Associates in Computer ... something?

[sanantone]

I am curious how often they look at the specific courses that were taken by the applicant.

Edit: Or how often they look at the general degree program requirements, like you did, and see that the one applicant needed 14 computer classes and the other needed 18 computer classes.

I know they often test knowledge in an interview, like you said.

Also, some of us have no grade for many/most/all courses! I feel that some employers and grad schools would be initially surprised by that.

Employers aren't going to compare courses for every CS applicant. They know that all CS programs cover the basics. Transcript reviews are usually done either when multiple degrees are acceptable but may not have all the desired courses or when someone with an unrelated or semi-related degree applies.

For example, I came across a lab job that wanted a degree related to biology or chemistry, but the applicant needed 3 credits each in genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry. These at required in biology programs, but not chemistry programs.