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CS 230 vs CS 2103 credits eachPython: ACE and NCCRS

Java vs Python for college credit: which programming course first?

If you are new to programming, start with Programming in Python (Computer Science 230): it carries both ACE and NCCRS credit recommendations, while Introduction to Java (Computer Science 210) carries NCCRS only. If your college's first programming course or its Data Structures course uses Java, take Introduction to Java: our Data Structures and Algorithms course is taught in Java.

Computer Science 230 · 3 credits · ACE and NCCRS

Programming in Python

From the first line of Python to data structures, object-oriented programming, recursion, files and data analysis.

Enroll · $250 Course page

Computer Science 210 · 3 credits · NCCRS

Introduction to Java

From the first line of Java to object-oriented design, recursion, linked structures, maps, trees and graphs.

Enroll · $250 Course page

Start with: Python, unless your college uses Java
Longer course: Python: 73 hours vs 46
Credit: 3 semester hours each

What you learn

From the syllabi: what only one course covers, and where they meet.

Only in Python

Lists, tuples and dictionaries
List comprehensions
Working with files
Data analysis and visualization

In both

Variables and data types
Decisions and loops
Functions and methods
Object-oriented programming
Recursion

Only in Java

Arrays and collections
Stacks and linked structures
Maps, trees and graph algorithms
Graphical user interfaces

Side by side

Programming in Python (CS 230) and Introduction to Java (CS 210), from the two syllabi
	Programming in Python	Introduction to Java
Course code	Computer Science 230	Computer Science 210
Chapters	17 chapters	12 chapters
Instructional hours	73 hours	46 hours
ACE	Yes: ACE ID UPIS-0011	No: NCCRS only
Prerequisites	None listed in either syllabus
Leads to	Java, then Data Structures	Data Structures and Algorithms (CS 251)
Final exam	100 multiple-choice questions

Both are self-paced: quizzes and the assignment are open-book, the final is proctored, and 70 or higher passes.

Which one should you take first?

Python first, unless your college teaches in Java.

Take Python first if

You are new to programming
Your college takes ACE recommendations
You are heading toward data or information science

Take Java first if

Your college's first programming course uses Java
You plan to take Data Structures and Algorithms, taught in Java
Your college works with NCCRS recommendations

Questions, answered

Should I learn Java or Python first?

If nothing in your degree decides it, start with Programming in Python: it carries both ACE and NCCRS recommendations and assumes no programming background. If your college teaches its first course or Data Structures in Java, start with Introduction to Java instead.

Which of the two carries an ACE recommendation?

Programming in Python (Computer Science 230): ACE recommends 3 semester hours, ACE ID UPIS-0011, and NCCRS recommends 3 as well. Introduction to Java (Computer Science 210) carries an NCCRS recommendation only: 3 semester hours in Computer Science or Informatics.

Which course leads to Data Structures?

Our Data Structures and Algorithms course (Computer Science 251) is taught in Java, so Introduction to Java is the natural step before it.

Will my college accept these credits?

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.

Where these credits can go

ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.

Plus many more partner colleges and ACE and NCCRS cooperating colleges.

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Keep exploring

Check your college first

ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.

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Sources (3)

NCCRS: UPI Study, Inc. (every course and its credit recommendation) https://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/upi-study-inc
UPI Study: Programming in Python syllabus (PDF) https://www.upistudy.com/syllabus/programming-in-python.pdf
UPI Study: Introduction to Java syllabus (PDF) https://www.upistudy.com/syllabus/introduction-to-java.pdf
NCCRS: UPI Study's credit recommendations https://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/upi-study-inc

UPI Study facts are from our course catalog, syllabi and course rules.