{"id":27257,"date":"2023-06-30T23:59:35","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T23:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/?page_id=27257&#038;preview_id=27257"},"modified":"2025-09-16T17:19:27","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T00:19:27","slug":"start-programming","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/undergraduate\/resources\/start-programming","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started with Computer Science"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This page introduces information on how to approach introductory computer science courses and finding computer science-related programs at UW Bothell. For additional help contact your advisor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Page navigation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#assess-level\"><strong>Assessing your programming experience<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#intro-courses\"><strong>Introductory courses<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"#programs\">Programs to consider<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"assess-level\">Assessing your programming experience<a id=\"assessing-experience\" name=\"assessing-experience\"><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though Intro Programming I (CSS 142 + CSSSKL 142 lab) has no prerequisites, students often start the course with different levels of experience. Students find it helpful to learn with others of a similar skill level, so we often designate one or more sections of CSS 142 and CSSSKL 142 to be for students with limited programming experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer the questions below provide a self-assessment to help determine whether you have limited programming experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Question 1: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Have you ever written a program (regardless of length) in a text-based programming language (e.g., Java, C++, C#, Python, etc.)?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you answered &#8220;no,&#8221; you probably have limited programming experience.  If you answered &#8220;yes,&#8221; please continue to the next question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Question 2: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Which of the following topics do you understand well enough to write a short program (under 50 lines) using the concept?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Variables<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Expressions<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>If statements<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Loops<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Nested loops<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Arrays<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Classes<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you answered &#8220;no&#8221; to 4 or more of the above topics, you may have limited programming experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Department of Computing &amp; Software Systems offers a variety of introductory computing courses for Pre-Majors as well as courses for students pursuing non-CSS majors. Please see the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2024\/03\/CSS_where2start.pdf\">Where to Start flowchart<\/a><\/strong>, or read below, to help you choose the right first computing course for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"intro-courses\">Introductory courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CSS 101\/BIS 111: Digital Thinking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Explores computational thinking and its societal impacts, computing history, ethical considerations, computer usage, the internet; and how computers solve problems, represent data, and search for information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills\/concepts: <\/strong>Computational problem solving, understanding computing impacts, ethical issues in technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tools\/languages: <\/strong>Processing (a Java development environment)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CSS 107: Introduction to Programming Through Animated Storytelling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start your programming\u2028experience with virtual\u2028worlds, creation of characters, games,\u2028short stories, and 3D motion. Teaches object-oriented programming via storytelling and animation, incorporating visual storytelling techniques and programming fundamentals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills\/concepts: <\/strong>Algorithmic thinking, loops, variables, IDE use, visual storytelling, video creation, scriptwriting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tools\/languages: <\/strong>Scratch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CSS 110: Introduction to Cybersecurity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Provides a foundational understanding of the digital security landscape for those without prior technical experience, introducing: privacy, cryptography, social and ethical issues, hacking, networking, legal aspects, and digital forensics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills\/concepts: <\/strong>Cybersecurity principles, privacy laws, encryption, digital forensics, password management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tools\/languages: <\/strong>N\/A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CSS 112: Introduction to Programming for Scientific Applications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Focuses on programming fundamentals using Python for scientific applications, enhancing problem-solving skills in computational fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills\/concepts: <\/strong>Control structures, data types, functions, software engineering basics, scientific computing applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tools\/languages: <\/strong>Python<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Textbooks\/resources: <\/strong>&#8220;A Gentle Introduction to Python Programming for Scientists and Engineers&#8221; by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/faculty\/css-faculty\/jlin\">Johnny Lin<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CSS 132: Computer Programming for Engineers I<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Introduces programming with an emphasis on engineering applications, covering fundamentals, computer organization, and algorithmic thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills\/concepts: <\/strong>Programming fundamentals, algorithmic thinking, software engineering concepts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tools\/languages: <\/strong>C++; Repl.it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CSS 142: Computer Programming I<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Introduces general programming fundamentals within various contexts. Every quarter, there are designated offerings of this course specifically designed for students with limited programming experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills\/concepts: <\/strong>Problem-solving, design, programming fundamentals, software engineering, societal impacts of computing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tools\/languages: <\/strong>Java<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Textbooks\/resources:<\/strong> &#8220;Absolute Java&#8221; by Walter Savitch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"programs\">Programs to consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many programs at UW Bothell can help you develop computer science skills. Consider the following programs to see what the best fit is for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Undergraduate programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/undergraduate\/majors\/applied-computing\"><strong>B.A. in Applied Computing<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/business\/undergraduate\/business-administration\/mis\"><strong>B.A. in Business Administration, Management Information Systems (MIS) concentration<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/undergraduate\/majors\/bscsse\"><strong>B.A. in Computer Science &amp; Software Engineering<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/ias\/undergraduate\/majors\/mathematical-thinking-visualization\"><strong>B.A. in Mathematical Thinking and Visualization (MTV)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/stem\/undergraduate\/majors\/physics\"><strong>B.A. in Physics<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/ias\/undergraduate\/majors\/science-technology-society\"><strong>B.A. in Science, Technology, and Society (STS)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/ias\/undergraduate\/majors\/earth-system-science\"><strong>B.S. in Earth System Science (ESS)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/stem\/undergraduate\/majors\/mathematics\"><strong>B.S. in Mathematics<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/stem\/undergraduate\/majors\/physics\"><strong>B.S. in Physics<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/stem\/undergraduate\/majors\/bscompe\"><strong>B.S.C.E. in Computer Engineering<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/stem\/undergraduate\/majors\/electrical-engineering\"><strong>B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/undergraduate\/minors\/mathematics\"><strong>Minor in Mathematics<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/stem\/undergraduate\/minors\/physics\"><strong>Minor in Physics &amp; Astronomy<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/undergraduate\/minors\/csse\"><strong>Minor in Computer Science &amp; Software Engineering (CSSE)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/undergraduate\/minors\/information-technology\"><strong>Minor in Information Technology (IT)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/ias\/undergraduate\/minors\/gis\"><strong>Minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/ias\/undergraduate\/minors\/science-technology-society\"><strong>Minor in Science, Technology, and Society (STS)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Graduate programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/undergraduate\/majors\/bscsse\"><strong>Graduate Certificate in Software Design &amp; Development<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/graduate\/certificate-electrical-computer-engineering-foundations\">Graduate Certificate in Electrical &amp; Computer Engineering Foundations<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/business\/graduate\/mba\"><strong>Master of Business Administration, Technology<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/business\/graduate\/master-of-accounting\"><strong>M.S. in Accounting<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/stem\/graduate\/mscsse\"><strong>M.S. in Computer Science &amp; Software Engineering<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/stem\/graduate\/cybersecurity\"><strong>M.S. in Cybersecurity Engineering<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/graduate\/ms-electrical-computer-engineering\">M.S. in Electrical &amp; Computer Engineering<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This page introduces information on how to approach introductory computer science courses and finding computer science-related programs at UW Bothell. For additional help contact your advisor. Page navigation: Assessing your programming experience Even though Intro Programming I (CSS 142 + CSSSKL 142 lab) has no prerequisites, students often start the course with different levels of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":0,"parent":27255,"menu_order":26,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_is_archived":false,"_archived_contact_email":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-27257","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"related_links":{"toggle_visibility":false,"link_1":"","link_2":"","link_3":"","link_4":"","link_5":""},"highlight_box":{"toggle_visibility":false,"title":"","content":"","button":"","button_style":"angled-purple-button","button_screen_reader_text":""},"contact_type_1":{"toggle_visibility":false,"contact_title":"School of STEM Undergraduate Academic Services","email":"stemadv@uw.edu","phone":"425.352.3746","box":"Box 358538","address_line_1":"18115 Campus Way NE","address_line_2":"Bothell, WA 98011-8246","location":""},"contact_type_2":{"toggle_visibility":false,"contact_title":"","email":"","phone":"","box":"","address_line_1":"","address_line_2":"","location":""},"social_media":{"toggle_visibility":false,"facebook_url":"","instagram_url":"","linkedin_url":"","twitter_url":"","youtube_url":""},"blog_archive_sidebar_visibility":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Getting Started with Computer Science - School of Science, Technology, Engineering &amp; Mathematics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/undergraduate\/resources\/start-programming\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Getting Started with Computer Science - School of Science, Technology, Engineering &amp; Mathematics\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This page introduces information on how to approach introductory computer science courses and finding computer science-related programs at UW Bothell. 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