Computer Science
Certificate Program
Where they work
“I think everyone should get a little exposure to computer science because
it really forces you to think in a slightly different way, and it’s a skill that
you can apply in life in general, whether you end up in computer science
or not.”
Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos
Understanding computer science is important for any career.
Inside this book, you will discover career opportunities that are possible with a background in computer science. These jobs require additional training and education, but Roane State’s one-year, affordable program can get you started. To learn more about how this program can help your career, please contact Roane State’s Mathematics and Sciences Division.
www.roanestate.edu/mathscience (865) 354-3000 ext. 4758
Courses
Roane State’s computer science technical certificate includes courses in databases, networking, JAVA programming, webpage design and visual basic programming.
Fall Semester
CISP 1080 Web Fundamentals 3
CISP 1090 or 2090 Intro to Programming 3 or Java Programming
CISP 1160 Introduction to Oracle 3
CISP 1420 Networking Essentials 3
Total Fall Credit Hours 12
Spring Semester
CISP 1170 Introduction to Visual Basic 3 CISP Electives: choose 2 courses from below 6
Total Spring Credit Hours 9 TOTAL CERTIFICATE CREDIT HOURS 21
Electives (choose two):
CISP 1350 Spreadsheets (fall, spring)
CISP 1370 PC Repairs and Maintenance (fall) CISP 1430 Introduction to Routers (fall) CISP 1560 Beginning Internet (fall, spring) CISP 2030 Data Structures (spring)
CISP 2060 Introduction to Network Security (fall, spring) CISP 2150 Operating Systems (spring)
CISP 2180 Advanced Java (fall, spring)
CISP 2340 Oracle Database Programming (spring) CISP 2380 Intro to Java Script (fall)
CISP 2750 Unix/Linux Operating Systems (fall)
Please note: Course availability can vary in any semester. Students pursuing this certificate will be advised by the Mathematics and Sciences Division.
Computer Programmers
“We ALL depend on technology to communicate... and none of us know
how to read and write code. It’s important for these kids, right now,
starting at 8 years old, to read and write code.”
will.i.am
Musician/The Black Eyed Peas
and entrepreneur
What They Do
Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. If a program does not work correctly, they check the code for mistakes and fix them. Most programmers specialize in a few programming languages such as C++ and Java. Some programs are relatively simple and usually take a few days to write, such as mobile applications for cell phones. Other programs, like computer operating systems, are more complex and can take a year or more to complete.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer programmers is expected to increase 12 percent through 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Since computer programming can be done from anywhere in the world, companies often hire programmers in countries that have lower wages.
Salary
Computer Support Specialists
“I think everybody in this country should learn how to program a
computer because it teaches you how to think.”
Steve Jobs, founder, Apple
What They Do
Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment.
Some, called technical support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called help-desk technicians, provide assistance to computer users. Technical support specialists test and evaluate existing network systems; perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly; and troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and Internet systems.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer support specialists is expected to
grow 18 percent through 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be favorable. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree and a strong technical background should have the best job opportunities.
Salary
The starting salary in the Knoxville area is $27,310. The average salary is $43,210.
Database Administrators
“Learning to write programs stretches your mind, and helps you think
better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in
all domains.”
Bill Gates, chairman, Microsoft
What They Do
Database administrators, often called DBAs, use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access. DBAs sometimes work with an organization’s management to understand the company’s data needs and to plan the goals of the database. Their duties
include identifying user needs to create and administer databases; ensure databases operate efficiently and without error; and
merging old databases into new ones.
Job Outlook
Employment of database administrators is projected to grow 31 percent through 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Rapid growth in data collection by businesses, as well as increased need for database security measures, will contribute to the growth of this occupation.
Salary
The starting salary in the Knoxville area is $44,300. The average salary is $69,580.
Network and Computer
Systems Administrators
“An understanding of computer science is becoming increasingly
essential in today’s world.”
Sheryl Sandberg
Chief Operating Officer,
What They Do
Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems. Their duties include determining what an organization needs in a network and computer system before it is set up; installing all network hardware and software and making needed upgrades and repairs; and solving problems quickly when a user or an automated monitoring system lets them know about a problem.
Job Outlook
Employment of network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow 28 percent through 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for these workers is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks.
Salary
The starting salary in the Knoxville area is $44,620. The average salary is $65,350.
Web Developer
“Learning to code is useful no matter what your career ambitions are.”
Arianna Huffington
Founder, The Huffington Post
What They Do
Web developers design and create websites. Types of Web developers include Web architects, who are responsible for the overall technical construction of the website; Web designers, who are responsible for how a website looks; and webmasters, who maintain websites and keep them updated. Some jobs involve all technical construction, design and maintenance. Web developers write code for websites, using programming languages such
as HTML, XML or JavaScript; work with graphics and other designers to determine a website’s layout; integrate graphics, audio, and video into a website; and monitor website traffic. When creating a website, developers have to make their client’s vision a reality.
Job Outlook
Employment of Web developers is projected to grow 22 percent through 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.
Salary
The starting salary in the Knoxville area is $45,850. The average salary is $73,430.
Sources
Occupation information and job outlook projections provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2012–2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook. Jobs and descriptions are based on full completion of appropriate level of education and fulfillment of all professional
requirements and standards.
Salary information provided by the Tennessee Department of Labor, 2012 Occupational Employment and Wages, statewide or Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area (includes Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon and Union counties).
Salaries based on completion of appropriate education level and fulfillment of professional requirements and standards. Salaries can vary widely.
Why Choose Roane State
Great Value
Tuition at Roane State is about half of four-year colleges, and Roane State students, combined, receive millions of dollars in financial aid. In addition to lottery scholarships and federal and state grants, scholarships are available through the Roane State Foundation and other sources.
Close toHome
With nine campuses, Roane State is never far from a student’s home. Travel is not a barrier to a world-class education at
Roane State.
Flexible Scheduling Options
Evening classes are available on several campuses, and through our rich selection of online courses, students can fit classes into even the busiest schedule. High-tech interactive classrooms at Roane State campuses deliver courses through live video teleconferencing, which allows students to stay at their nearby campus but take a course broadcast from another campus.
Outstanding Job-Placement Rate
A Roane State education leads to jobs in the fields that interest you. The college’s job placement rate for career-preparation programs has been over 95 percent for years.
Apply today!
This document was funded by funds received under Title I of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. Roane State Community College is a TBR and AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has
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