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MAJORS & PROGRAMS
CAD |
Computer Animation |
Computer Graphics |
Computer Operator |
Computer Programming |
Computer Repair |
Computer Science |
Computer Security |
Computer Technology |
Databases |
Desktop Publishing |
E-Commerce |
Game Design |
Information Technology |
Multimedia |
Networking |
Software Engineering |
Web Design |
Web Development
CERTIFICATIONS
A+ |
AS400 |
C/C++ |
CISA |
Cisco |
CNX |
ColdFusion |
CompTIA |
DB2 |
Dreamweaver |
Flash |
HTML/XHTML |
iNet+ |
JAVA |
Javascript |
Linux |
Lotus |
MCDBA |
MCP |
MCSA |
MCSD |
MCSE |
Microsoft Access |
Microsoft Excel |
Microsoft Office |
Microsoft Powerpoint |
Microsoft Word |
Novell |
Oracle |
PERL |
PhotoShop |
SQL |
Sun |
UNIX |
Visual Basic |
VRML |
Webmaster |
XML
MAJORS & PROGRAMS
CAD
Computer Aided or Computer Assisted Design (also called CADD - computer aided design and drafting) relates to the use of a computer and graphics technology in industrial design applications. People who have majored as CAD designers often find themselves working in fields such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. To prepare students, programs typically offer courses in drafting, building mechanical and electrical systems, 3-D modeling, mechanical and architectural design, and commercial construction methods, among others.
Computer Animation
Computer animation begins with a series of independent pictures that are put together to form the illusion of continuous motion. Upon graduation, computer animation majors can find work in many fields, including game design, movie production, and multimedia presentation. Majors in this field will find that, in addition to animation courses, classes can include media arts, 3-D equipment and software, acting, character modeling, behavioral sciences, compositing, business, motion study, storyboarding, visual effects, and more.
Computer Operator
Computer operators are responsible for monitoring and controlling computer systems (especially mainframes) in a company or organization. Majors in this field will find that their courses will center on learning the skills necessary for troubleshooting hardware and software problems, maintaining system performance and application documentation, online availability, and monitoring batch processing. Other topics covered by courses can include system backups, computer room equipment maintenance (including printers and tape storage devices), and customer support.
Computer Programming
Often, programmers are grouped into two types: applications programmers who usually focus on business, engineering, or science programs; and systems programmers (who usually have the highest level of expertise) who control software that runs entire computer systems. An individual who majors in computer programming will find their coursework involves designing, writing, and testing computer programs. Other than courses in software design, classes offered also may include the following topics: computer organization, databases, data structures, bioinformatics, networking, data mining.
There is a wide variety of programming languages used by computer programmers, including C++, Java, and COBOL (just to name a few_ and these languages are constantly evolving and changing. Therefore, education is an ongoing necessity for career programmers. Some employers provide advanced training, however, many programmers take courses specializing in a particular language, which results in certification of a programming language or platform.
Computer Repair
People who major in computer repair learn various methods to troubleshoot computer software, hardware, and peripherals. They are taught that, through a process of elimination, they can investigate possible sources of a problem and, beginning with the most obvious or easiest problem to fix, work through the situation until the problem is corrected. Coursework for majors in this field may include the following: fundamentals of various operating systems; installation, configuration and upgrading; motherboard, processors, and memory; basic networking; printers and drivers; diagnostics and troubleshooting; preventive maintenance procedures.
Computer Science
Computer science majors learn various programming languages. They also take courses that cover the fundamentals of PC architecture, such as diagraming a processor or designing a register of RAM. These students should expect some advanced math courses, such as statistics and calculus. Computer science degrees often are connected to a 4-year liberal arts education - allowing students the most job flexibility after graduation.
Computer Security
Individuals employed in the area of computer security work to ensure the ability of a system to protect information and system resources with respect to confidentiality and integrity. Computer security majors can expect to take courses such as operating system and network security fundamentals, computer forensics, networking, web security, disaster recovery, systems analysis and design, and criminal justice.
Computer Technology
Majors of computer technology find themselves involved in the activity of designing, constructing, and programming computers and computer systems. Programs of study are similar to those found under Information Technology, as the terms are frequently interchangeable.
Databases
Typically, majors in this field fall under the term "database administrator" and are usually found as part of an information or computer technology program (meaning 2 years of study time or less). Students are provided with technical courses concentrated on database design, computer hardware, desktop operating systems applications, and database support for the end user.
Desktop Publishing
Desktop publishing involves using a computer with page layout software to design, edit, and produce publications of a professional quality. Students majoring in desktop publishing typically learn to use various art-related software packages. Courses in design, typography, marketing, prepress, photo-manipulation, and writing are often included.
E-Commerce
Commerce is defined as the exchange of goods and services, typically for money. E-Commerce is the same exchange, done electronically over the Internet. Majors can expect classes that fall into various disciplines such as the following: business; web, multimedia, and digital design; database management; computer scripting; operating systems; computer security; math; accounting; business commerce and selling principles; and more.
Game Design
From hand-held devices, to Internet games sites, to arcade and gambling machines - the variety of gaming products can seem endless, and ever-evolving. Not only does gaming technology evolve, but the "worlds" and characters created by designers are continuously becoming more complex. In order to thoroughly prepare themselves for employment, individuals who major in game design are typically encouraged to take some non-traditional classes in addition to their courseload for computer subjects. Good examples of these classes would be music, mythology, history, drama, psychology, and even foreign languages.
Information Technology
Information technology majors are usually involved in a 2-year program that is geared towards managing corporate network information systems and infrastructure rather than learning extensive programming skills. Emphasis is placed on the design, implementation, integration, and management of information systems as a whole. Core classes may include marketing, management, finance, economics, and accounting.
Multimedia
Students interested in multimedia can opt for either of two educational paths: as a programmer or as a designer of multimedia.
A multimedia programming major typically learns programming and development skills. Because of the variety of end-products (i.e.: instructional software packages, kiosks, informational CDs and DVDs, online reference materials, arcade or educational games, etc.), majors may need to learn several programming languages, gain a solid understanding of the various types of media that are being used, and become well versed in the workings of different operating systems. They need to develop the skills necessary to ensure compatabilty between the software, operating system, and media type chosen for any given project, which then provides smooth functionality for the end-user.
Multimedia designers usually work with off-the-shelf design products to create end-products for the general media, business, education, Internet and entertainment markets. Though this sounds easier than the programming position, a thorough knowledge of several software packages is usually required. In addition, more emphasis is placed on a student's knowledge and talent in art and writing. Technical skills, like coding, are less important, however the issues that face programmers regarding the knowledge of various operating systems and their compatibility with certain types of media are faced by designers as well.
Networking
Computer networks are the systems between two or more computers and peripheral devices allowing them to communicate to one another. Within computer networking there are several different career paths, including, network administrator, network engineer, network technician, network programmer and network/information systems manager.
Network administrators and network engineers are titles that are used interchangeably for essentially the same position. Both positions usually entail configuring and managing local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). In companies where both titles are used, the difference is that usually administrators focus on day-to-day operations, while the engineers focus on upgrades, testing and product evaluation.
Network technicians focus on the set-up, troubleshooting and repair of equipment and software. Network programmers generally write programs that aid in network analysis; and systems managers supervise the work of all of the above, as well as on long-term planning and strategizing.
Educational requirements for a career in computer networking usually include a college degree. There are some 2-year or shorter programs offered by community colleges and trade schools, which are often sufficient for a technician or support position, however for administrator, engineer, programmer and manager positions, a Bachelor's degree is the preferred form of education. The most common majors for computer networking are: computer science, mathematics or information systems.
Software Engineering
Software engineering majors are expected to learn many things in preparation for work in "the real world." Curriculum often includes courses in logic and microprocessor system design, programming and data structures, computer architecture, assembly language programming, computer interfacing, embedded system design, system requirements and design and system security. In addition, courses such as math (calculus and algebra), statistics, and physics are typically required. Software engineering covers more than the technical aspects of building software systems. Management issues, such as directing programming teams, scheduling, and budgeting are often part of a software engineer's job, so classes in these areas can be expected as well.
Web Design
Majors of web design will find themselves taking classes that will teach them how to consider the overall look and feel of website, plan out its architecture, and then learn the necessary skills for actually producing a site. Interface design and graphic arts skills are important in this field and, as such, a strong emphasis is placed on extensively learning how to use various image editing tools and layout software packages.
Web Development
Students majoring in web development will find that their courses will teach them how to translate the requirements of end-users into a functional web product. Web developers are responsible for the technical aspects of a site, meaning they address usability issues, scripting errors, database development and integration, security issues, and more. Students are required to gain a strong background in computer systems and languages such as HTML, XHTML, Javascript, and Java. An awareness of browser differences and client side servers is needed as well.
CERTIFICATIONS
A+
A+ certification encompasses the standard qualifications needed for entry level IT professionals. A+ certification requires the ability to install, configure, upgrade, diagnosis, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance on computers, and other peripheral devices, such as monitors and printers.
A+ certification can be a starting point for a variety of computer and technology related careers, such as programming, computer support technician, and network administrator, just to name a few. Depending on which field you want to go into should determine the type of education you seek. There is a variety of 2 and 4-year colleges and universities offering computer-related degrees. Common majors include: computer science, mathematics or information systems.
There are also a wide variety of computer training bootcamps, offered by private companies and institutions. These typically last one to 4 weeks, with emphasis on preparation for the A+ certification exam.
Whether you choose a traditional educational route or a training bootcamp, in order to become A+ certified you must take the two-part exam administered by CompTIA.
The average salary for A+ certified technicians is $36,000. Opportunities for higher salaries become available with advanced training in areas such as programming or networking, which usually require college degrees.
AS400
C/C++
C and C++ are both computer programming languages. C++ was developed from C, and is a powerful object-oriented language. C++ is a general purpose language that can create almost any program.
There are several options for learning C++ that can be found on the internet. There are numerous online tutorials, many of which are free to the public. There is also a selection of books designed to self-teach the language. It is helpful to already have a basic programming knowledge, especially of C, before attempting one of the above methods.
For a more structured and in-depth education there are training bootcamps available in both online and in-person formats. These typically last 1-4 weeks and can cost several thousand dollars.
Programmers may also choose to become C++ certified, which may help their resume stand-out during the job application process. There are multiple companies and institutions offering C++ certification exams, such as IBM and ExpertRating.
Cisco
CompTIA
DB2
Dreamweaver
Flash
HTML/XHTML
Hyper Text Markup Language, better known as HTML, is the language used to created web pages. XHTML stands for Extensible Hypertext Markup Language and is the latest web programming language proposed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which is the organization that sets the policies and standards for the web.
Learning opportunities for HTML and XHTML, like so many other programming languages, can be found in free and cost-based online tutorials. More extensive education is offered in the form of training bootcamps, which usually last 1-3 weeks and can cost $150-$5,000 a course. Going beyond that, there are many degree and certification programs in HTML/XHTML development offered by technical and community colleges.
The need for companies and organizations to have a web presence only continues to grow, which is good news for HTML developers. However, most companies are looking for their developers to have a broad skill set that can include Flash animation, programming languages such as Java or ASP, and SQL server experience, just to name a few. Average annual starting salary for HTML developers is around $40,000. Of course salaries increase with the additional skill sets one can bring to the position.
iNet+
JAVA
Javascript
JavaScript is a scripting language developed by Netscape to enable Web authors to design interactive sites. Javascript can interact with HTML source code, enabling Web authors to spice up their sites with dynamic content. JavaScript is endorsed by a number of software companies and is an open language that anyone can use without purchasing a license.
There are several options for learning JavaScript that can be found on the internet. There are numerous online tutorials, many of which are free to the public, as well as website offering free scripts for the use of budding JavaScript writers. There is also a selection of books designed to self-teach JavaScript. It is helpful to already have a basic programming knowledge, such as C++, before attempting one of the above methods.
For a more structured and in-depth education there are training courses available in both online and in-person formats. These typically last 1-4 weeks and are offered through private institutions as well as technical and community colleges.
JavaScript is usually a skill set of web developers or HTML programmers, and therefore career and salary information falls under those two specialties.
Linux
Linux is a free UNIX-type operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world. Developed under the GNU General Public License, the source code for Linux is freely available to everyone. Linux is mainly used as a server platform, but is also seen used as a desktop operating system. There are hundreds of operating systems that have been released based on the Linux kernel, such as Suse and Debian.
The most common form of Linux training, as with so many other programming languages, is through private organizations, such as LinuxCertified. These training bootcamps, usually last 1-3 days and can cost $1,000-$2,000 each. According to LinTraining.com, there are over 640 training centers around the world offering Linux training.
Linux developers can become certified through the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). There are two different types of certification, LPIC (Linux systems administration) and OSAC (Open Source Desktop Applications). Both certifications require the passing a written examination.
Unix is the oldest operating system still in use, having been around for 30 years, which makes Unix-based operating systems, like Linux a favorite in the industry. Linux is considered to be one of the two fastest growing programming languages today, and therefore demand is high. The median annual salary for Linux programmers is around $75,000.
Lotus
Lotus is a suite of software programs produced by IBM. These applications include various messaging (Lotus Instant Messaging, Web Conferencing), collaboration (Lotus Notes, Lotus Domino), e-Learning (Lotus Virtual Classroom, Lotus LearningSpace), collaborative portal solutions (WebSphere Portal), and desktop (Lotus SmartSuite) software.
There are free online tutorials in Lotus offered to beginners. However for a more in-depth understanding courses offered through IBM are the most recommended. IBM offers both instructor taught courses and self-paced web courses. Instructor-led courses typically last 1-5 days and can cost $800-$2,000 a course.
IBM also offers Lotus certification. There are several certification programs, including Notes and Domino, Lotus Workplace, and Collaborative Solutions. Certification requires the passing of one or more exams.
There is an estimated demand for 50,000 new certified Lotus professionals a year, and only about 15,000 new certifications being produced each year, so the demand is much higher than the supply. The average annual pay for a Lotus developer is $70-80,000.
MCDBA
MCP
MCSA
MCSD
MCSE
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Powerpoint
Microsoft Word
Novell
Oracle
Oracle is a company, however, the name Oracle is most commonly associated with the Oracle database, which a widely used relational database. The latest release of the Oracle database is the Oracle 10g.
The most common form of Oracle training is through private organizations, such as DBDomain. These training bootcamps, usually last 1-3 days and can cost $1,000-$2,000 each. After you have received the adequate training, you can choose to become a oracle certified. There are three different types of certification, Oracle Certified Associate (OCA), Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), and Oracle Certified Master (OCM). For those just beginning their career, the OCA is considered an appropriate starting point. Certification is administered directly through Oracle and requires the passing of one or more written exams.
PERL
Perl, short for Practical Extraction and Report Language, is a high-level programming language especially designed for processing text. It is derived from C programming language and a variety of others. Because of its strong text processing abilities, Perl has become one of the most popular languages for writing CGI scripts. Perl is an interpretive language, which makes it easy to build and test simple programs. Perl is a free, open distribution language. The currently release version is 5.0. It has been modularized, object-oriented, tweaked, trimmed, and optimized until it almost doesn't look like the original code. However, through the years the interface has remained mostly the same.
There are several options for learning Perl that can be found on the internet. There are numerous online tutorials, most of which are free to the public. There is also a selection of books designed to self-teach Perl. Because Perl is partly derived from C, prior experience or understand of C is helpful. Previous Unix experience can also be helpful when learning Perl.
PhotoShop
SQL
SQL is a client-server database management system by Microsoft that can respond to queries from client machines formatted in the SQL (server query language). It is a management solution that ensures performance, scalability, and reliability.
SQL databases are typically used in conjunction with HTML to add data storage and recall capabilities to websites.
SQL training is offered through a variety of online and in-person training programs. Before signing up for SQL training, check to make sure the courses are Microsoft certified, since SQL is a Microsoft product. SQL and basic database administration can also be learned from technical and community colleges. Of course it doesn't hurt to have a four-year degree support that SQL training. Common degrees for SQL professionals include a Bachelor's degree in either computer science or information systems.
Certification is optional, but can certainly help your resume stand-out. For SQL server administrations Microsoft offers the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certification, which requires four different exams.
Sun
UNIX
A popular operating system, developed by AT&T in 1969, that is the most common operating system for servers on the Internet. UNIX allows more than one user to access a computer system at the same time (multi-user). An early version of UNIX, which was used by most colleges and universities, incorporated TCP/IP and made Internet connections possible. UNIX is under the GNU General Public License, and therefore free to everyone.
In addition to many free user forums and online tutorials, there are a multitude of companies offering UNIX training bootcamps. These can be found in both online and in-class versions. Length of program and cost vary from company to company, but typically costs range from $1,000-3,000 a course.
Because UNIX is the oldest operating system still in use, it is considered here to stay and therefore a favorite in the industry. The median annual salary for UNIX programmers is around $75,000.
Visual Basic
Visual Basic (VB) is a programming language from Microsoft used to develop web applications and Windows desktop applications. VB programmers use a graphical user interface to choose and modify preselected sections of code written in the BASIC programming language. Since Visual Basic is easy to learn and fast to write code with, it's sometimes used to prototype an application that will later be written in a more difficult but efficient language. Visual Basic is also widely used to write working programs. The current version of VB is called VB.NET, which is very similar to ASP.NET and C#
There are several options for learning Visual Basic that can be found on the internet. There are numerous online tutorials, many of which are free to the public. There is also a selection of books designed to self-teach the language. It is helpful to already have a basic programming knowledge, however, before attempting one of the above methods.
For a more structured and in-depth education there are training bootcamps available in both online and in-person formats. These typically last 1-4 weeks and result in certification. Although many independent training companies offer Visual Basic training, you should check to make sure they are licensed through Microsoft to teach and certify, since VB is a Microsoft application.
According to Microsoft, there are at least 3 million developers using Visual Basic. The average annual salary for certified Microsoft developers is $41,000.
VRML
Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is an Internet standard for the rendering of 3D graphics. VRML files can be created in a text editor, although CAD packages, modeling and animation packages, and VRML authoring software are the tools preferred by most VRML authors. Some of the most common uses of VRML include video games, military training and medical imaging.
There are a multitude of educational and training programs offered by independent companies and accredited schools that result in either certification or an Associate's degree. However, it is recommended to have some background in art or design before entering one of these programs. There are also Bachelor's degree programs offered by some universities and colleges such as the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
VRML job opportunities exist within the military, corporations, video gaming companies, the film industry, and medical industry. Pay ranges dramatically based on experience, location and industry. However, most temp agencies pay about $25 an hour for beginning animators.
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- Guide on getting into the competitive video game industry
