Project Lead the Way: Computer Science

Project Lead the Way:

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science prepares students for further study and careers in the field of Computer Science. Students complete a sequence of four courses, starting with an overview of the Computing and Information Technology field and progressing through a more in-depth study of computer science.

Throughout the program, students will learn all aspects of Computer Science including: programming, hardware design, networks, graphics, databases and information retrieval, cyber security, software design, programming languages, logic, programming paradigms, translation between levels of abstraction, artificial intelligence, the limits of computations, applications in information technology and information systems, and social issues (Internet security, privacy, and intellectual property).

Tests, hands on projects, research papers and the completion of a portfolio will measure students’ progress.

CAREER EXPLORATION

Is It the Right Fit for Me?

Computer science careers are a good fit for people who like to analyze and solve problems. Many careers in the field require both mathematical skills and creative thinking to innovate new solutions and process improvements. Although there may be a lot of individual work, it is also important to work well in cross-disciplinary teams.

Careers in the Field

Careers in the field include:

Computer Programmer
Software Engineer
Information Technology Professional
Systems Engineer
Business Analyst
Web Developer
App Developer

These are just a few examples! Discuss additional career paths with your School Counselor or CCTC's Counselor.

Learn More about the Industry

International Association of Computer Science & Information Technology

Association for Computing Machinery

CompTIA

Computing Research Association

PeerJ Computer Science

Course Descriptions

CTE Completer Requirements: Complete the sequence of courses below AND end-of-course assessment

PLTW: Computer Science Essentials (CSE)

Course 10971 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

CS Essentials introduces students to coding fundamentals through an approachable, block-based programming language where students will have early success in creating usable apps. As students sharpen their computational thinking skills, they will transition to programming environments that reinforce coding fundamentals by displaying block programming and text-based programming side by side. Finally, students will learn the power of text-based programming as they are introduced to the Python programming language. The course engages students in computational thinking practices and collaboration strategies, as well as industry standard tools authentic to how computer science professionals work. Students will learn about professional opportunities in computer science and how computing can be an integral part of all careers today.

PLTW: Computer Science Principles (CSP)

Course 10972 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

PLTW has partnered with the College Board to offer AP level courses as part of the PLTW program. The Computer Science Principles course covers all learning objectives in the College Board’s Computer Science Principles Framework. CSP aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that use computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. Students use Python as a primary tool and incorporate multiple platforms and languages for computation. Students practice problem solving and structured learning experiences and progress to open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Problems aim for ground-level entry with no ceiling so that all students can successfully engage the problems. Students with greater motivation, ability, or background knowledge will be challenged to work further. The course contains the following four units: 1) Algorithms, Graphics, and Graphical User interfaces; 2) The Internet; 3) Raining Reigning Data; and 4) Intelligent Behavior.

PLTW: Computer Science A (CSA)

Course 10973 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

PLTW has partnered with the College Board to offer AP level courses as part of the PLTW program. The Computer Science A (CSA) course covers all student learning outcomes and topics addressed in the College Board’s AP Computer Science A Course description. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include: problem solving, design strategies, and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems.

PLTW: Cybersecurity (SEC)

Course 10974 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

PLTW SEC introduces the tools and concepts of cybersecurity and encourages students to create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Nationally, computational resources are vulnerable and frequently attacked; in SEC, students solve problems by understanding and closing these vulnerabilities. This course raises students’ knowledge of and commitment to ethical computing behavior. It also aims to develop students’ skills as consumers, friends, citizens, and employees who can effectively contribute to communities with a dependable cyberinfrastructure that moves and processes information safely.