How To Become A Computer Programmer

Transcription

1 Orange County Workforce Investment Board Workforce Innovation Fund Information Technology Education Scan Prepared for the Orange County Workforce Investment Board by Orange County Business Council This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

2 Table of Contents Orange County Education Scan... 3 Importance of Business Skills... 3 Addressing IT Industry Trends... 4 Outdated Programs... 4 Additional Information... 4 Community Colleges... 6 Rancho Santiago Community College District... 6 South Orange County Community College District North Orange County Community College District Coast Community College District Universities California State University Fullerton Chapman University University of California Irvine (UCI)/ UCI Extension Program Brandman University Business IT Programs in Orange County Universities Private Education Institutions & Organizations Appendix Orange County s Prominent IT Companies Internship Programs Alumni Networks and Internship Resources in Orange County Case Studies Orange County Education Scan Page 2

3 Orange County Education Scan Based on the education scan, the following findings are of paramount interest: Business skills are not adequately addressed in IT and IT-related programs Curricula and programs offered are not in-line with IT industry trends Several outdated or irrelevant programs do not fit current business needs Acquiring a solid understanding of the current Information Technology programs offered throughout Orange County s post-secondary education institutions is a necessary preliminary step towards understanding the gaps that exist between skills taught and skills demanded by the County s businesses. The education scan serves as the first step in ensuring that outdated or irrelevant education programs and curricula are amended to fit the needs of the rapidly evolving IT sector. This report provides a thorough and comprehensive overview that examines all IT and IT-related programs within Orange County s community colleges, four-year universities, and other private institutions in order to identify current strengths and weaknesses within the education system that must be addressed to ensure future relevancy of the County s educational programs. The conclusion of this report will present a thorough analysis of the findings, followed by additional information on IT and IT-related programs at each of Orange County s prominent education institutions. Importance of Business Skills As the IT industry evolves, business-oriented soft skills for IT are one of the most sought after qualities in prospective technical employees. However, there are few business programs within Orange County s education institutions that incorporate IT and IT-related courses into their collections of coursework. Similarly, IT and IT-related education programs fail to adequately intertwine business strategy and communication skills into technical curricula. This is a significant deficiency within the education system in light of how business stakeholders have identified business-related skills such as project management, business process, communication, and problem solving as a top priority when scanning for potential hires. As the IT sector continues to become a part of almost every major industry within the County, ranging from culinary to energy sectors, it is becoming increasingly important for IT employees to be able to communicate effectively with non-technical colleagues, think strategically as an operative unit within a larger organization, and develop a sound business skillset for more effective implementation of technical practices. Education institutions need to address this deficiency by providing business programs built around IT concentrations in addition to IT programs that draw heavily from business skills. Orange County Education Scan Page 3

4 Addressing IT Industry Trends Business stakeholders have identified IT skill areas including IT Security, Business and Web Intelligence, Data Mining and Predictive Analytics, Healthcare IT, and Mobile Applications and Development as growing and indemand skills within the IT industry. Currently, there are several programs and curricula within education institutions that are not aligned with current IT industry trends. Business stakeholders have identified many up-and-coming IT skill areas with growing demand, including (but not limited to) IT Security, Business and Web Intelligence, Data Mining and Predictive Analytics, Healthcare IT, and Mobile Applications and Development. Currently many education institutions have not shifted focus to emphasize these areas in terms of courses and degrees offered. Select institutions that offer specialized vendor certifications have adapted well to offering coursework for in-demand IT skills. However, it should be noted that many community colleges and four-year universities face significant hurdles relative to private institutions when it comes to amending programs and curricula. It is important for Orange County s education institutions to implement mechanisms that allow more flexibility in amending curricula in a timely fashion. Doing so enables Orange County to more fluidly adjust to emerging labor market trends and prepare students for cutting-edge job opportunities. Outdated Programs There are several programs identified as far less demanded or irrelevant by the business community, such as web design and graphic design that still remain an often-highlighted degree option by post-secondary institutions. The demand for graduates in these programs is not adequately reflected in the labor market, and it is misleading to students expecting specialized career preparation. Education institutions need to ensure that these programs are made more marketable and attractive to prospective employers through improved relevancy. This can be achieved by making the programs more comprehensive to include generalized business and other useful skill sets, or by offering it as a concentration within a degree program. Due to the fast-paced nature of the IT industry, obsolete programs should be quickly addressed or removed when employer interests do not align with these job-specific program outcomes. Additional Information Despite the existing drawbacks within the education system addressed above, there are several noteworthy positives that should be highlighted. Several Orange County educational institutions are making exceptional efforts to remain relevant and valuable from the perspective of the County s IT businesses. These institutions are able to achieve this by forming solid partnerships with local corporations and ensuring that the latest materials direct from vendors, typically in the form of a certificate program, is available for students to stay competitive as expectations evolve. There are several programs within these organizations where top-level business executives teach courses and/or guest lecture, so that students are able to attain an insider perspective of applying business sensibilities to technological expertise. This valuable opportunity allows students to preview potential companies and meet active executives from IT companies offering career guidance and insight into the field s day-to-day expectations. Orange County Education Scan Page 4

5 Overall, Orange County s education institutions first must overcome existing barriers preventing students from gaining job-relevant skills, then address gaps and institutional barriers within the education system to ensure proper program creation and adjustment in the future. Addressing these gaps now will ensure sustainable relevance of programs and curricula in the future. The remaining sections of this report provide overviews of the various IT programs available in Orange County s education institutions, including program descriptions and key courses required. Each institution s section is organized within community colleges, universities or private education institutions, highlighting current programs offered. More detailed, comprehensive information on each is described in the IT Environmental Scan report. Orange County Education Scan Page 5

6 Community Colleges Rancho Santiago Community College District Fast Facts: Rancho Santiago Community College District There are two community colleges within the district: Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College Thirty-Five IT and IT-related programs are offered between the two colleges 11 percent of IT programs offered are business-oriented Santa Ana College offers one healthcare IT-oriented program, while Santiago College offers none Community Colleges Page 6

7 Santa Ana College Accounting Computerized Accounting/Bookkeeping QuickBooks Option (Certificate) Program enables students to maintain accounting records, develop financial reports and make effective use of financial information for analysis and decision-making. Entry-level employment opportunities include positions in accounts receivable/payable, payroll, income tax preparation, cost accounting, and a number of trainee positions. (14.5 Units) Key Courses: Accounting Quickbooks, Financial Accounting, Introduction to Information Systems and Applications, Business Communications, Business Applications Microsoft Excel, Computerized Accounting/Bookkeeping MAS Option (Certificate) Program enables students to maintain accounting records, develop financial reports and make effective use of financial information for analysis and decision-making. Entry-level employment opportunities include positions in accounts receivable/payable, payroll, income tax preparation, cost accounting, and a number of trainee positions. (15.5 Units) Key Courses: Computerized Accounting with MAS 1 & 2, Financial Accounting, Introduction to Information Systems and Applications, Business Communications, Business Applications Microsoft Excel Microsoft Dynamics for Financial Accounting (Certificate) Program enables students to maintain accounting records, develop financial reports and make effective use of financial information for analysis and decision-making. (15 Units) Key Courses: Financial Accounting, Microsoft Dynamics for Financial Accounting, Introduction to Information Systems and Applications Microsoft Dynamics for Project Management and Business Planning (Certificate) Program enables students to maintain accounting records, develop financial reports and make effective use of financial information for analysis and decision-making. (15 Units) Key Courses: Managerial Accounting, Microsoft Dynamics for Managerial Accounting, Microsoft Dynamics for Business Planning Art Art-Graphics Design (Associate) Program prepares students for entry into the broad field of visual communication, with an emphasis on the development of problem solving in the practical application of graphic design. Applications include design for print media, advertising, architectural and environmental graphics, packaging, logs, corporate identity, etc. (33 Units) Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Fundamentals of Typography, Advanced Typography, Graphic Design I, Digital Media: Portfolio and Business Strategies 3-D Modeling and Animation (Certificate) Santa Ana College Page 7

8 Program prepares students for entry-level positions in film, broadcast television, publishing and video game companies, as well as product, industrial and architectural design. (31 Units) Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Digital Design with Photoshop, 3-D Commercial Applications, 3-D Modeling, Introduction to Digital Media Arts 3-D Animation Television/Video Communications; Video Game & Interactive Media Art; Previsualization Emphasis (Certificate) Program prepares students for entry-level positions in film, broadcast television, publishing and video game companies, as well as product, industrial and architectural design. ( Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Digital Media Arts, Web Design with Flash, 3-D Commercial Applications, 3-D Animation Business Administration Business Applications and Technology (Associate/Certificate) Program prepares students for employment as administrative assistants, secretaries and office support staff in a variety of business offices, including legal and international. (17 Units) Key Courses: Business Writing Skills, Office Procedures, Computer Fundamentals, Introduction to Microsoft Office Microsoft Office Professional (Certificate) Program prepares students for employment as administrative assistants, secretaries and office support staff in a variety of business offices, including legal and international. (19 Units) Key Courses: Advanced Windows, Advanced Microsoft Office, Real World Microsoft Projects, PowerPoint/Excel/Word/Access, Microsoft Outlook, Computer Keyboarding Computer Science Computer Information Systems (Associate/Certificate) Program provides students with fundamental skills such as the ability to write programs in Visual BASIC C++ or Java, experience with microcomputer data processing applications such as Excel or Access, and abilities needed to structure data for the computer. (27 Units) Key Courses: Visual BASIC Programming, Introduction to Networking Technology, Advanced Visual BASIC, The Computer and Society, Windows Visa Operating System Database (Certificate, 15 Units) Key Courses: Visual BASIC Programming, Microsoft Access, Structured Query Language Enterprise Systems (Certificate, 12 Units) Key Courses: Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Internet Information Server Santa Ana College Page 8

9 Help Desk (Certificate, Units) Key Courses: The Computer & Society, Cooperative Work Experience Education, MCDST Preparation, Help Desk Skills Networking (Certificate, 12 Units) Key Courses: Building a Small Office/ Home Office Network, Configuration and Application of LAN, Intro to Networking Technology Maintenance and Troubleshooting (Certificate, 16.5 Units) Key Courses: Software Deployment Mechanisms, Personal Computer Troubleshooting, Intro to Networking Technology UNIX (Certificate, 12 Units) Key Courses: Perl Programming & CGI, Unix Operating System, Advanced UNIC, UNIX System Programming Web Programming (Certificate, 15 Units) Key Courses: Visual BASIC Programming, Advanced Visual BASIC, Visual BASIC for Web Development, Java Programming, XML Programming Computer Science (Associate) Program prepares student for entry-level employment in computer science, engineering and other areas where high aptitude in computer programming is recognized. (25 Units) Key Courses: Data Structures Concepts, Programming Concepts, Introduction to Computer Organization, C# Programming Programming (Certificate, 12 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Programming, Programming Concepts, Data Structures Concepts, Java Programming Engineering Engineering Civil Technology (Associate/Certificate) Program provides a background for employment in a civil engineering office, or for field work support, under the direction of a professional engineer or licensed surveyor. (29-30 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Architecture, Plane Surveying, Civil CAD Concepts, Auto CAD I/II, Engineering Drawing Engineering Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Associate/Certificate) Program aimed to be comprehensive in computer aided parametric 2D and 3D drafting and design. Class applications include mechanical, electronic, civil, surveying, architecture, and other major engineering disciplines. (24.5 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Windows, AutoCAD I/II/III, Engineering Drawing, AutoCAD 3-D Drawing, Introduction to Architecture/ Civil Engineering/ Construction Santa Ana College Page 9

10 Engineering Industrial Technology (Associate/Certificate) Program designed to train students for employment as mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing technicians/supervisors. Opportunities are primarily in private manufacturing industries in areas such as production planning, quality control, inspection and testing, and production supervision. (27 Units) Key Courses: CATIA Solid Modeling I, ProEngineer Solid Modeling I, Introduction to Robotics, Machine Technology Survey, Basic Metals Technology Mechanical 3D Solid Modeling CAD (Associate/Certificate) Program focuses on developing competency in parametric solid modeling CAD software that is used in mechanical, aerospace, industrial, and biomedical engineering fields. (18 Units) Key Courses: Solidworks Basic Solid Modeling, Solidworks Intermediate Solid Modeling, Solidworks Drawings, CATIA Solid Modeling Manufacturing Technology (Associate/Certificate) Program has the following specializations and options: Conventional Machining, CNC Programmer A, CNC Machine Set Up and Operation, and CAD/CAM. (15 Units) Key Courses: Basic Blueprint Reading, Technical Mathematics, Basic Machining Concepts, CNC Program Writing, Geometric Dimensioning Music Digital Music Production (Certificate) Program intended for students with an interest in creating musical products with the aid of computer technology. (17 Units) Key Courses: Creating Music with MIDI, Intermediate Techniques of MIDI Sequencing, Projects in Electronic Music, Business of Music Healthcare Pharmacy Technology (Associate/Certificate) Program designed to prepare students for employment as pharmacy technicians, assisting pharmacists by performing the technical tasks related to the packaging and distribution of medication including prescriptions. (26 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Pharmacy Technology, Body Systems I/II, Pharmacy Technology Skills Lab, Pharmacy Technology Externship Santa Ana College Page 10

11 Santiago Canyon College Accounting Computerized Accounting (Certificate) Program prepares students for entry-level positions and promotional opportunities in accounting and administrative departments of businesses in public and private sectors. (12 Units) Key Courses: QuickBooks, Financial Accounting, Computer Information Systems Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access Art Graphic Design (Associate) Program prepares students for entry into the broad field of visual communication, with an emphasis on the development of problem solving in the practical application of graphic design. (33 Units) Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Fundamentals of Typography, Graphic Design I, Illustration for Graphic Design Digital Media (Certificate) Program offers two certificates: Web Design and Graphic Design. Program designed to develop skills and creativity in the areas of digital imaging, electronic page layout, graphic principles of web design, and interactive design for multimedia. (21 Units) Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Fundamentals of Typography, Graphic Design I, Introduction to Digital Media Arts Computer Science/Computer Information Systems Computer Information Systems (Associate/Certificate) Program designed for students interested in the application of computer hardware and software to business. CIS courses prepare students for entry-level positions in programming, networking, or computer support. (22-23 Units) Key Courses: Financial Accounting, Introduction to Information Systems and Applications, Computer Information Systems Microsoft Excel, Computer Science JAVA, Programming, Visual BASIC Web Page Designer (Certificate, 12 Units) Key Courses: Adobe Photoshop, Web Site Development, HTML, JavaScript Computer Science, (Associate/Certificate) Program s courses provide instruction in low-level and high-level languages, intermediate and advanced techniques in programming, and hardware organization. (25-26 Units) Santiago Canyon College Page 11

12 Key Courses: The Computer and Society, Introduction to Computer Organization, Introduction to Programming, Data Structures Concepts, Programming Concepts Applied Robotics and Embedded Programming (Certificate) The program prepares students for careers as robotics technicians, engineering technicians, and junior programmers. (15 Units) Key Courses: Java Programming, Introduction to Robotics Programming, Advanced Visual Basic, C# Programming Survey/Mapping Sciences Land Surveying (Associate/Certificate) Program provides students with a background in land surveying and mapping in addition to an introduction to collection, manipulation, formatting and mapping of geospatial data. (26 Units) Key Courses: Plane Surveying, Computer Aided Drafting Fundamentals, Principles of Project Management Santiago Canyon College Page 12

13 South Orange County Community College District Fast Facts: South Orange County Community College District District is comprised of three Community Colleges and organizations: Saddleback College, Irvine Valley, and Advanced Technology Education Park (ATEP) There are 41 IT and IT-related programs offered between Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College 32 percent of courses offered are in the Web Design and Animation fields areas in low demand among employers South Orange County CCD Page 13

14 Saddleback College Accounting Computerized Accounting Specialist Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program designed for students planning to enter the accounting field with knowledge of accounting principles and practices using the double-entry accounting system, current commercial software, and the ability to analyze financial statements. (19.5 Units) Key Courses: Spreadsheets: Excel, Computerized Accounting: QuickBooks Advanced, Individual Income Tax, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting Administration Administrative Assistant Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program designed to prepare individuals for employment in office staff positions or to enhance existing skills of office administration. (24 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Microsoft Office, Computer Operating Systems: Windows, Spreadsheets: Excel Architecture Architectural Drafting Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Two-year occupational program designed for students who wish to train for employment in architecture or field related to the construction industry. (49-52 Units) Key Courses: Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Advanced Computer Aided Design, 3D Parametric Modeling, Introduction to Rapid-Prototyping Technology, Advanced CAD Model Making and Tooling Business Project Management Occupational Skills Award (Award) Program designed to provide students the opportunity to master necessary management concepts to successfully complete projects. Program trains students for both entry-level employment as well as advancements in current careers. (9 Units) Key Courses: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office, Business Management, Human Relations in Business Computer & Information Management Applications Developer Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program is designed to help students find entry-level employment as an application developer. ( Units) Saddleback College Page 14

15 Key Courses: Business Programming Java, Web Development and DB: Intro SQL and MYSQL, Microsoft ASP.NET, Web Development - XHTML E-commerce Specialist Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program is designed to provide the skills necessary for conducting business on the web, preparing an electronic approach, and managing an e-commerce web presence. (21 Units) Key Courses: Database: Access, Web Development: XHTML, Creating Web Pages: Dreamweaver, Web 2.0 Design: Cascading Style Sheets, Web Design: Capstone Portfolio Project Network Administrator Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position as an information systems network administrator. (21 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Introduction to Information Systems, Microsoft Office, Computer Operating Systems: Unix/Linux, Computer Operating Systems: Windows Software Specialist Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as knowledge workers in the technical work environment using industry-standard software packages. (21 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Microsoft Office, Computer Operating Systems: Windows, Database: Access, Spreadsheets: Excel, Managing Projects with Microsoft Project Web Designer Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program prepares students to develop a web presence for businesses, organizations, and individuals in communication, marketing, and data management through the development of a website. (18 Units) Key Courses: Web Animation: Flash, Web Development: XHTML, Web Digital Imagery: Photoshop, Creating Web Pages: Dreamweaver, Web Design: Capstone Portfolio Project Webmaster Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program is designed to prepare students to build and administer a website, as well as set up and maintain its web server. (24.5 Units) Key Courses: Business Programming: Java, Computer Operating Systems: Unix/Linux, Networking Essentials and Technologies, Web Design: Capstone Portfolio Project, Web Development: XHTML, Microsoft ASP.NET Information Security: Security (Award) Award prepares students to acquire necessary computer information security concepts to implement various InfoSec strategies. (15 Units) Key Courses: Information Security Fundamentals, Network Defense and Countermeasures, Information Security Management, Security+, Cyber Law Saddleback College Page 15

16 Office & Computer Skills Occupational Skills (Award) Award introduces students to office procedures and basic skills needed for employment in today s office environment. Areas of study include: office environment, organizational structure, computer skills, business math, filing, and records management. (6 Units) Key Courses: Office Skills: Database (Access), Office Skills: Desktop Publishing (Publisher), Office Skills: Spreadsheets (Excel) Computer Maintenance Technology Certificate Program (Certificate) Program designed to help students prepare for entry-level employment as a computer technologist or computer technician in companies involved in the manufacture, installation, repair, maintenance, upgrading, or sales of personal computers and related hardware. (21-22 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Electronics for Computer Technologists, Survey of Electronics, Applied Network Technology, Computer Maintenance and Repair I Computer Science (Associate) Program is designed for transfer students who wish to achieve an Associate degree in Computer Science. (31-32 Units) Key Courses: Introduction to Programming, Advanced Programming, Data Structures, Computer Organization and Assembly Language, Computer Organization and Machine Language Drafting Technology Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program is designed to provide a general background and specialized skills in public and private organizations requiring drafting skills. (36 Units) Key Courses: Engineering Graphics, Computer-Aided Drafting, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Green and Sustainable Manufacturing Design, Mechanical Design Electronic Technology Analog and Digital Circuit Electronic Technology Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program prepares students for entry-level employment as an electronic technician in companies involved in manufacturing, testing, troubleshooting, and the repair of analog and integrated hardware. (20 Units) Key Courses: Digital Electronic Circuits, Electronic Communication Systems, D.C. and A.C. Fundamentals, Semiconductor Devices and Circuits, Digital Signal Processing and Microcontrollers Digital Electronic Technology Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program prepares students for entry-level employment as electronic technicians in companies involved in the manufacture, testing, installation, and repair of computers and related digital equipment. (22 Units) Key Courses: Computer Maintenance and Repair I/II, Digital Electronic Circuits, D.C. and A.C. Fundamentals, Semiconductor Devices and Circuits, Digital Signal Processing and Microcontrollers Saddleback College Page 16

17 Basic Analog and Digital Electronics Occupational Skills Award (Award) Award is designed to confirm the successful completion of the basics of analog and digital electronics, both in theory and in laboratory testing/troubleshooting. (12 Units) Key Courses: Digital Electronic Circuits, DC and AC Fundamentals, Semiconductor Devices and Circuits Graphics Computer Graphics Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program is designed to prepare students for employment in the computer graphics field. Program relies heavily on a basic understanding of graphic design and/or graphic communications principles as they relate to industry standards. (21 Units) Key Courses: Typography, Introduction to Computer Graphics, Digital Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, Digital Animation, Digital Layout and Design Illustration/ Animation Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program is designed to prepare students for careers in animation and in editorial illustration such as magazine, book illustration, medial illustration, and marine illustration of in advertising illustration. (24 Units) Key Courses: Drawing I, Graphic Rendering Techniques, Typography, Graphic Illustration, Introduction to Computer Graphics, Motion Graphics Others Health Information Technology Certificate Program (Associate & Certificate) Two-year Associate and Certificate program that prepares students for employment as a health information professional with the knowledge and skills to accurately code diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services, and to collect, maintain, and analyze clinical data in electronic health records that healthcare staff rely on to deliver quality service. (56 Units) Key Courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microsoft Office, Fundamentals of Composition, Health Information Science, Information Technology/ EHR in healthcare, Quality Performance Improvement in Healthcare, Management of Resources Rapid Digital Manufacturing Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate) Program designed to address the skill-set required by technical, engineering, and management professionals working in industries where products are designed and developed, with specific emphasis on mechanical/manufacturing, art/animation, medical imagery, geographic information systems, and architecture. (27 Units) Key Courses: Computer-Aided Drafting, Introduction to Rapid-Prototyping Technology, Advanced CAD Model Making and Tooling, 3D Computer-aided Design- Solid works, Managing Projects with Microsoft Projects Saddleback College Page 17