Program Courses

The UW Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing offers 100% online computing courses. All course content, from multimedia lectures and e-learning tools to homework assignments, will be delivered to you through the program’s online learning management system. You can study and do homework whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you.

Students are required to take each of the 21 technical- and business-focused courses in the curriculum. Due to the unique nature of the program, courses from other degree programs may not transfer in directly for Applied Computing courses. Only your campus adviser can determine how previous coursework might satisfy Applied Computing requirements.

View Current UW Applied Computing Course Schedule

The selection of courses for the UW Applied Computing program varies each fall, spring, and summer. For upcoming courses, check the course schedule. Course offerings are subject to change due to fluctuating enrollments.

Current students should consult with their campus adviser about setting up their academic schedule prior to registration. See course descriptions and upcoming course schedules below.

This course offers an introduction to history of computing, fundamental computer concepts and structured programming techniques. Java will be used to teach the basic concepts of program analysis, design, implementation, debugging and testing. It provides hands-on coverage of simple data types, problem solving, program design, conditional execution, loops, and basic user defined methods.

APC 300 Syllabus

This course introduces the student to the major functional areas of business including the roles of accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, information systems, and operations in the organization. In addition, the role of business in a free enterprise system, business ethics, leadership, leading change and the competitive global business environment will be covered.

This course explores a range of legal, regulatory, ethical and compliance issues associated with developing software and using information systems in an organization. Topics include the ethical and legal issues associated with data privacy and intellectual property, compliance with regulatory requirements such as Sarbanes Oxley, and other related contemporary subjects.

Prerequisites

APC 320 - Introduction to Business

This course offers continuation of fundamental computer concepts and Programming. It provides hands-on coverage of Methods, File IO, Arrays and their applications, Abstract Data Types, Classes, simple GUI application, and introduction to inheritance and composition.

Prerequisites

APC 300 - Programming I

APC 310 - Math for Computer Science

This course covers design and implementation of relational database management systems to support computer-based information systems. Topics include: data modeling techniques such as entity-relationship modeling, extended entity-relationship modeling, database normalization techniques, and basic and advanced features of database query language SQL.

Prerequisites

APC 300 - Programming I

APC 310 - Math for Computer Science

This course explores the first five phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle including scope definition, problem analysis, requirements analysis, logical design and decision analysis with the goal of determining an effective system solution. Topics covered include Use Case development, gap analysis, financial analysis of IT investments, and feasibility analysis.

Prerequisites

APC 300 - Programming I

APC 320 - Introduction to Business

APC 330 - Technical and Professional Communication

This course is an introduction to project management tools and techniques including project selection and life cycle, stakeholder management, scope management, budget control, scheduling, quality management, risk identification, and procurement management.

Prerequisites

APC 370 - Systems Analysis and Design

This course offers an introduction to Object-Oriented Programming techniques using the Java programming language. Students will gain skills in using Classes and Interfaces, Exception handling, Programming by Contract, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Overloading, Abstract Classes and Methods, Serialization, Generics, and an Introduction to Recursion.

Prerequisites

APC 350 - Programming II

This course covers fundamental concepts in the design, configuration, and problem solving of computer networks. Topics include: TCP/IP and OSI architecture, application layer (Web, FTP, remote connection, email, client and server interaction), transport layer (TCP/UDP), network layer (IP), data link and physical layers.

Prerequisites

APC 350 - Programming II

This course covers architecture and use-cases of non-relational (NoSQL) based on four types of databases including document, Graph, Key-value, and wide column store. Topics include: data types, create/update/delete data, query, cursors, indexing, dynamic schema design, scalability (scale-out) over scale-up of RDBMS, analysis of massive unstructured and semi-structured data and data security.

Prerequisites

APC 360 - Database Management I

This course covers topics spanning security and risk management, security engineering, identity and access management, and security operations. Topics include cryptography, access control models, malicious software and countermeasures, security policy, security model, trust, vulnerability assessment, security standards and evaluation, administration and auditing, and secure storage.

Prerequisites

APC 350 - Programming II

This course covers fundamental concepts and the application of data structures and algorithms. Topics may include abstract data type, dynamic array, iterators, linked list, generics, stacks, queues, binary search tree, navigating trees, collections,

Prerequisites

APC 390 - Object Oriented Programming

This course teaches students how to create advanced and interactive websites using technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, XML, web services, and database integration within the ASP.Net platform. The class also introduces principles of good user interaction design to the creation of effective web pages.

Concurrent Course: APC 400 (Students may take this course after completing APC 400 or they can take the two courses at the same time.)

Prerequisites

APC 360 - Database Management I

This course provides introduction to important operating systems concepts such as processes, threads, scheduling, concurrency control and memory management. The students will learn these concepts via systems programming using POSIX API.

Concurrent Course: APC 430 (Students may take this course after completing APC 430 or they can take the two courses at the same time.)

This course covers basic software development methodologies and tools. Methodologies include the waterfall, iterative and agile approaches. Tools include integrated development environments (IDEs), unified modeling language (UML), and testing frameworks. Other topics include requirements analysis, object-oriented analysis, test-driven development, and design patterns. Students will work on a team software project.

Prerequisites

APC 370 - Systems Analysis and Design

APC 390 - Object Oriented Programming

This course begins with an exploration of organizational strategy and how Information Systems strategy is developed to support the attainment of organizational goals. The course then explores the management of the IS function using a capability maturity model approach to topics such as budgeting, acquisition, service management, change management, and personnel.

Concurrent Course: APC 460 (Students may take this course after completing APC 460 or they can take the two courses at the same time.)

Prerequisites

APC 380 - Project Management Techniques

This course covers topics spanning communication and network security, security assessment and testing, software development security, and asset security. Specific topics include operating system security, network security (e.g. firewalls, tunneling, intrusion detection, and wireless networking), browser security, and application security (e.g. database security, email security, payment system security, and digital-rights management).

Prerequisites

APC 360 - Database Management I

APC 400 - Applied Communication Networks

APC 420 - Computer Security I

APC 450 - Operating Systems Theory and Practice

The purpose of this course is for students to choose a capstone project, create an initial plan with specific deliverables identified, and receive approval. This course covers review of key concepts necessary for success in the Capstone (APC 495) course, including software engineering practices, project management techniques, systems analysis, and communicating with technical or non-technical audiences (CTO, IT staff, etc.). May include additional topics specific to anticipated capstone projects.

Concurrent Course: APC 460 (Students may take this course after completing APC 460 or they can take the two courses at the same time.)

Prerequisites

APC 380 - Project Management Techniques

The purpose of this course is for students to complete the project that was approved in APC 490. This course covers development, management and delivery of an applied computer science project for a client, including communication of project requirements and status to a non-technical audience.

Prerequisites

APC 490 - Capstone Project Preparation

Ready to begin the next chapter of your career? Here’s how to get started.

Our enrollment advisers are available Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, or by appointment.

Call: 1-877-UW-LEARN (895-3276)

Email: learn@uwex.edu

Make Things Possible

In nearly every industry, businesses can no longer operate without skilled, perceptive IT professionals to drive process and create connections. With the University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing, you can be the problem solver who makes things possible -- for your company and your career.