School of Information Technology & Computing

Online Dual Credit

Are you interested in writing computer programs? Do you want to create apps or games for mobile devices? Now you can learn how to do both!

The School of IT & Computing (SITC) will be offering two Online Dual Credit Courses starting in the Fall of 2013.

Programming I (CS 120)

Do you enjoy solving logic and math problems? Ever thought about studying Computer Science? Learn the basics of Computer Science and earn college credit from Abilene Christian University.

Course Description:
In this 3 hour course you will learn about programming, debugging, and small program development in a statically typed procedural language (C++). Topics include sequential, selective, and iterative control flow, modularity, simple data types, arrays, formatted input and output and text file processing. The course includes video lectures and regular homework assignments to reinforce course concepts as well as an optional programming contest where students can further challenge themselves.

Recommended Student Qualifications: Prior programming experience is not required, but students should display strong interest and aptitude in logical and mathematical problem solving as the foundation for effective software programming. Students should be entering their junior or senior year and should be ready for college-level coursework as demonstrated by standardized testing (e.g., ACT, SAT) and/or high school performance. We believe the full academic year will give students a more reasonable workload for a high school schedule and will give students more time to master the material.

High school prerequisite:

Co-enrollment with pre-calculus or calculus 
Recommended minimum test scores: 24 ACT, 1100 SAT (math + verbal)
(students may also submit PSAT or COMPASS test scores if they have not taken the ACT or SAT)

Note: This course offers an alternative to AP computer science. Students and their advisors are encouraged to examine the course description and recommended student qualifications to determine the best fit.

Introduction to Mobile Application Development (IT 140)

Do you want to create apps and games for mobile devices? Have an idea you would like to see become a reality? Learn the basic skills in creating mobile apps for devices like iPhone or Android and earn college credit from Abilene Christian Univeristy.

Course Description:
This 3 hour course introduces application development for mobile computing devices such as the iPhone, iPad or Android. Students learn basic mobile development concepts that apply to multiple platforms. Topics include an introduction to user interface design, database connectivity, and network communications. The course includes a project that challenges the student to create a small mobile app of their choosing.

Recommended Student Qualifications: Prior programming experience is helpful, but we assume the student has no programming experience before taking this course. Students should be entering their junior or senior year and should be ready for college-level coursework as demonstrated by standardized testing and/or high school performance.

High school prerequisite:

2 years of high school algebra 
Recommended minimum test scores: 21 ACT, 1000 SAT (math + verbal)
(students may also submit PSAT or COMPASS test scores if they have not taken the ACT or SAT)

Note: This course will be taught in Spring 2014 as a special topics course while we pursue the normal approval process to list this course in the ACU course catalog. Upon successful completion of course requirements, students transferring this course to another university will receive 3 hours of college credit, but they may need to submit the course syllabus or other requested documentation to receive credit towards major requirements. Students and their advisors are encouraged to examine the course description and recommended student qualifications to determine the best fit.

Registration & Cost

Students do not need to apply for regular admission to ACU; however, they should complete and submit the dual credit application form. Some information on this website and form is currently targeted at on-campus dual credit students, so please complete the information you know, and ask if you have questions about the applicability of certain policies. We will also need a letter or email from the high school stating that the student has permission to take the course for dual credit purposes. Course availability is subject to minimum and maximum student enrollments as determined by ACU.

We are please to offer a promotional rate of $270 per course ($90 per hour).

Application Deadlines:

Programming I (CS 120): June 1, 2013; after that, applications will be accepted on a space available basis until August 26^th.
Intro to Mobile App Development (IT 140): October 15, 2013; after that, applications will be accepted on a space available basis until January 13^th.

For additional information about the program, please contact:

School of Information Technology & Computing
Email: sitc@acu.edu
 Phone: 325-674-2565