FAQS MORE INFORMATION I have changed my major several times and now want to graduate as soon as possible. Which degree can I finish the fastest? Computer Technology General Concentration offers the largest set of COMT courses that can be used for the degree and hence, proves the quickest way to graduate. Students still need to make sure that they fulfill all degree requirements. Kent State can help you obtain a job in your field. I want to work in Network Forensics. Do you have a major in that? Yes, we offer a dedicated track (or concentration) for forensics called Computer Technology Applied Computer Security and Forensics Technology. Computer forensics is considered one of the Top 10 jobs in the U.S. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Can I complete my entire degree either on the Stark Campus or online? Yes. The Computer Technology program is very flexible because courses can be taken online or on the Stark Campus. Students also have the option of taking online courses from any other Kent Campus. I struggle with math. What major(s) do you recommend that don’t require as much math as Computer Science? Any of the Computer Technology majors (or concentrations) can be chosen. Most COMT courses are applied in nature and students typically will do hands-on activities as part of those courses. Students will still need to complete three hours of Kent Core Math requirement. What is the class format? Each class focuses on teaching specific skills and includes in-class as well as out-of-class hands-on activities to learn the applied skills. Each class uses traditional teaching activities, including lectures, assignments, projects, etc. Most courses supplement weekly learning modules with reading assignments as well as hands-on activities. I currently have a career in computers/technology, however, I need the degree to advance. Are there classes that I can bypass due to my experience in the field? Most degrees require the completion of a specific number of hours and other requirements. A faculty member may waive some pre-requisites based on student’s experience and background, but experience is no substitute for course credit. The prior knowledge should help students complete the course requirements rather easily. Students can also receive credit by exam or CLEP (College-Level Examination Program). Y R I T ST A K CO UN T Y ’S P U B L IC UN E IV RS Career Services offers a comprehensive list of services to assist students in the job search process. These services include resume writing workshops, mock interviews, individual advising, internships and job fairs. Contact Assistant Director Christopher Paveloi for more information at 330-244-5043 or cpaveloi@kent.edu. Fully online degree. Courses are flexible. All COMT concentrations are also approved as fully online by Ohio BOR so you can earn your degree anytime, anywhere. At Kent State Stark, we believe in creating every online program with a forward-thinking mindset that helps our students solve the problems of tomorrow, not just those of today. If you have questions about the program, please contact: Adeel Bhutta Coordinator Computer Technology 330-244-3565 abhutta@kent.edu Office of Admissions 110 Main Hall Phone: 330-244-3251 Fax: 330-499-0301 starkadmissions@kent.edu Office of Student Services 132 Main Hall Phone: 330-244-3251 Venecia Alexander Academic Advisor 330-244-3276 valexan2@kent.edu Stephanie Rager Academic Advisor 330-244-3379 srager@kent.edu Kent State University, Kent State and KSU are registered trademarks and may not be used without permission. COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY BACHELOR OF TECHNICAL & APPLIED STUDIES COMBINING DISCIPLINES ACROSS PROGRAMMING, INTERNET/MULTIMEDIA, NETWORKING, FORENSICS AND SECURITY S TA R K . K E N T. E D U / C O M T Computer Technology General Job outlook 2012-2022 This concentration prepares students for positions in small- and medium-sized organizations that require computer staff to perform a wide variety of technical duties. In smaller installations, it is common for an employee to function in a broad capacity using a multitude of skills. Internet/Multimedia Technology This concentration focuses on scripting, serverside form handling, web database integration, and interactive and dynamic multimedia Internet development. Networking This concentration focuses on configuring and maintaining local area networks in various network operating system environments. The emphasis is on entry-level network administration (i.e., managing active directory and network services), desktops, troubleshooting, installation and maintenance. MINORS Students can complete all requirements for the following Computer Technology minors at Kent State Stark: » Computer Forensics & Security » Software Development » Help Desk Support Median pay 2012 Jobs in 2012 $86K $93K 1.01M +37% +22% Software Developer KEY 75,100 This concentration places an emphasis on security of desktops and local area networks, which often includes forensic work to prevent and/or determine and correct security issues. Information Security Analyst Computer Security & Forensics Technology +25% This concentration provides students with the ability to program in languages identified by local advisory board committees as necessary skills for employment. The languages include, but are not limited to Visual Basic, C++, Java and C#. $79K Application Development 118,700 These are just a few employment opportunities that will be available after earning a degree in Computer Technology. For more information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov. Computer Systems Analyst The BTAS degree requires a prescribed core of skills/knowledgebased courses that bridge multiple disciplines in multiple colleges. Students construct a meaningful plan for using the curriculum to explore and prepare for their futures by completing a cornerstone course and developing an electronic portfolio. This enables students to collect artifacts of their learning that can be used to advance their careers. A capstone course features a synthesizing of learning focused on the foundational competencies and finalization of the electronic portfolio for job search and career development purposes. BY THE NUMBERS $77K Students can complete all requirements for the BTAS degree at the Stark Campus. Most courses are offered online. The following are the Computer Technology concentrations / majors: 520,600 The Computer Technology program offers upper and lower division courses for the Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS) degree in various areas, including advanced programming, database development, network security, computer forensics and special topics in current graphic design and web development applications. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES +15% CONCENTRATIONS / MAJORS Database Administrator WHAT IS COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY? Database Administrator (DBA) DBAs use specialized software to store and organize data, including financial information and customer shipping records, while ensuring security and availability. Computer Systems Analyst Computer systems analysts study an organization’s design information system solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. Information Security Analyst These analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from cyber attacks. Software Developer Software developers create the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device, but also applications for underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES » » » » Computer Network Architect Computer Network Support Specialist Network and Computer Systems Administrator Web Developer