Information Technology Careers
There are a variety of positions available in the I.T. Career field.
Programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions, called programs or software, that computers must follow to perform their functions. These programs tell the computer what to do—which information to identify and access, how to process it, and what equipment to use. Programmers write these commands by breaking down each operation into a logical sequence of steps, converting the instructions for those steps into a language that the computer understands. While some still work with traditional programming languages like COBOL, object-oriented programming languages such as C++ and Java, computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools, and artificial intelligence tools now are being used to create and maintain programs. These languages and tools allow portions of code to be reused in programs that require similar routines. Many programmers also customize purchased software or create better software to meet a client’s specific needs.
Computer software engineers design, develop, test, and evaluate software programs and systems. Although programmers write and support programs in new languages, much of the design and development now is the responsibility of software engineers or software developers. Software engineers must possess strong programming skills, but are more concerned with developing algorithms and analyzing and solving programming problems than with actually writing code. These professionals develop many types of software, including operating systems software, network distribution software, and a variety of applications software. Computer systems software engineers coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company’s computer systems, and plan their future growth. They develop software systems for control and automation in manufacturing, business, and other areas. They research, design, and test operating system software, compilers—software that converts programs for faster processing—and network distribution software. Computer applications software engineers analyze users’ needs and design, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. They develop software solutions. For example, video game programmers are software engineers who plan and write video game software.
Occupational Outlook
As programming tasks become increasingly sophisticated and additional levels of skill and experience are demanded by employers, graduates of 2-year programs and people with less than a 2-year degree or its equivalent in work experience will face strong competition for programming jobs. Competition for entry-level positions, however, also can affect applicants with a bachelor’s degree. Prospects should be best for college graduates with knowledge of, and experience working with, a variety of programming languages and tools—including C++ and other object-oriented languages such as Java, as well as newer, domain-specific languages that apply to computer networking, database management, and Internet application development. Obtaining vendor-specific or language-specific certification also can provide a competitive edge. Because demand fluctuates with employers’ needs, jobseekers should keep up to date with the latest skills and technologies. Individuals who want to become programmers can enhance their prospects by combining the appropriate formal training with practical work experience.
Salaries: Programmers – Median annual earnings of computer programmers were $62,890 in July 2005. The middle 50 percent earned between $48,580 and $80,280 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,470; the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,610. Median annual earnings for QA Engineers/Software Testers were $55,760 in July 2005. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,520 and $70,155 a year.
This program is approved by: IL State Board of Education
This program prepares you for: Skill attainment highly successful in current job market.
E – Commerce Java Program
Total Duration: 210 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic understanding of programming concepts
Course Fee: $5,495
Basic Java Language Applications Development Course
Total Duration: 100 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic understanding of programming concepts
Course Fee: $2,995
Java Technologies and Multi-tier Applications Development Course
Total Duration: 80 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Knowledge of Java language provided by “Basic Java Language Applications Development” course or equivalent working knowledge of Java. Familiarity with any relational database
Course Fee: $ 2,000
WebSphere Course
Total Duration: 30 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Knowledge of Java language provided by “Basic Java Language Applications Development” course or equivalent working knowledge of Java. Familiarity with any relational database
Course Fee: $ 500
E – Commerce Solutions Program
Total Duration: 304 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic understanding of programming concepts
Course Fee: $ 5,800
Web Development course
Total Duration: 120 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic understanding of programming concepts
Course Fee: $ 2,995
Advanced Web Development course
Total Duration: 120 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic Web Development background or completion of the Basic Web Development Course.
Course Fee: $ 2,995
UML with Rational Rose Course
Total Duration: 32 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic Web Development background or completion of the Basic Web Development Course.
Course Fee: $ 1,000
XML Course
Total Duration: 32 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic Web Development background or completion of the Basic Web Development Course.
Course Fee: $ 1,000
Microsoft .NET Platform Program
Total Duration: 96 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED,Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Any Programming background, Preferred knowledge of Visual Basic and C++
Course Fee: $ 2,100
Visual Basic. NET Course
Total Duration: 48 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Any Programming background,Preferred knowledge of Visual Basic 6.0 or higher
Course Fee: $ 1,300
Visual C#.NET Course
Total Duration: 48 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, Any Programming background. Preferred knowledge of C++
Course Fee: $ 1,300
Unix and C++ program
Total Duration: 280 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows or Unix operating systems, Any type of programming background, academic or professional, database analyst or developer.
Course Fee: $ 6,000
C ++ Course
Total Duration: 140 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, or Mainframe or Unix operating system, Any type of programming background, academic or professional, database analyst or developer.
Course Fee: $ 3,200
Advanced C++ Programming under UNIX Operating system Course
Total Duration: 40 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Unix operating system, Knowledge of C++ language provided by C++ course or Equivalent working knowledge of C++, or C
Course Fee: $ 1,300
UNIX operating system including shell scripting Course
Total Duration: 100 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of computer, Basic knowledge of any operating system required.
Course Fee: $ 2,300
Oracle Development and Administration Program
Total Duration: 400 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, and Unix operating system, Any type of programming background
Course Fee: $ 7,000
Oracle Development Course
Total Duration: 140 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, and Unix operating system, Any type of programming background
Course Fee: $ 3,200
Oracle Developer 2000 Course
Total Duration: 130 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Basic knowledge of Windows operating system, and Unix operating system, Any type of programming background
Course Fee: $ 3,200
Oracle DBA Course
Total Duration: 130 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Knowledge of Windows operating system, and Unix operating system. Completion of Oracle Development Course or equivalent working experience utilizing Oracle
Course Fee: $ 3,200
Quality Assurance Program
Total Duration: 232 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic Programming background
Course Fee: $ 5,500
Quality Assurance/Advanced Automation Course
Total Duration: 132 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic Programming background
Course Fee: $ 2,995
Performance Testing Course
Total Duration: 100 clock hours classroom instruction
Prerequisites: High School diploma or GED, Knowledge of Windows operating system, Basic Programming background
Course Fee: $ 2,995
