Houston Community College System
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Computer Science Technology Department Houston Community College System |
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How much experience do I need to take a class?
Generally, all you need to participate in our classes is the time to invest, a mind open to new ideas, and a thirst for knowledge! Because our courses are made to stand on their own as well as contribute to a certificate, they have prerequisites. A few courses (especially as they progressively become more advanced) require prerequisites such as another of our courses or "equivalent experience". Please check the course descriptions web page.
Should I consider a degree or certificate program?
If you do not have a college degree and want to work in the Computer Science Technology field, you may want to consider first "finishing-out" your knowledge base with a college degree. While providing specific skills, a college degree gives you skills in English and math, which employers see as essential knowledge for hiring employees.
If you already have a college degree, a certificate can be a great way to further yourself in the Computer Science Technology field.
What prerequisites are required?
Prerequisites will vary from course to course, so please check the prerequisite page. If you think you have the prerequisite level of knowledge and experience to take a more advanced class please contact us. We'll arrange for you to discuss the topic with one of our Associate Chairs of the college you want to attend and they'll make the determination of whether you would be comfortable with the material and capable of getting the most out of the class.
How can I transfer credits from another college?
Bring a copy of your transcript to a counselor for evaluation and have an official transcript sent to you from your previous college and Do Not Open It. Two things will be considered whether your credits will be accepted:
The courses taken have to match courses that are required in the program, both in terms of content and number of credits. If uncertain, see Associate Chair or Department Chair for advisement.
The credits have to be from an accredited institution.
Our classes run on the semester system. Classes start in August and in January for 16 weeks and in summer we have two five week terms and a ten week term starting the first week of June. Check the latest schedule.
How often do the classes meet?
Our classes meet either twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. We also have classes that meet only once a week during the day or evening.
You've changed the course requirements for my degree/certificate program. What can I do?
You can choose either to graduate by fulfilling the requirements that were in place when you started in the program, or by fulfilling the new requirements. Their is a time limit so see the HCCS course catalog for details.
Why do you have a Math and English prerequisite?
In Math, the concepts, understanding of formulas and variables, and development of problem-solving skills are the same skills that are important in programming. Employers in our area consistently state that potential employees must have workplace skills, including reading and writing skills in English, at the college level. Students must read technical documents and prepare documents for others to read.
Microsoft Office User Specialization. Many of our textbooks have been approved by Microsoft as courseware for the Microsoft Office User Specialist program. After completing the course, the student will be prepared to take some of the exams. By passing the certification exam for a Microsoft software program students demonstrate their proficiency in that program . Testing is available at HCCS at 3100 Main St. For more information about Microsoft certification visit Microsoft's Web site here
How much will I make after receiving my certificate?
Investing training dollars in yourself can make you more valuable in the job market, but there are never any guarantees. Salary is highly dependent on experience, education, job title, area of country and current demand.
What benefit is taking computer classes if I already have a job?
As an employee you benefit from learning in a number of ways. In some cases, just keeping your job may require you to train or re-train for certain skills. By increasing your personal productivity you can make yourself that much more valuable to your employer. Investing "learning dollars" in yourself can improve your own morale as well as give you growth potential in your current job. It can even help you move toward a new or different career.
What equipment is in the classrooms?
Our department is equipped with Dell computers and HP Laser printers. We also have a LSD projector in each of our computer classrooms.
How up-to-date are the courses?
We continually review and incorporate the latest technologies into our course materials that will give students a good foundation for further knowledge as well as practical skills today.
What experience do instructors have in the area they are teaching?
HCCS is a college that believes in combining academic knowledge with practical, real-world experience. Our faculty has spent many years in the business world in varying positions, which helps give them great depth when providing you, the student, with the "how" and "why" something works the way it does.
The maximum class size runs between 15 - 19 students.