Computer Information Science

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Start your computer science career at Ozarks Tech! Learn the skills you need to build cutting-edge computer applications. Learn how to work with the latest tools and languages to gain skills in:

  • Coding
  • Building Databases
  • Creating web pages

Our program follows an academic framework outlined by the National Business Education Association and industry leaders including the Microsoft Corporation. Plus, you can choose a focus that fits your career goals. You will leave prepared for a career in tech by the time you graduate. Unlock your potential in computer science today at Ozarks Tech!

Dr. Tiffany Ford
Computer Science, Cyber and IT Infrastructure
Department Chair
417-447-8296

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Accreditation

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.

Program Outcomes

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General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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PROGRAM OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Applied Science

Computer Information Science
  • Develop computer applications for various industries
  • Supplement your technical training with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in general education courses

62 credit hours
4 semesters

$11,333.00*
to
$15,301.00*

Certificate of Achievement

Computer Information Science
  • Complement an existing education or current role in computer information science with additional training
  • Develop computer applications for various industries
  • Gain the technical skills needed to start working in the industry right away

30 credit hours
2 semesters

$5,440.00*
to
$7,360.00*

Certificate of Specialization

Computer Information Science - Computer Programming
  • Develop additional skills to add to your existing education at a four-year institution
  • Work as a computer programmer or in a programming-related position
  • Create software applications for commercial or consumer use

15 credit hours
1 semester

$2,720.00*
to
$3,680.00*

Certificate of Specialization

Computer Information Science - Video Game Development
  • Transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree in video game development or design 
  • Develop coding languages to create video games 

15-16 credit hours
1 semester

$2,720.00*
to
$3,680.00*

Certificate of Specialization

Computer Information Science - Web Development
  • Develop additional skills to add to your existing education at a four-year institution
  • Work with scripting and programming languages to create and maintain clean, functional webpages

15 credit hours
1 semester

$2,720.00*
to
$3,680.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

Learn More

Varies by course

Not Sure Which Career is Right for You?

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.

Computer Information Science (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 62 Hours

This Associate of Applied Science degree program prepares students with the essential knowledge and skills to develop computer and web applications within the business environment of local industries using current programming languages, database programming, and other development tools necessary in today's workplace.  This program uses as a guide the competencies outlined by the National Business Education Association, as well as various industry certification standards, such as those developed by Microsoft Corporation.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the "CORE 42."  CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.

Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.

Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

1 All students are required to take two beginning and one advanced course from the programming language choices listed.

Beginning language choices: CIS 150, CIS 170, CSC 160.

Advanced language choices: CIS 151, CSC 161.  

Computer Information Science Certificate

Certificate: 30 Hours

This Certificate degree program prepares students with the foundational knowledge and skills to develop computer applications within the business environment of local industries using current programming and web development languages desired in today's workplace.  This program uses as a guide the competencies outlined by the National Business Education Association, as well as various industry certification standards, such as those developed by Microsoft Corporation.

 

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the "CORE 42."  CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.

Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.

Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

1 All students are required to take a beginning programming language course from the choices listed.

Beginning language choices: CIS 150, CIS 170, CSC 160.

Computer Information Science Computer Programming Certificate of Specialization

Certificate of Specialization: 15 Hours

This Certificate of Specialization degree program prepares students with the foundational knowledge in computer programming using current programming languages desired by today's workplace. This degree program is recommended for students who have already completed a four-year college or university program and desire to gain additional skills in computer programming.

1 All students are required to take one beginning and one advanced course in programing language

Beginning Programming Language Courses: CIS 150, CIS 170 and Advanced Programming Language Courses: CIS 151 and CIS 171

Computer Information Science Video Game Development Certificate of Specialization

Certificate of Specialization: 15-16 Hours

This Certificate of Specialization degree program prepares students with the foundational knowledge in video game development using current programming languages desired by today's workplace. This degree program is recommended for students who will be transferring a four-year college or university program in a video game development or design program. Since requirements vary at each four-year college or university, students should check with their faculty advisor or the school to which they intend to transfer to ensure they are taking the appropriate courses.

1 All students are required to take one beginning programming language

Beginning Programming Language Courses: CSC 140, CIS 150, CIS 170 

Computer Information Science Web Development Certificate of Specialization

Certificate of Specialization: 15 Hours

This Certificate of Specialization degree program prepares students with the foundational knowledge in web development technologies using current scripting and programming languages desired by today's workplace. This degree program is recommended for students who have already completed a four-year college or university program and desire to gain additional skill in web development.

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*Notices and Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.