Students who are interested in pursuing a
degree in computer technology can find online programs at the
undergraduate and graduate levels. Through earning a degree in the
field, prospective students can acquire the various skills to work in a
wide range of computer science industries.
An associate's degree in computer information technology prepares
students to design, construct, test and evaluate computer electronic
components. Participants in this program learn traditional computer
science skills, as well as skills in electronics engineering, software
development, computer maintenance, network maintenance and Website
design. Programs are available to students who have completed high
school or earned their GED equivalency. Programs are commonly offered as
an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science degree
program.
Associate's degree programs in computer information technology range
in length from 60-70 semester hours. The programs can be completed in
about two years if students are enrolled full-time. Students access
course material through Websites and downloadable multimedia
presentations. Instructors communicate to students through e-mail and
online discussion boards. Assignments, quizzes, tests and feedback are
often administered through the Blackboard and WebCT online learning
platforms.
This program requires the use of a computer with a reliable Internet
connection. Common software programs, like the Microsoft Office Suite,
are required and sometimes included with enrollment. The computer must
be able to support multimedia files with an updated media player and Web
browser.
Computer Hardware and Software Course
This course introduces students to the hardware and software
components of personal computers. Concepts include the installation,
design, management and repair of programs and hardware. Emphasis is also
placed on network troubleshooting, virus protection, telecommunication
and the ethical protocol of PC technicians. Students culminate their
study in the construction of a computer from component parts.
Computer Science Course
This introductory and developmental course teaches students the
fundamentals of computer science and trains participants in core
concepts in computer programming. Core concepts include modular program
design, elementary file processing, pointer types, data structures and
structured programming methods.
Fundamentals of Networking Course
The focus of this course is the management of communications in local
area networks and wide area networks. Through analyzing both cable and
wireless connections, students gain skills in identifying potential
problems, and the repair and maintenance of network systems.
Many graduates of an associate's degree in computer information
technology find entry-level employment as a computer support specialist.
In May 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cited that the
top-paying industries for this profession were monetary authorities,
natural gas firms, computer equipment manufacturers and the U.S. Postal
Service (
www.bls.gov). This source also reported that the mean annual wage for this occupation was $47,360.
Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree Program in Computer Technology
Students interested in pursuing an online bachelor's degree in
computer technology can find Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs
in computer engineering technology, computer science and information
technology. Participants in these programs develop skills that include
applications development, network systems, database management,
electronics theory, microprocessor design and digital systems
development.
The average length of a bachelor's degree in computer technology
ranges from 125-140 semester hours. These programs are offered
completely online; however, some programs require the final exams to be
proctored. Coursework is often delivered in both synchronous and
asynchronous formats, depending on the student's preference. Students
can access course material through Websites and online learning
platforms, as well as communicate to instructors and peers through
discussion boards and Web-forums.
List of Common Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Technology Online Courses
Analog Electronics Course
The design and construction of diode and transistor circuitry are
introductory concepts to this course. Students gain an understanding of
voltage amplifiers, semiconductors, AC prototypes, diode theory, power
amplifiers, emitter followers, and many more electronic components and
theories. Students are expected to construct their own diode and
transistor circuits.
Digital Electronics Course
Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of digital
electronics. Course topics include logic gates, codes, flip-flops,
counters, registers, number systems and Boolean algebra.
Database Management Course
This course places an emphasis on the structure, design, construction
and maintenance of relational database systems. Course concepts include
structured query language, relational database structure, data
management and concurrency control. Students often construct database
models and perform real-world applications.
Graduates of a bachelor's degree program in computer technology are
qualified to find entry-level employment as computer hardware engineers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2009 that the
mean annual wage for this occupation was $101,410 (
www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported that the industries with the highest levels of employment for this occupation were
computer systems
design services, computer equipment manufacturers, semiconductor
manufacturers, the Federal Executive Branch and scientific research
firms.
Overview of a Master's Degree Program in Computer Technology
Online master's degree programs in computer technology draw
applicants from a wide range of computer science and electronics fields.
These degree programs are designed to give students a mastery of
computer science fundamentals, as well as computer theory, hardware and
software. Degree programs can be found under the titles of Master of
Science (M.S.) in Computer Science and M.S. in Electronics and Computer
Technology. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a related
field of computer science. If a student's undergraduate degree is in a
non-related field, applicants will need to take an equivalency exam or
prerequisite courses.
The average length of a master's degree program in computer
technology is between 30-36 semester hours. Programs can be completed
entirely online. Students access course material, take quizzes and
tests, communicate with instructors and peers, and complete assignments
through Websites dedicated to online learning.
List of Common Master's Degree in Computer Technology Online Courses
Management of Industrial Computer Systems Course
This course teaches students about the role of control computer
systems in a business setting. Through researching the network and
systems choices that industry firms need, students can determine the
most cost-effective systems plan.
Network Security Course
The emphasis of this course is on safety of computer systems and the
confidentiality of computer operators' files on network computers.
Concepts of study include firewalls, viruses, Trojan horses, worms,
attack patterns, threat detection, cryptography and security protocols.
Microcomputer Systems Technology Course
This course focuses on the concepts, structure and integration of
microcomputers and how they relate to process control technology.
Students utilize sensors and other peripheral tools to interface
microcomputer systems.
Graduates of a master's degree in computer technology are qualified
to find employment as a computer and information systems manager. The
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated in May 2008 that the
employment rate for this occupation is expected to rise by 17% between
2008-2018. The BLS also stated in May 2009 that the mean annual wage for
this occupation was $120,640.
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