Associate of Science Transfer Degree in Computer Science - PSU, OSU, UO Transfer Track

Overview

This Associate of Science Transfer in Computer Science (AST–Computer Science) degree is designed for students intending to transfer to a computer science program at Portland State University, Oregon State University, or University of Oregon. The curriculum includes foundational coursework in computer science, programming, and mathematics, along with general education requirements that prepare students for upper-division study. Students are encouraged to work with an advisor and their intended transfer institution to select appropriate coursework.

Completion of the AST–Computer Science degree also fulfills the statewide Major Transfer Map (MTM) for Computer Science and the Oregon Core Transfer Map (CTM), supporting efficient transfer and application of credits toward a bachelor’s degree. 

This program is specifically designed for transfer to a four-year institution and is not intended for direct workforce entry upon completion of the associate degree.

Refer to the tabs on this page for additional information about:

  • Requirements - outlines all courses required for completion of the degree
  • Education Plan - provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
  • Career Info - includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings

Program Requirements

The degree requirements below outline the courses and credit categories required to complete the Associate of Science Transfer in Computer Science (PSU / OSU / OU) degree, including science core and general education requirements. Expand each section to view eligible courses that may be used to fulfill specific requirements. 

For a suggested term-by-term sequence, refer to the Education Plan tab.

Computer Science Core, 5 courses20
Computer Science Orientation
Computer Science I
Computer Science II
Systems Programming and Architecture
Data Structures
Discrete Structures, 2 courses8
Discrete Structures I
Discrete Structures II
Mathematics, 2 courses8
Differential Calculus
Integral Calculus
Written Communication, 2 courses8
Composition I
Technical Writing
Oral Communication, 1 course4
Public Speaking
Arts & Letters - 2 courses from AAOT list (including one course that meets Cultural Literacy criteria)6-8
Social Science, 2 courses from AAOT list6-8
Lab Science, 1 sequence12-15
Biology Sequence
Principles of Biology: Cells
and Principles of Biology: Organisms
and Principles of Biology: Ecology and Evolution
Chemistry Sequence
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
General Chemistry III
and General Chemistry III Laboratory
Biology & Chemistry Sequence
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
Principles of Biology: Cells
and Principles of Biology: Organisms
Geology Sequence
Principles of Physical Geology 1
and Principles of Physical Geology 2
and Principles of Historical Geology
Physics Sequence
General Physics I
and General Physics II
and General Physics III
Physics with Calculus Sequence
General Physics with Calculus I
and General Physics with Calculus II
and General Physics with Calculus III
Electives, if needed to reach 90 applicable degree credits18
Total Credits90

Recommended Electives

Education Plan

This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan. 

Pre-registration Considerations

  • Students majoring in Computer Science will need to know their transfer plans early on in order to complete the correct courses.
  • This degree aligns with Oregon's Computer Science Major Transfer Map (MTM) for students planning to transfer to PSU, OSU, or UO after completion.
  • Students who do not place directly into MTH251Z or higher will need to complete MTH111Z and/or MTH112Z before enrolling in computer science courses.
  • Please contact the faculty adviser as soon as possible for assistance with course planning.

General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program. 

Plan of Study Grid
First Quarter
FallCredits
CS160 Computer Science Orientation 4
MTH251Z Differential Calculus 4
WR121Z Composition I 4
COMM111Z Public Speaking 4
 Credits16
Second Quarter
Winter
CS161 Computer Science I 4
MTH252Z Integral Calculus 4
WR227Z Technical Writing 4
Social Science course from AAOT list 3-4
 Credits15
Third Quarter
Spring
CS162 Computer Science II 4
Arts & Letters course from AAOT list 3-4
Social Science course from AAOT list 3-4
 Credits12
Fourth Quarter
Fall
CS250 Discrete Structures I 4
CS260 Data Structures 4
Arts & Letters course from AAOT list 3-4
Complete one of the following lab science courses: 4-5
Principles of Biology: Cells  
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
 
Principles of Physical Geology 1  
General Physics I  
General Physics with Calculus I  
 Credits17
Fifth Quarter
Winter
CS251 Discrete Structures II 4
Complete one of the following lab science courses: 4-5
Principles of Biology: Organisms 1  
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory 1
 
Principles of Physical Geology 2  
General Physics II  
General Physics with Calculus II  
Elective, if needed to reach 90 credits 6
 Credits15
Sixth Quarter
Spring
CS205 Systems Programming and Architecture 4
Complete one of the following lab science courses: 4-5
Principles of Biology: Ecology and Evolution  
General Chemistry III
and General Chemistry III Laboratory
 
Principles of Historical Geology  
General Physics III  
General Physics with Calculus III  
Principles of Biology: Cells  
Principles of Biology: Organisms 2  
Elective, if needed to reach 90 credits 6
 Credits15
 Total Credits90
1

Students who complete CH221Z/CH227Z may choose CH222Z/CH228Z or BI221Z for their second lab science.

2

Students who complete CH221Z/CH227Z may choose CH222Z/CH228Z or BI221Z for their second lab science.

Career Information

Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.