{"id":4733,"date":"2023-12-26T10:05:17","date_gmt":"2023-12-26T18:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/cs\/?page_id=4733"},"modified":"2026-06-05T17:58:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T00:58:18","slug":"intro-cs-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/cs\/intro-cs-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Intro CS Course Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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CS 209: Intro to Computer Programming <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have never programmed before, or if your experience with Java is very limited, you will likely begin with CS 209. This course is designed specifically for students with little to no prior programming background. To enroll, students must have credit for MATH& 141 or higher, or placement into MATH& 142 or above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CS 210: Fundamentals of Computer Science I<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you already have prior programming experience, such as familiarity with Java, using an editor or IDE, and running code, you may be ready to start with CS 210. To enroll, students must have credit for MATH& 142 or higher, or placement into MATH& 151 or above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CS 209\/210 Self-Placement Survey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Students who meet the prerequisite for CS 210, but do not have prior programming experience are recommended to complete CS 209 first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are unsure whether your prior programming experience provides a sufficient foundation to start at CS 210, or if CS 209 would be a better fit, we recommend taking the self-placement survey to help guide your decision. Please note that this is not <\/strong>an official Bellevue College placement test and you must still meet the math prerequisite for each course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you’re ready, start the self-placement survey<\/strong><\/a>. The survey is not timed, and you may take it more than once if needed. However, we encourage you to do your best, answer honestly, and treat it as a true reflection of your comfort level and skills, so that you are placed in the course that will support your success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CS 211: Fundamentals of Computer Science II<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CS 211 follows CS 210 in the intro sequence, moving into more advanced topics such as data structures, algorithms, and runtime analysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have completed CS 210 or an equivalent with a D (1.0) grade or better, you are eligible to enroll in CS 211 directly. If you completed the course at another institution, or have a qualifying AP score, you may need to verify your prerequisite before you can register for CS 211. The quickest way to do this is through the clear\/verify prerequisite process<\/a> \u2014 upload your documentation (e.g., unofficial transcripts or test scores) and Placement and Testing Services will notify you once confirmed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have not taken CS 210 or an equivalent, are not<\/strong> seeking credit for CS 210, and feel your prior programming experience has prepared you for CS 211-level work, you can take the CS 211 Placement Test<\/strong> to see if you’re ready to start here. Students entering CS 211 are expected to have a good grasp of the concepts covered in CS 210.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CS 211 Placement Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Schedule a time to take the CS 211 Placement Test<\/a>. The test is a 90-minute in-person, paper exam proctored at the Placement Center at Bellevue College. It is closed book, closed note, and no additional materials or electronic devices are permitted, including calculators, smartphones, smartwatches, AI eyeglasses, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test Topics include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n