This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
It’s no secret that opportunities in tech jobs continue to explode, and businesses remain challenged in finding highly qualified workers.
To connect more students interested in computer and information technology careers with the degree and certificate programs supporting these growing fields, Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is holding a Computer and Information Technology Open House from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Oct. 24, in the Business School building (room ICC-221).
Prospective and currently enrolled students are invited to meet with SCC faculty from Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering and support services. Attendees can build their 2020 Spring Semester schedule, learn about transfer opportunities to four-year universities, and dive deeper into different career options related to computer technologies. SCC is providing free food and prizes, too!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $86,320 in May 2018, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.**
So students can better understand the educational requirements to pursue these occupations, SCC is featuring the following programs at the Open House:
- Data Analytics teaches students how to model, synthesize, analyze and present large data sets for business decision-making. The program focuses on the techniques and computer software used in the industry to extract data from various data sources, model and integrate that data, and then visualize this data.
- Programming and System Analysis at SCC gives students an in-depth exploration of different computer languages and technical skills. The program includes aspects of different operating systems, local area networks (LANs), business communication, team roles and dynamics.
- Web Design Technologies focuses on hands-on experience with web page navigation, web publishing, web graphics preparation, database design and development, and e-commerce solutions, including storefront setup. It’s perfect for those who want to work in web design, web marketing management, and web or e-commerce management.
- Network Administration is designed to provide the student with training for a variety of positions related to computer systems. Career opportunities include LAN administrator, systems analyst and technical support. These classes also lead to industry certifications including CompTIA’s A+ and Network+, Red Hat System Admin and Cisco’s CCNA certification.
- SCC’s student-designed and student-built Virtual Data Center illustrates how to take concept directly to practical application by using real-time, unscripted labs giving students the freedom to fix and experiment along the way. This training facility allows learners to obtain hands-on experience in the areas of virtualization, cloud computing and much more.
- Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. Areas of study in this program include artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics and theory of computing.
“Today’s IT industry demands that professionals possess theoretical knowledge, but are also capable of putting practical applications to work,” says SCC Computer Information Systems Department Chair Dan Combellick. “SCC has created many academic opportunities for enhanced learning – such as its innovative Virtual Data Center – for students to develop the necessary skills through hands-on practical application so they can contribute to an employer on day one.”
While tuition at SCC is one of the lowest in Maricopa County at only $85 per credit hour, SCC awards the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation’s CIS Network Operations and Security Scholarships each semester to help address financial concerns for select students. Learn more about the CIS awards.
No advanced registration is needed for the Open House. For more information, contact Sara Beakley-Mercill, Professor of Computer Information Systems at [email protected] or 480-425-6737.