Data Structures and Algorithms is a 12 or 16-credit upper division applied Computer Science program that is necessary for doing any additional advanced work in computer science and software engineering. Students will concentrate on:
- Data Structures and Algorithms;
- Problem Solving with Data Structures
- Software Engineering and Team Programming Project
- Parallel and Distributed Computing
As computer science students, you will gain the technical knowledge and skills required to understand, analyze, modify, and build complex software systems. The concepts and skills from Data Structures and Algorithms are key for software engineering and programming. Through this program you will deepen your understanding of computing systems, both in theory and practice. The work will provide prerequisite knowledge for Evergreen's advanced computer science programs.
Working on team projects is very important for almost any job in computer science. You will learn skills for collaboration and team leadership together with exploration of the software engineering, including engineering structures, tools commonly used in the field, and agile methodologies. At Evergreen we expect students to take charge of their learning, and you will have an important role in choosing your team project. We make this easier by providing a caring and safe innovative team environment. This is ideal for those looking for a practical, hands-on approach to learning.
This full-time daytime program will be taught on the Olympia campus. Students who need to participate fully remotely should contact the faculty to discuss that option. Students interested in this program can register for 16 credits; students seeking a 4-credit course, such as Introduction to Cybersecurity or Database Systems, can instead register for 12-credits. Students interested in the 12-credit option should plan to meet with faculty in week 1, to determine the modules they will follow (which will impact their schedule). For students interested in corporate programming environments, faculty will recommend these 3 modules (i) Data Structures and Algorithms (ii) Software Engineering and Team Programming Project, (iii) Problem Solving with Data Structures.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
4* - Data Structures and Algorithms
4* - Software Engineering and Team Programming Project
4* - Problem Solving with Data Structures
4* - Parallel and Distributed Computing (part of 16-credit plan)
Registration
Students are expected to have had coursework in discrete math, computer systems, and one year of computer programming. These prerequisites are covered by completion of Computer Science Foundations or equivalent courses elsewhere. Please contact faculty if you have some but not all of the prerequisites to see if there are parts of the program you can take, or if you are unsure if you meet the prerequisites.
Course Reference Numbers
Academic Details
Studies or careers in software development, research and development
Up to 16 upper division science credits in data structures, algorithms, parallel and distributed computing, and seminar will be awarded to students who successfully complete the program requirements.
Schedule
Revisions
| Date | Revision |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-24 | This program now has a 12 or 16 credit option (was 12 only) |
| 2025-08-11 | Faculty Jess Carey has joined the teaching team; seats consequently increased |