CCM’s Associate of Science in Computer Science – Data Science option has been ranked #10 in the nation by TechGuide’s 2026 Best Associate in Data Science Programs!
What You Will Learn
Data Science is an interdisciplinary study of Computer Science, Statistics, Databases and Domains. This Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program in Computer Science with an option in Data Science ensures you will be prepared to solve today’s pressing technological challenges in every field from health care to entertainment!
- Analyzing real-world data using data science principles for data exploration, analysis, and visualization.
- Developing foundational computational thinking skills through hands-on programming, where students use AI-assisted coding environments to learn object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms.
- Applying industry-recognized statistical software to interpret data and communicate results clearly.
- Working with diverse data sources—including APIs and SQL databases.
- Building predictive models using machine learning and artificial intelligence, and learning how to evaluate and improve them.
- Build prediction models using machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Exploring the ethical use of data and AI, including privacy, security, bias, and responsible decision-making in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Why Study Data Science at CCM?
There are many reasons why you should study Data Science at CCM:
- CCM’s collaborative, team-based learning environment enables you to complete project-based work with others, analyzing real-world data to solve problems or answer questions.
- Courses are taught by professors with degrees and experience in the field.
- Classes are held in small classrooms equipped with industry-standard software to ensure you graduate with current and relevant skills.
- Flexible terms and class schedules that fit into your busy life.
- Extra-curricular activities such as team competitions and attendance at conferences enable you to extend knowledge and experiences outside of the classroom.
- Be eligible for an internship or entry-level job in the data analytics field. Credit, non-credit internship experiences and job search support are facilitated through our Office of Career and Transfer Services, where students can also learn how to build a resume and receive the tools to help with interviewing skills to succeed!
- Transfer seamless to Ramapo College* or another four-year college or university for a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
Curriculum
The 25-credit core is comprised of cutting-edge computer science, computer architecture, mathematics and engineering courses, plus you will take a 35-credit general education foundation to meet the demand of industry.
This associate degree program is designed for seamless transfer to a four-year college or university if you choose to do so upon graduation to pursue your bachelor’s degree and beyond.
Careers in the Field
A degree in Computer Science with an option in Data Science will prepare you for the following careers.
Associates Degree:
- AI / Machine Learning Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Junior Data Scientist
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Support Specialist
- Data Visualization Specialist
- Database Administrator
- AI Trainer/Associate Editor
- Computer Vision/NLP Technician
Bachelor’s Degree & More:
- AI Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Statistician
- Natural Language Processing Engineer
- Computer Vision Engineer
- Big Data Architect
- Forensics Data Analyst
- Health Data Analyst
Where You Can Go
CCM and Ramapo College recently entered into a Data Science Transfer Agreement, the first between a community college and a four-year institution in New Jersey. This allows students to begin their education at CCM to earn their associate degree in Computer Science – Data Science and then seamlessly transfer to Ramapo to earn their bachelor’s degree and also a master’s degree in data science.
In addition, all CCM graduates who earned an associate of science degree benefit from New Jersey’s Statewide Transfer Agreement. This means that the general education requirements will be waived at New Jersey public colleges and universities, allowing students to transfer in with junior standing. In addition, many out-of-state institutions also accept CCM credits.
CCM’s Data Science students frequently transfer to the following colleges and universities.
In-State:
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Kean University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Ramapo College
- Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Out of State:
- Arizona State University
- Columbia University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- University of Maryland – College Park
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Paying for Your Data Science Education
Earning an associate degree in data science is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Computer Science I
Acquire fundamental computer science knowledge and develop programming skills using an object-oriented approach, incorporating security awareness, human-computer interactions and social responsibility in this introductory course.
Introduction to Data Science
Gain data literacy skills in order to understand techniques in data manipulation, visualization and interpretation. This project-based course enables you to utilize a toolkit of statistical software to perform data science methods. Ethical issues related to data privacy, authenticity and security will be addressed alongside an intro to AI.
Data Science Programming
Uncover problem solving strategies and programming techniques specific to data analytics using an industry-standard, general-purpose programming language and tool set. Learn how to gather input from structured and unstructured sources of various formats, stored locally and remotely through cloud computing, and use programming libraries and application programming interfaces to efficiently process data and present information.
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