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Computer Science & Engineering Pathway

Computer Science & Engineering Pathway Overview

Computer Science & Engineering Pathway Overview

Computer Science & Engineering Pathway Graduate Experiences

Computer Science & Engineering Pathway Graduate Experiences

BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS PATHWAY

BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS PATHWAY

The COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING PATHWAY is a sequence of 3 courses in the Information and Communication Technologies industry sector.
In all Career Technical Education (CTE) courses you can expect: Rigorous Academics, Technical Mastery & Professional Skills
The courses need to be accomplished in succession with a C- or better in the capstone course in order to be considered a pathway completer. Additional participation in the Career Technical Student Organization: SkillsUSA is encouraged. Possible certifications to be earned in the pathway courses: Oracle Academy - Java Programming Completion Certification, Python Programming Certification & Microsoft Excel Certification.
 
The goal of the pathway is to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of computer programming including basics of game design. This pathway also serves both as college preparatory courses for potential computer science majors and a foundation course for students planning to study in other majors, like engineering, physics, chemistry, and geology that require significant involvement with computing. This pathway provides a foundation for the Java certification Exam by Oracle. Students can earn college credits by passing the AP Computer Science exam offered by the College Board. Technology is everywhere and it is important to know how to read and write code. Computer Science improves critical thinking skills and teaches you how to solve problems in a new way. Just like you don’t need to be an English major to use English, you don’t need to be a computer scientist to know how to code.
 
Computer Science jobs are among the highest paid and have the highest job satisfaction. There actually are more computing jobs than qualified people to fill them in the United States. According to recent research, there will be about 1,000,000 unfilled programming jobs by 2020. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth rates between 12% and 37% in computing and information technology occupations from 2012 through 2022. With this expected growth in computing, it’s easy to see that companies simply need more computer science graduates. With the growing demand for computer science professional, our school wanted our students to be college and career ready in computer science. Students should not miss out on this opportunity that will be available when they graduate from college.
SUMMARY OF COURSES

SUMMARY OF COURSES

Computer Game Design and Programming
Year: 9-12
RCHS Graduation Requirement: Elective
UC/CSU – G
Recommended Prerequisite: B or better in 8th grade Math, Information and interest form
In this course students learn to program 3D animations using Alice, develop 2D games using JavaScript, and are introduced to the Java programming language. Students design and create animated stories, simulations and games by using objects in a virtual world. In this course, Students will learn programming by building mobile apps. This course of study engages students with little or no programming experience. Students are introduced to object oriented concepts, terminology, syntax, and the steps required to create basic Java programs using hands-on, engaging activities. Programming languages and Applications learned: Alice, Java, Python, JavaScript, Microsoft Excel.
 
AP Computer Science Principles 
Year: 10-12
RCHS Graduation Requirement: Elective, third year Science
UC/CSU – D 
Recommended Prerequisite: Integrated Math 1 and Computer Game Design and Programming 
AP Computer Science Principles implements the College Board’s AP CS Principles framework. Students work in teams to develop computational thinking and solve problems. In this class they learn Python® programming language to create animations, publish games and develop applications. Students will learn how HTML and CSS direct the client computer to render a page, and experiment with JavaScript™ programming language to provide dynamic content. Students will also be introduced to cybersecurity and online security principles. Students can earn college credits by passing the AP Computer Science Principles exam offered by the College Board. Students also learn Microsoft Excel including data analysis and visualization. Programming languages and Applications learned: Python, JavaScript, HTML and CSS, Microsoft Excel.

AP Computer Science A 
Year: 10 - 12
RCHS Graduation Requirement: Elective, 4th year Math
UC/CSU - C 
Prerequisite: Integrated Math2 and Computer Game Design and Programming or AP Computer Science Principles.
AP Computer Science A serves both as a college preparatory course for potential computer science majors and a foundation course for students planning to study in other majors, like engineering, physics, chemistry, and geology that requires significant involvement with computing. In AP Computer Science, students learn advanced Java (a programming language used in many private industries, and state government agencies). Students can earn college credits and may also work towards the Oracle certification exam. Students will learn the real world applications of drone technology by developing drone applications. Students will use SQL to structure and access databases hosted on a remote server. Programming languages and Applications learned: Java, SQL, Drone Flight Simulator.
POTENTIAL CAREERS

POTENTIAL CAREERS

High School Diploma 2 Year College Degree 4 Year College Degree
Junior Web Developer Junior Programmer Software Engineer
Junior Software Developer Programmer I (State of California) Network Engineer
Help Desk Specialist Computer Support Specialist Associate Information Systems Analyst
LAN Maintenance Technician Software Installer Information Security Analyst
Computer Operator Desktop Publisher Associate Programmer Analyst
Word Processing Operator Multimedia Specialist Java Application Developer
  Telecommunications Specialist Software Developer
  Technical Writer Web Developer