Computer Science Program
You Can Keep Your Head in the Clouds with a Career in Computer Science
The fast-paced field of computer science is dynamic and ever-evolving as new technology emerges, becomes mainstream, then shifts yet again. We start with required core classes across computer programming, operating systems, databases and networking, and computer architecture. Depending on career interests and skill sets, students can specialize in software, gaming, and mobile app development, as well as cloud computing.
Santa Monica College is one of 19 Los Angeles Community Colleges that has received the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Educate grant, which provides high school and college students with education and training in cloud computing. Increasingly, companies are moving to data centers, hybrid environments, and the cloud, creating competitive, yet attractive job prospects. Gain hands-on experience, proficiency, and access to a vast library of learning materials, all designed to help you master essential cloud computing skills.
With on-campus and fully online program options, SMC offers a format that works for you.
Find the path that fits your personal needs and professional goals:
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Associate in Science Degree - Computer Programming
27 units + General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement - Computer Programming
27 units
This program covers a broad spectrum of courses ranging from core computer science to a variety of branch fields of computer science. This major provides the student with the basic skills required of core computer science. Courses include programming in low-level and essential languages, Database Theory, Operating Systems Fundamentals, Computer Hardware, and Data Structures. Students finishing this major are well equipped to work in the field of computer science as well as transfer to a four-year degree program in this area.
Associate in Science Degree - Computer Science
23 units + General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement - Computer Science
23 units
This program covers a broad spectrum of courses ranging from core computer science to a variety of branch fields of computer science. This major provides the student with the basic skills required of core computer science. Courses include programming in low-level and essential languages, Database Theory, Operating Systems Fundamentals, Computer Hardware, and Data Structures. Students finishing this major are well equipped to work in the field of computer science as well as transfer to a four-year degree program in this area.
Associate in Science Degree - Cloud Computing
27 units + General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement - Cloud Computing
27 units
This certificate provides students with the industry skills to understand, build and maintain applications for the cloud. These skills include the technical principles of the hardware and software requirements to run systems in the cloud including storage, database management, and software systems, while maintaining secure access.
Department Certificate - Cloud Computing
15 units
This program provides the industry standard skills to understand and develop applications for the cloud. Students learn a range of topics that cover the technical principals of the hardware and software requirements to run systems in the cloud including storage, database management, and software systems while maintaining secure access.
Associate in Science Degree - Database Applications Developer
21 units + General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement - Database Applications Developer
21 units
This program develops user-friendly interfaces to database applications. A database application is made of data, a database engine to store the data, and an interface to extract and display the data. The skills needed to build a database application range from database theory and design, using a database engine such as SQL Server, or Oracle, to programming in ADO technologies to extract the data, as well as programming in Windows and Web applications on a client and server-side basis to present the data. In addition, with increasing concerns over security, a database developer must also be able to write secure code that runs with minimum risk of attacks.
Associate in Science Degree - Web Developer
30 units + General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement - Web Developer
30 units
This program helps to design and develop applications and scripts for the World Wide Web (WWW). Web programmers need to be knowledgeable on a variety of Internet technologies (HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, Perl/CGI, Java, JSP, PHP, and the Microsoft .Net platform), networking and database management. They are chiefly responsible for providing the programming which makes webpages interactive or allows users to interact with back-end applications and databases. Web programmers are instrumental in making electronic commerce on the Internet possible.
Certificate of Achievement - Data Analyst
21 - 24 units
Data science is an applied field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from both structured and unstructured data sources. Data science incorporates data mining, machine learning and big data to make predictions and identify actions that organizations can take to be more effective. Data Analysts incorporate data mining, machine learning and big data to make predictions and identify actions that organizations can take to be more effective. Data Analysts are responsible for breakign down big data into usable information and creating software and algorithms that help companies and organizations determine optimal operations. This certificate will prepare students for jobs in this field by providing students with skills in different technologies and techniques that are used for data science and machine learning. Students may also choose to transfer to four-year universities with established undergraduate programs in Data Science.
Certificate of Achievement - Data Science
24 units
Data science is an applied field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from both structured and unstructured data sources. Data science incorporates data mining, machine learning and big data to make predictions and identify actions that organizations can take to be more effective. Data scientists are responsible for breaking down big data into usable information and creating software and algorithms that help companies and organizations determine optimal operations. This certificate will prepare students for jobs in this field by providing students with skills in different technologies and techniques that are used for data science and machine learning. Students may also choose to transfer to four-year universities with established undergraduate programs in Data Science.
Certificate of Achievement - Information Systems Management
13 units
This program aims to provide Computer Science students with the knowledge needed to develop Information Systems in a real-world setting. Students learn how to develop medium to large scale applications while applying the skills needed to plan and budget resources in development projects from conceptual design to deployment.
Certificate of Achievement - Mobile Apps Development - Android
15 units
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the emerging mobile career field. Students learn how to design and write apps for the Android platform. In addition to programming courses, the program includes courses that teach the fundamentals of mobile app and icon design.
Certificate of Achievement - Mobile Apps Development - iPhone
12 units
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the emerging mobile career field. Students learn how to design and write apps for the iPhone/iPad/iPod platform. In addition to programming courses, the program includes courses that teach the fundamentals of mobile app and icon design.
Certificate of Achievement - System Administrator (Networking)
17 units
The IT world is integrated by networks. Success in IT disciplines like database, website, or e-commerce development demands a supporting grasp of the network environment. Major technologies are the networks themselves, their fit within the operating platforms they connect to, specific network applications, and measures to achieve networks security.
Department Certificate - Microsoft Azure
12 units
This program provides the industry standard skills to understand and develop applications for the cloud using the Microsoft Azure platform. Students learn a range of topics that cover the technical principles of the hardware and software requirements to run systems in the cloud including storage, database management, and software systems, while maintaining secure access.
Department Certificate - Cybersecurity
12 units
This certificate will prepare students for an entry-level position in the field of information security. They will gain an understanding of technological needs, threats, and weaknesses in cybersecurity. Through this certificate, students will learn the tools needed to manage computer systems as well as gain insight into the legal, and social aspects of the cyber universe.
Department Certificate - Entry Level Programmer
12 units
This certificate provides students with the knowledge and practice needed to develop small-scale applications. The certificate also provides students with the building blocks to pursue further studies in computer science and/or start an entry-level position in the software development industry.
Potential Career Options
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Salary: $144,840
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Information Systems Management
Computer Programmers
Salary: $82,974
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Entry Level Programmer
Computer Hardware Engineers
Salary: $135,975
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Computer Programming
Need help planning for your major?
Our counselors are here to help you plan your academic classes, goals, and needs.