Computer Science
Certificate Program
“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
Where
they
work
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.
2
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
CISP 1090 or 2090
CISP 1160
CISP 1420
Web Fundamentals
Intro to Programming or Java Programming
Introduction to Oracle
Networking Essentials
Total Fall Credit Hours
3
3
Spring Semester
CISP 1170
CISP Introduction to Visual Basic
Electives: choose 2 courses from below Total Spring Credit Hours
TOTAL CERTIFICATE CREDIT HOURS
3
6
9
21
3
3
12
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
The starting salary in the Knoxville area is $40,920. The average
salary is $63,420.
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,
Facebook
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.
Quotes provided by www.code.org.
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 to Home
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!
(866) GO2-RSCC
www.roanestate.edu
Roane County Campus
(865) 882-4523
(866) 462-7722 ext. 4523
Knox County Center for Health Sciences
(865) 539-6904
(866) 462-7722 ext. 2323
Oak Ridge Campus
(865) 481-2002
(866) 462-7722 ext. 2002
Loudon County Higher Education Center
(865) 986-1525
(866) 462-7722 ext. 4670
Campbell County Higher Education Center
(423) 562-7021
(866) 462-7722 ext. 4534
Morgan County Higher Education Center
(423) 346-8700
(866) 462-7722 ext. 4664
Cumberland County Higher Education Center
(931) 456-9880
(866) 462-7722 ext. 4532
Scott County Higher Education Center
(423) 663-3878
(866) 462-7722 ext. 4694
Fentress County Higher Education Center
(931) 752-8320
(866) 462-7722 ext. 4625
(866) GO2-RSCC
www.roanestate.edu
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
been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of Human Resources/Affirmative Action, 276 Patton Lane, Harriman, TN 37748,
(865) 882-4679, humanresources@roanestate.edu. RSCC publication #13-122. 500 copies printed by Precision Printing and Graphics. Graphic Design–Sandi Roberts