Computer Degrees,
Certifications, and Careers
Wytheville Community College
IST Instructors
Keith Costello
Marc Nester
Today’s Topics
• WCC’s Computer Degrees
• Computer Certifications
• Computer Careers
WCC’s Computer Degrees
• AAS in Information Systems Technology
• AAS in Information Systems Technology with
Network Specialization
Courses in IST Degree
Computer Courses
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Computer Concepts & MS Office Suite I and II
Webpage Design I and II
Database
Java Programming
C# Programming I
Operating Systems
Networking Fundamentals
PC Hardware and Troubleshooting
Courses in IST Degree with Networking
Specialization
Computer Courses
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Computer Concepts and MS Office Suite I
Webpage Design I
Java Programming
C# Programming I
Database Management
PC Hardware and Troubleshooting/Operating Systems
Two CISCO Networking Courses
Computer Certifications
• “Education” provides you with your
knowledge base
• “Certification” proves your skill level
Employers and Certifications
A survey by Network World and SolarWinds of
700 federal and private sector IT professionals
found that:
60 percent received a new job after receiving an
IT certification
56 percent of respondents who completed a
certification saw a salary increase or bonus
Computer Certifications Preparation at
Wytheville Community College
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Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
CIW Web Foundation Associate
CIW Web Design Specialist
Microsoft Database Foundation (MTA)
Adobe Dreamweaver
Adobe Flash
A+
Network+
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Computer Careers
• Salaries range from $18,000 to $180,000
• Continued growth in field even during tough
economic times
• Workers can enter this field with many
different levels of formal education
Data Entry Clerk
• Enters data into computers using
keyboards and visual display devices
• Manipulates, edits, and maintains data
• Salary $18,990 - $39,800
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer Technician
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Needs computer electronic concepts
Needs hardware and software knowledge
Needs troubleshooting skills
Needs people skills
Salary $28,300 - $76,970
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Help Desk Specialist
• Needs technology knowledge
• Needs problem-solving skills
• Salary $28,300 - $76,970
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Web Developer
• Specialized in HTML, JavaScript, Java, Perl, C++
and VB Script
• Needs Multimedia knowledge (Photoshop and
Flash)
• Needs to appreciate client’s needs and have
technologies meet client’s needs
• Salary $43,190 – $119,940
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer Salesperson
• Must be computer literate
• Must have specific knowledge of computers
he/she sells
• Must have friendly, outgoing personality
• Must be able to explain the computer features
in a language the customer will understand
• Salary $16,120 - $38,570
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer Instructor
• In educational sector – teaches computer
concepts or specific computer
applications/programs
• In business sector – teaches employees systems
development, programming, and company
software
• Needs technology and people skills
• Salary $40,000 - $75,000
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Network Specialist
• Must have knowledge of LAN, WAN, and
Internet
• Installs, configures, and troubleshoots
network systems
• Needs problem-solving skills
• Must be able to work independently
• Salary $42,400 - $108,090
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Graphic Designer/Illustrator
• Creates pictures for publications
• Works in fashion, technology, medicine,
animation, or cartoons
• Salary $26,200 - $76,910
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
System Analyst
• Designs systems and to incorporate new
technologies
• Works with users to identify operating
procedures and system objectives
• Must be familiar with networking system
concepts
• Must have good communications skills
• Salary $48,360 - $119,070
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Database Administrator
• Creates, applies, supports, and administers policies
and procedures for company’s database
• Constructs logical and physical descriptions of
database
• Uses query languages for reports
• Requires mental work and ability to focus on finite
details
• Salary $41,570 – 115,660
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer Occupations for the
State of Virginia
Annual median salary - $96,140
• Hospitals
• School systems
• Internet Service Providers
• Job growth is projected to be faster than the average
for all occupations
• Job prospects should be good, especially for college
graduates with relevant skills and experience
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best IT Careers in 2012
Five of the best IT careers in 2012 from
TopTenReviews.com
1. Software engineer – 32% growth in the next ten years
2. Telecommunication – 53% growth in the next ten
years
3. Systems Analyst
4. Network Security Specialist
5. Network Administrator – 23% growth in the next ten
years
IT Jobs are increasing
• The data-processing, hosting, and related
services industry, which is expected to grow by
53 percent, includes establishments that provide
Web and application hosting and streaming
services.
• Healthcare and related establishments may see
substantial growth in IT related jobs as these
organizations look to improve their efficiency
and patient care through the use of information
systems and other networking technology.
2010 US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why go to
Wytheville Community College?
• Dual-credit courses transfer to WCC
• Accessible and Affordable – Financial Aid and
other Scholarships are available
• Small class size = personal attention
• Personal IST Faculty Advisor
Thank you!
Wytheville Community College hopes to see
you soon!
Visit our website at:
www.wcc.vccs.edu/ist
Instructors email:
kcostello@wcc.vccs.edu
mnester@wcc.vccs.edu