Get a strong start to your computer science bachelor’s degree by first earning an associate degree at GRCC. From there, you can prepare to transfer as a junior to your college of choice.
GRCC’s pre-computer science (CS) general transfer degree lays a strong, broadly transferable foundation in the essentials, including:
- Learning how to write computer programs.
- Solving problems using step-by-step thinking.
- Understanding how computers and software work together.
- Building math and logic skills for computer science.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science prepares students who want to design software, solve computing problems and discover new ways to apply computing technology.
Why Get Your Pre-Computer Science Degree at GRCC?
- No Wasted Credits: GRCC’s Pre-Computer Science, A.A. degree lets you transfer all the credits you earn to a participating Michigan college or university via MI-LEAP.
- Faculty: Learn from experienced GRCC faculty with years of experience in industry and higher education.
- AI: Understand the role of AI in the future of computing and participate in our AI Incubator.
- Career Readiness: Learn hands-on with experienced faculty, building the skills needed for a competitive job market.
Choosing Your Computer Transfer Degree
GRCC offers three related transfer degrees built to get you started on your bachelor’s degree.
- Pre-Computer Science A.A. (General Transfer): Best for people who intend to get a computer science bachelor’s degree, with its focus on math and computing logic.
- Pre-Computer Information Systems A.A. (General Transfer): Best for people who intend to get a computer information systems (CIS) bachelor’s degree, with its focus on information technology and applying computing to specific business needs.
- Pre-Computing, A.A. (Grand Valley State University): Best for those who know they want to earn a computing-related bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), but also want to keep their options open to studying artificial intelligence (AI), software engineering or computer science.
Not sure which to choose? Schedule an Admissions Appointment (Future Students) or Talk with Your Advisor (Current Students).
Pre-Computer Science Degree Tuition Calculator
GRCC is an affordable option for anyone looking for a pre-computer science program in Michigan. Our tuition calculator can help you estimate the cost of your associate degree.
You may also be eligible for financial aid and other scholarships, so be sure to schedule an admissions appointment if you have questions about your options to pay for college.
Please note that this calculator does not include additional student costs like books or parking. These costs are an estimate only and do not constitute a contract or binding agreement of costs to attend Grand Rapids Community College.
Hands-On Training
“I’m learning a lot of technical aspects of computer science, and it takes work to keep up with all the information coming at me. But that’s okay. When I’m done, I’ll have a certificate that proves I know what I say I know.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about our pre-computer science program? Read through our frequently asked questions or reach out to the Computer Information Systems department directly at cis@grcc.edu or (616) 234-2206.
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How long does it take to get a computer science degree?
Getting a bachelor’s degree in computer science takes about four years.
Earning your Pre-Computer Science, A.A. degree at GRCC takes about two years and allows you to easily transfer for the final two years of your bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university of your choice.
What can I do with a computer science degree?
A computer science bachelor’s degree allows you to get a job as a software developer, data scientist, technical project manager, web developer and much more.
Is a computer science degree worth it?
Many students are wondering if studying computer science is worth the investment with all the recent advances in AI.
The short answer is: yes! AI can write code a developer tells it to write, but solving software problems and troubleshooting still require a human.
We will still need software developers and computer science engineers who understand the need, context, goals and inner-workings of software.
Additional Information
Want to learn more about this area of study?
Visit the Department of Computer Information Systems
Questions about this program?
Department email: cis@grcc.edu
Department phone: (616) 234-2206
