With the advent of the Internet and new computer innovations, the field of information technology has experienced a boom of growth and opportunity over the past decade.

Now, through FLCC's A.A.S. degree program in Information Technology, students in the Finger Lakes region can receive the preparation to meet the needs of this strong and diverse industry.

According to a research study recently commissioned by CompTia, a national organization devoted to training, certification, and employment issues in the information technology industry, I.T. service and support professionals are in great demand. CompTia reports that the number of I.T. positions open in the U.S. has more than tripled, and finding qualified and trained professionals to fill positions in the I.T. industry continues to challenge many managers.

In the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Information Technology program, students will complete a set of core courses that provide a strong foundation in applications and programming as well as an introduction to specialty areas within the field. Based on their individual career goals, students then select two specialty areas, called advisement areas, on which to focus their studies. FLCC's program includes four separate advisement areas in:

• Web programming
• electronic commerce
• networking technology
• applications and database management

The program is accredited and very flexible. It meets many employers' tuition reimbursement policies and allows students to earn college credits for their studies, while at the same time they will receive the preparation needed for certification exams. While certifications often become outdated, college credits retain their value and provide the student with a strong foundation for professional growth. An additional advantage of FLCC's program is that it can be completed through part-time, evening studies.

FLCC's computer resources for student learning are extensive. Information Technology students will learn using software applications such as Macromedia Flash and Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft SQL Server Database as well as other computer resources at the College.

In addition, the College offers an on-campus computer certification testing center, where students can test for certifications in areas such as Microsoft Office User Specialist, Microsoft Certified Systems Expert, CompTia's A+, Network+, and INet+.

The program incorporates programming in Java and Visual Basic, as well as hands-on work with circuits and assembling microcomputers, new areas in database management, and Web programming and e-commerce. In addition to physically assembling a computer and wiring a network, students will also learn network administration of both Wide Area Networks and Local Area Networks. A required internship will strengthen their skills and provide "real world" experience in the field prior to graduation.

FLCC's A.A.S. Information Technology program is designed to prepare students to enter the job market upon graduation in positions such as PC technician; network technician or administrator; computer support, troubleshooting, installation technician; applications specialist; programmer; Web master; and others.

Graduates may also choose to take additional liberal arts courses at FLCC and transfer to four-year colleges and universities such as SUNY technical colleges at Alfred, Delhi, Morrisville, and Canton; Rochester Institute of Technology; and others to pursue bachelor's degrees in the field.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that employment opportunities in the field are expected to continue to grow through the year 2010.

The Brenda Brockman Beck Scholarship and Patricia Nettnin Memorial Scholarship are awarded annually to a computer science major who meets the specific criteria of the award. For details or information about other scholarship opportunities, contact a member of the Computer Science Department or the Financial Aid Office.