Java vs C++ for college credit: which course to take

Take the one your college or program uses: neither syllabus lists a prerequisite, and both start from your first program. If you plan to take Data Structures and Algorithms here, take Introduction to Java, because that course is taught in Java.

Both teach decisions, loops, arrays, functions, recursion, classes, inheritance, polymorphism and linked lists. Introduction to Java adds graphical user interfaces, exceptions, stacks, queues, hash tables, trees and graphs. Programming in C++ adds vectors, structs, files, pointers and dynamic memory. The syllabi list 46 instructional hours for Java and 51.5 for C++.

No: both are NCCRS only, each for 3 semester hours in the lower division. If you need an ACE recommendation, Programming in Python carries one (ACE ID UPIS-0011); see Java vs Python.

Introduction to Java: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, lower division, in Computer Science among other subjects. Programming in C++: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, lower division, in Computer Science among other subjects.

Introduction to Java: Computer Science or Informatics. Programming in C++: Computer Science, Electrical, or Computer Engineering. Your college decides which requirement each one fills.

Programming in C++ is longer by its syllabus. Introduction to Java: 12 chapters and 46 instructional hours. Programming in C++: 11 chapters and 51.5 instructional hours. Both are self-paced, so you finish as fast or as slow as you want.

Both have the same kind of final: 100 multiple-choice questions.

Data Structures and Algorithms. In the “Start programming” order on the Computer Science courses page, it follows Introduction to Java. Your program may set its own order.

Yes, online: under light proctoring (no camera) if you already have 70% before it, otherwise under full proctoring. The quizzes and the assignment are open-book; the Introduction to Java final is not.

Take it again: a failed Introduction to Java final comes with one free retake (fail that and you restart the course). A passed final can be retaken too, but the original score stands; for quizzes, the average of your first two attempts counts.

ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities. Search your school in Find My College and ask your registrar which courses these would count as. For the registrar: Introduction to Java's NCCRS recommendation lists Computer Science and Programming in C++'s NCCRS recommendation lists Computer Science.