Python, Java or C++: which programming course first?

If nothing in your degree decides it, start with Programming in Python: it lists no prerequisite and carries both ACE and NCCRS recommendations. If your college's first course uses Java or C++, take that one instead; neither lists a prerequisite. See Java vs Python and Python vs C++.

Programming in Python (ACE ID UPIS-0011) and Introduction to JavaScript (ACE ID UPIS-0013), 3 semester hours each. Introduction to Java, Programming in C++ and Programming in C carry NCCRS recommendations for 3 semester hours each.

Programming in C (Computer Science 240) teaches procedural C: pointers, files, structures and linked lists, with no classes. Introduction to JavaScript (Computer Science 190) is for web pages: HTML and CSS basics, the DOM, forms and events. See C vs C++ and Python vs JavaScript.

Programming in Python (Computer Science 230) teaches Python programming from basics through functions, data structures, object-oriented programming, recursion, files and data analysis. Introduction to Java (Computer Science 210) is A beginner Java course: data types, control flow, arrays, I/O, GUIs, methods, object-oriented programming and data structures. Programming in C++ (Computer Science 242) teaches C++ programming: control flow, arrays and vectors, strings, functions, classes, files, memory and inheritance.

Programming in Python: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, lower division, in Information Science among other subjects; ACE recommends 3 (ACE ID UPIS-0011). 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.

Programming in Python: Information Science, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering. 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 Python: 17 chapters and 73 instructional hours. Introduction to Java: 12 chapters and 46 instructional hours. Programming in C++: 11 chapters and 51.5 instructional hours. All three are self-paced, so you finish as fast or as slow as you want.

The format is the same in all three: a final of 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.

Its NCCRS recommendation runs five years and its ACE listing (UPIS-0011) three; UPI Study renews listings as they end, and credit you have earned stays valid for 10 years.

As soon as your dashboard shows Programming in Python at 100%. The last assignment takes about 48 hours to be checked, so leave about two days after you submit it, then request the transcript.

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 course each one would count as. For the registrar: Programming in Python's NCCRS recommendation lists Information Science and Introduction to Java's NCCRS recommendation lists Computer Science.