Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Software Specialist

Associate of Applied Science

Mountain Empire Community College

The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Computer Software Specialist is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as computer professionals trained in a variety of cutting-edge software packages. General and specialized computer courses with an emphasis in programming and database applications are complemented by general education courses. Students will participate in a comprehensive program that includes both classroom and lab instruction, along with a work-based learning experience or a comprehensive computer project.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Write application software that makes efficient and secure use of operating system services.
2. Develop an information system using accepted software development processes.
3. Produce user applications using a specialized technology that builds upon fundamental software development practices.
4. Analyze a problem and identify the appropriate data, hardware components and/or software requirements to develop a feasible solution.
5. Use current tools and practices that support the software documentation process.
6. Document system requirements and/or develop materials for clients in the proper use of hardware or software.
7. Work cooperatively and effectively in teams to accomplish a shared goal.
8. Analyze local and global information technology (IT) trends, while recognizing the influences of IT on cultural, economic, ethical, and legal issues and responsibilities.
9. Support the management of information systems.
10. Use logical and mathematical reasoning to analyze, organize, and interpret data.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Computer Software Specialist is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as computer professionals trained in a variety of cutting-edge software packages.
Program Requirement Notes	Program Requirement Notes An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	General and specialized computer courses with an emphasis in programming and database applications are complemented by general education courses. Students will participate in a comprehensive program that includes both classroom and lab instruction, along with a work-based learning experience or a comprehensive computer project.
Doing More With Your Degree	Job opportunities in the immediate area and throughout the nation abound for students trained in computers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website, employment of software developers is projected to grow 24% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software. Students completing the Computer Software Specialist AAS will be qualified for the following positions: Computer Software Specialist, Software Developer, Computer Lab Assistant, Help-Desk Technician, Database Operator/Manager, Software Consultant, Programmer, Software Tester/Analyst.
Program Successes & Highlights	Opportunities for advancement are excellent for those students willing to continue their education and training. Students may wish to enhance their advancement opportunities by pursuing certifications available from various software vendors. Students also may want to couple their degree with the Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate or the Mobile Applications Development Career Studies Certificate.

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning	VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year	The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Central Virginia Community College	AAS in Administrative Management Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Central Virginia Community College	AAS in Administrative Management Technology with a Specialization in Medical Office	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Central Virginia Community College	AAS in Administrative Management Technology with a Specialization in Office Accounting	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Danville Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology - Medical Office Administration	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Danville Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology - General Office Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Danville Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology - Medical Office Coding	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Eastern Shore Community College	Associate in Applied Science Degree in Business Management	Associate	Associate in Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology-Medical Administrative Support Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology-Paralegal Administrative Support Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Patrick & Henry Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Tec	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Word/Information Process	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Administrative Assistant	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Applied Science with a major in Administrative Support Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Applied Science with a major in Administrative Support Tech specializing in Medical Office Specialist	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southwest Virginia Community College	Associates of Applied Science in Business Technology	Associate	Associates of Applied Science	2-Year	Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology/Medical Office Administration	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Administrative Support Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Administrative Support Technology (Medical Administrative Assistant)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Support Technology Executive Admin Assistant	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Online
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Support Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in AST with a Specialization in Health Information Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in AST with a Specialization in Legal Assistant	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Bridgewater College	Business Administration Major - BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Business - Finance (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Business - Management (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Business - Marketing (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
13-1199.04	Business Continuity Planners	Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
13-1199.00	Business Operations Specialists, All Other	All business operations specialists not listed separately.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
13-1199.06	Online Merchants	Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
13-1199.07	Security Management Specialists	Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
13-1199.05	Sustainability Specialists	Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 66 credits remaining to be completed

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Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Software Specialist at Mountain Empire Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category		Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition		$167	Per Credit	$11,022	$0	$11,022

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.