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Flint Hills Technical College. Programs and Majors.
Computer Programming

Mission:

Students successfully completing the Computer Program Design & Development curriculum will recognize and identify real-life problems and apply object-oriented design principles to develop appropriate solutions. These solutions will be developed and applied through the use of current programming languages and productivity software. The students will also utilize and apply their knowledge of computer hardware for the purpose of troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining and supporting the appropriate technology. Students will apply this knowledge to current business and industry standards.

Career Paths:

Graduates from the Computer Program Design & Development program will be prepared to seek career opportunities in a variety of industries, including:
  • Wholesale Trade Companies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Government Agencies
  • Insurance Industry
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Hospitals/Medical Offices
  • Internet, E-Commerce and Web Page Design
  • Data Processing Services
  • Telecommunications
  • Financial Institutions
  • Gaming Industry

The Industry:

Job titles include the following examples:
Senior Software Engineer Program Analyst Web Designer
Database Engineer Database Administrator Software Developer
Systems Management Java Developer Field Applications Engineer
Project Manager Applications Specialist Game Developer
The job market for a career in program languages is plentiful. This type of job does include significant seat time as programmers design, solve problems and debug code. Working in teams is prevalent and vital. There are a few times that programming is done by individuals, but not as much as in previous years. Now, many programmers work together to combine their resourcefulness, creativity, and skills to invent complex programs used by many businesses, industries and even individuals.

Computer programmers design all program software, application software and operating systems software. These three types of software are used by virtually everyone involved with computers. Almost any type of business can use the skills of a great programmer. There are very few jobs or careers that do not use some type of computer, so programmers have a nearly constant employment opportunity. There are more job opportunities within larger cities, but many smaller towns are now using E-Commerce and Web Pages to promote their business. All have a need for programmers.

The Program:

Prerequisites

  • Must be at least 16 years old.
  • Must have graduated from high school, have received a GED diploma, or be concurrently enrolled in high school as a senior.
  • Must demonstrate and apply proper keyboarding technique with at least 25-wpm speed.
  • Must be able to attend class all day Monday through Friday.

Instruction

This program is a Technical Certificate & and Associates Degree program as of the Fall of 2006. After the Freshman year, students may obtain a Technical Certificate. They will have earned 30 Credit Hours at that point. If Freshmen choose to continue into and complete their Sophomore year, and obtain their General Education credits, the student will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in CPD. High school seniors are able to attend classes on a part-time basis in the mornings. It takes approximately two full years to obtain the Associate degree as a full-time student. High School students may take longer due to their part-time status while attending High School. Students spend most of the time in a lab setting. Lecture is about 20 percent of the class time, with the other 80 percent using hands-on experience and activities.

Program Cost Sheet
Program Supplies List

Courses

2-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Associate of Applied Science degree, with a major in Computer Program Design and Development, is a four-semester program that contains technical, advanced technical and general education courses. A program advisory committee, composed of representatives from business and industry, annually updates career requirements and opportunities. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills needed to identify operational problems and design solutions using programming languages and productivity software. Graduates will also be able to troubleshoot, repair, maintain and support computer hardware in accordance with business and industry standards.
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1-year Technical Certificate

The Computer Program Design & Development Technical Certificate program, which contains technical courses, is two semesters in length. A program advisory committee, composed of practitioners, annually updates employer expectations, and career opportunities. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to perform numerous programming applications and debugging using the latest technology and software(computers software, internet). For graduates wanting to continue their education, certificate courses are transferable to the Computer Program Design & Development AAS degree program.

 
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Advisory Members

Brian Curtiss

Hopkins Manufacturing Corp.
429 Peyton Street
Emporia , KS 66801

Dan Schmidt, Program Coordinator

Washburn Univ-Div. of Cont. Edu.
Benton Hall Room 408 1700 College
Topeka , KS 66621

Jacob Starr

WolfCreek Nuclear Operation Corp
1675 Milo Lane NE
Burlington , KS 66839

Instructor(s):

Karen Christy

Student Organizations:

Business Professionals of America (BPA) is an organization which prepares business students to succeed in the business workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills. Involvement as an active BPA member will be one of the most rewarding aspects of your training as a student. Through this involvement, lasting relationships will be developed with the community business circles and members will be given exposure to potential new employers. Opportunities for having fun, visiting new and exciting places, experiencing new activities, and growing both personally and professionally is what BPA is all about.