Information Technology
The Computer Information Science and Technology programs are designed to fill both educational and workforce gaps in computer and information technology within the state of Vermont. The program is sponsored in part by a National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education grant. For both the Information Technology and Software Engineering degrees, there is a common core set of courses with opportunities for students to concentrate their studies in focused specialization areas. Those areas include algorithms, analysis and design, web development, networking, and office automation.
Programs are designed to be flexible in course delivery mechanisms and required curriculum. Program advisors will work closely with each student to ensure that the student’s chosen curriculum best fits both that student’s interests and professional goals. There are both Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees available and the programs may be completed as two-year associate programs, four-year bachelor programs or as 2 + 2 programs (Associate’s degree followed by a Bachelor’s degree).
Since both the Information Technology and Software Engineering degree programs have the same initial curriculum, students may change programs after the first term with no loss of time or credits.
The Information Technology and the Software Engineering academic tracks share their roots in a common grouping of core courses. The following core studies create a strong background for continuing studies with either a business focus in the Information Technology degrees or a technical focus in the Software Engineering degrees. Core course subject areas include:- historical developments
- logic
- systems thinking
- change-related stresses
- emerging technologies
- societal issues
- professionalism and ethics
- fundamental programming
- HTML
- web scripting
Courses from other Vermont State College may be taken to meet degree requirements wherever equivalent course work is available. The program is offered for full-time students on the main campus in Randolph Center, but students may complete portions of the degree as a full- or part-time students at other locations or other VSC schools. Since Vermont Tech is the degree-granting institution, at least half of the credits for the degree must be granted by Vermont Technical College.
Both the Information Technology Associate’s degree and Bachelor’s degree tracks concentrate studies in such business-related practices as systems analysis, project management, database reporting, networking, principles of MIS, software applications, and organizational behavior. The Information Technology Bachelor’s degree track also offers a specialization in Networking and Office Automation.
The minimum number of credits to complete an Associate’s degree is 64. The minimum number of credits needed to complete a Bachelor’s degree is 120. Given the dynamic nature of the tech-nology field, courses and requirements in the Computer Information Science and Technology program are subject to reasonable change.
Careers in information science and technology are broad. Just a few of the employment opportunities include computer and information systems managers, management analysts, computer system designers, database administrators, forensic computer analysis, software engineers, website designers and developers, and software publishers. Careers in Information Technology are among the fastest growing careers over the 2002-2012 period, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook.
The fast pace of technology development and the growing significance of networking, software, and the Internet in business and law enforcement has made information technology and computer-related jobs one of the strongest areas of the current job market.
Businesses depend on computer and information technology specialists to keep their organizations running smoothly and efficiently. Businesses also need such professionals to keep abreast of major trends and changes in technology.
National median starting salaries in information technology careers range from $43,000 to $69,000 a year. Note that in some geographic areas, starting salaries could be less.
Vermont Tech promotes flexibility of course delivery for information technology programs. Using course options at the Community College of Vermont, online courses, and courses that can be taken at either Vermont Tech's Randolph Center campus or Williston campus, there are many options to provide maximum flexibility to students.