Computer Science & IT

Computer Science & IT

Leading the Way in Technology

Do you love technology and want to hone your skills? Information Technology is a leading field in today’s changing world. Whether you want to build websites or play an IT support role for an organization, you can get training and earn certifications in an array of Microsoft programs. Go deeper and learn advanced topics including programming and web development. Find out how you can be a part of technology's advances in Information Technology.

The IT Academy offers training and certification as a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification. You can earn a MTA certification in Python Programming as well as web design programming languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. OSPI has also partnered with CCI Learning Solutions to provide free certification testing for students.

Career options & salary range

Software developer, database administrator, computer engineer, systems analyst, web developer, IT support, computer programmer, game developer, and more

Skills learned

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of computer science
  • Learn to think critically and troubleshoot
  • Master programs and earn certifications
Grade
9

You can enroll in this program in any grade. See your counselor for more details.

Your Contact

Program of Study Lead

Eric Curnutt

Computer Science

509-972-5978

curnutte@WVSD208.ORG

  • Pathways

  • Out of high school

    Since computer science is a growing and ever-changing field, some jobs simply require that you have the skills. Many entry-level positions can be filled by students who have completed a high school course in computer science. There are also entry-level positions for those certified as a Microsoft Technical Associate (MTA), which can be earned here at West Valley High School.

  • Two-year options

    Get your associate’s degree in mechanical engineering, information technology, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or more. Many employers prefer candidates with an AA who have both training and experience.

  • Four-year options

    Get a degree in a Computer Science or Information Technology and become a mobile app developer, web developer, systems architect, game developer, and more.

Program requirements
Computer Science Principles 101 0.5
Computer Science - Coding 201 0.5
Video Game Design 201 0.5
Video Game Design 202 0.5
2.0 credit(s)

Certifications & training

  • Microsoft Office Specialist
  • Google Educator Certified
  • Dell Certified Technician
  • Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification in HTML & CSS

Courses

Computer Science Principles 101 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credit Career and Technical Education

Prerequisite ‐ None

Fees and Costs ‐ None

Course Overview

CS Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in.

Computer Science Coding 201 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credit Career and Technical Education

Prerequisite ‐ Computer Science Principles 101

Fees and Costs ‐ None

Course Overview

Crafting with Python is designed to teach the fundamentals of programming and computational thinking. Through this course, students will foster creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, and learn how to program using Python. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to use and implement common program control structures, read code in the MakeCode and Python environment, write programs in Python and demonstrate the functionality of their code.

It is a one-semester course featuring lessons that emphasize hands-on coding where students create apps and work in the same ways real programmers do. This course provides an introduction to coding and computer science through making and designing. It uses Microsoft’s easy and powerful MakeCode coding environment and Microsoft Visual Studio Code to learn the Python programming language. The course is a project-based curriculum, with a maker philosophy at its core that provides a context for learning computer science concepts.

A Capstone credential in Python is the final objective of this course.

Video Game Design 201 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credit Career and Technical Education

Prerequisite ‐ Computer Science Principles 101

Fees and Costs ‐ None

Course Overview

In this course, students will use Unity to learn game design and computer programming as they create their very own video games. Students gain skills to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow in the field of interactive design and development.

Students will be transformed from absolute beginners to capable Unity developers. Skills learned include player control, basic gameplay, sounds and effects, gameplay mechanics, and user interfaces. Upon completing this course, students will have the confidence that they can Create with Code.

Unity is an industry-recognized Game Development platform.

Video Game Design 202 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credit Career and Technical Education

Prerequisite ‐ Video Game Design 201

Fees and Costs ‐ None

Course Overview

In this course, students will continue to use Unity and the material learned in Video Game Design 201. Creative Core is your next step towards becoming a Unity creator. This learning path will teach all the core elements needed to bring imagination to life with Unity. Once completed Video Game Design 201 as an introduction to the fundamentals of Unity Editor, take this pathway to learn VFX, Lighting, Animation, Audio, UI, and other creative skills.

Unity is an industry-recognized Game Development platform.

Audio Visual Technology 101 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits

Prerequisite ‐ Passing grade in Photography and Design or AMPED Design

Fees and Costs ‐ None

Course Overview

This is the first semester of a yearlong course - Audio Video Technology 101 gives students the opportunity to practice real-world skills in live sound and event production. Students learn the basics of audio and video production on software used by industry professionals, including Adobe Audition and Premiere Pro to run production for sporting events, school assemblies, music concerts, and more. This class also focuses on storyboarding and scriptwriting along with all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production needed to create short videos. Students have an opportunity to create a portfolio of work and build skills using a variety of projects in emerging fields of media production, including digital music production, podcasting, video editing, and more.

Audio Visual Technology 102 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits

Prerequisite ‐ Passing grade in Audio Visual Technology 101

Fees and Costs ‐ None

Course Overview

This is the second semester of a yearlong course - Audio Video Technology 102 gives students the opportunity to practice real-world skills in live sound and event production. Students learn the basics of audio and video production on software used by industry professionals, including Adobe Audition and Premiere Pro to run production for sporting events, school assemblies, music concerts, and more. This class also focuses on storyboarding and scriptwriting along with all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production needed to create short videos. Students have an opportunity to create a portfolio of work and build skills using a variety of projects in emerging fields of media production, including digital music production, podcasting, video editing, and more.

Audio Visual Technology 201 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits

Prerequisite ‐ Passing grade in Audio Visual Technology 102

Fees and Costs ‐ None

Course Overview

Students will dive deeper into the world of nonlinear video editing and desktop video productions, as well as other multimedia projects building on the foundation of skills developed in Audio Video Technology 101 and 102. Students will use social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) to help promote activities at West Valley High School. Students will continue to develop their skills both in front of the camera and behind the scenes while producing both in-school and out-of-school broadcasts to be aired on television and the web. Projects strengthen student skills in graphic design, storyboarding, scriptwriting, video recording, and editing, writing, interviewing, television broadcast production techniques, live event broadcasting, and leadership.

This class prepares students for a variety of collegiate, internship, and employment opportunities in audio/visual production.