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2013 www.ocwib.org
Prepared for the Orange County Workforce Investment Board
by Orange County Business Council
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The
U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such
information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its
completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution
that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All
other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.
Orange County Workforce Investment Board
Workforce Innovation Fund
Information Technology
Education Scan
Orange County Education Scan Page | 2
Table of Contents
Orange County Education Scan ................................................................. 3
Importance of Business Skills .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Addressing IT Industry Trends............................................................................................................................................. 4
Outdated Programs ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Additional Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Community Colleges ................................................................................. 6
Rancho Santiago Community College District..................................................................................................................... 6
South Orange County Community College District ........................................................................................................... 13
North Orange County Community College District ........................................................................................................... 22
Coast Community College District .................................................................................................................................... 33
Universities ............................................................................................ 45
California State University Fullerton ................................................................................................................................. 45
Chapman University .......................................................................................................................................................... 47
University of California Irvine (UCI)/ UCI Extension Program ........................................................................................... 49
Brandman University ........................................................................................................................................................ 57
Business –IT Programs in Orange County Universities ..................................................................................................... 61
Private Education Institutions & Organizations ....................................... 66
Appendix
Orange County’s Prominent IT Companies Internship Programs ..................................................................................... 82
Alumni Networks and Internship Resources in Orange County ....................................................................................... 88
Case Studies ...................................................................................................................................................................... 91
Orange County Education Scan Page | 3
Orange County Education Scan
Acquiring a solid understanding of the current Information Technology programs offered throughout Orange County’s
post-secondary education institutions is a necessary preliminary step towards understanding the gaps that exist
between skills taught and skills demanded by the County’s businesses. The education scan serves as the first step in
ensuring that outdated or irrelevant education programs and curricula are amended to fit the needs of the rapidly
evolving IT sector. This report provides a thorough and comprehensive overview that examines all IT and IT-related
programs within Orange County’s community colleges, four-year universities, and other private institutions in order to
identify current strengths and weaknesses within the education system that must be addressed to ensure future
relevancy of the County’s educational programs. The conclusion of this report will present a thorough analysis of the
findings, followed by additional information on IT and IT-related programs at each of Orange County’s prominent
education institutions.
Importance of Business Skills
As the IT industry evolves, business-oriented soft skills for IT are one of the most sought after qualities in prospective
technical employees. However, there are few business programs within Orange County’s education institutions that
incorporate IT and IT-related courses into their collections of coursework. Similarly, IT and IT-related education
programs fail to adequately intertwine business strategy and communication skills into technical curricula. This is a
significant deficiency within the education system in light of how business stakeholders have identified business-related
skills such as project management, business process, communication, and problem solving as a top priority when
scanning for potential hires. As the IT sector continues to become a part of almost every major industry within the
County, ranging from culinary to energy sectors, it is becoming increasingly important for IT employees to be able to
communicate effectively with non-technical colleagues, think strategically as an operative unit within a larger
organization, and develop a sound business skillset for more effective implementation of technical practices. Education
institutions need to address this deficiency by providing business programs built around IT concentrations in addition to
IT programs that draw heavily from business skills.
Based on the education scan, the following findings are of paramount
interest:
Business skills are not adequately addressed in IT and IT-related
programs
Curricula and programs offered are not in-line with IT industry trends
Several outdated or irrelevant programs do not fit current business
needs
Orange County Education Scan Page | 4
Addressing IT Industry Trends
Currently, there are several programs and curricula within education institutions that are not aligned with current IT
industry trends. Business stakeholders have identified many up-and-coming IT skill areas with growing demand,
including (but not limited to) IT Security, Business and Web Intelligence, Data Mining and Predictive Analytics,
Healthcare IT, and Mobile Applications and Development. Currently many education institutions have not shifted focus
to emphasize these areas in terms of courses and degrees offered. Select institutions that offer specialized vendor
certifications have adapted well to offering coursework for in-demand IT skills. However, it should be noted that many
community colleges and four-year universities face significant hurdles relative to private institutions when it comes to
amending programs and curricula. It is important for Orange County’s education institutions to implement mechanisms
that allow more flexibility in amending curricula in a timely fashion. Doing so enables Orange County to more fluidly
adjust to emerging labor market trends and prepare students for cutting-edge job opportunities.
Outdated Programs
There are several programs identified as far less demanded or irrelevant by the business community, such as web design
and graphic design that still remain an often-highlighted degree option by post-secondary institutions. The demand for
graduates in these programs is not adequately reflected in the labor market, and it is misleading to students expecting
specialized career preparation. Education institutions need to ensure that these programs are made more marketable
and attractive to prospective employers through improved relevancy. This can be achieved by making the programs
more comprehensive to include generalized business and other useful skill sets, or by offering it as a concentration
within a degree program. Due to the fast-paced nature of the IT industry, obsolete programs should be quickly
addressed or removed when employer interests do not align with these job-specific program outcomes.
Additional Information
Despite the existing drawbacks within the education system addressed above, there are several noteworthy positives
that should be highlighted. Several Orange County educational institutions are making exceptional efforts to remain
relevant and valuable from the perspective of the County’s IT businesses. These institutions are able to achieve this by
forming solid partnerships with local corporations and ensuring that the latest materials direct from vendors, typically in
the form of a certificate program, is available for students to stay competitive as expectations evolve. There are several
programs within these organizations where top-level business executives teach courses and/or guest lecture, so that
students are able to attain an insider perspective of applying business sensibilities to technological expertise. This
valuable opportunity allows students to “preview” potential companies and meet active executives from IT companies
offering career guidance and insight into the field’s day-to-day expectations.
Business stakeholders have identified IT skill areas including IT Security,
Business and Web Intelligence, Data Mining and Predictive Analytics,
Healthcare IT, and Mobile Applications and Development as growing and in-
demand skills within the IT industry.
Orange County Education Scan Page | 5
Overall, Orange County’s education institutions first must overcome existing barriers preventing students from gaining
job-relevant skills, then address gaps and institutional barriers within the education system to ensure proper program
creation and adjustment in the future. Addressing these gaps now will ensure sustainable relevance of programs and
curricula in the future.
The remaining sections of this report provide overviews of the various IT programs available in Orange County’s
education institutions, including program descriptions and key courses required. Each institution’s section is organized
within community colleges, universities or private education institutions, highlighting current programs offered. More
detailed, comprehensive information on each is described in the IT Environmental Scan report.
Community Colleges Page | 6
Community Colleges
Rancho Santiago Community College District
Fast Facts: Rancho Santiago Community College District
There are two community colleges within the district: Santa Ana
College and Santiago Canyon College
Thirty-Five IT and IT-related programs are offered between the two
colleges
11 percent of IT programs offered are business-oriented
Santa Ana College offers one healthcare IT-oriented program, while
Santiago College offers none
Santa Ana College Page | 7
Santa Ana College
Accounting
Computerized Accounting/Bookkeeping – QuickBooks Option (Certificate)
Program enables students to maintain accounting records, develop financial reports and make effective use of financial
information for analysis and decision-making. Entry-level employment opportunities include positions in accounts
receivable/payable, payroll, income tax preparation, cost accounting, and a number of trainee positions. (14.5 Units)
Key Courses: Accounting – Quickbooks, Financial Accounting, Introduction to Information Systems and Applications,
Business Communications, Business Applications – Microsoft Excel, Computerized
Accounting/Bookkeeping – MAS Option (Certificate)
Program enables students to maintain accounting records, develop financial reports and make effective use of financial
information for analysis and decision-making. Entry-level employment opportunities include positions in accounts
receivable/payable, payroll, income tax preparation, cost accounting, and a number of trainee positions. (15.5 Units)
Key Courses: Computerized Accounting with MAS 1 & 2, Financial Accounting, Introduction to Information Systems and
Applications, Business Communications, Business Applications – Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Dynamics for Financial Accounting (Certificate)
Program enables students to maintain accounting records, develop financial reports and make effective use of financial
information for analysis and decision-making. (15 Units)
Key Courses: Financial Accounting, Microsoft Dynamics for Financial Accounting, Introduction to Information Systems
and Applications
Microsoft Dynamics for Project Management and Business Planning (Certificate)
Program enables students to maintain accounting records, develop financial reports and make effective use of financial
information for analysis and decision-making. (15 Units)
Key Courses: Managerial Accounting, Microsoft Dynamics for Managerial Accounting, Microsoft Dynamics for Business
Planning
Art
Art-Graphics Design (Associate)
Program prepares students for entry into the broad field of visual communication, with an emphasis on the
development of problem solving in the practical application of graphic design. Applications include design for print
media, advertising, architectural and environmental graphics, packaging, logs, corporate identity, etc. (33 Units)
Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Fundamentals of Typography, Advanced Typography,
Graphic Design I, Digital Media: Portfolio and Business Strategies
3-D Modeling and Animation (Certificate)
Santa Ana College Page | 8
Program prepares students for entry-level positions in film, broadcast television, publishing and video game companies,
as well as product, industrial and architectural design. (31 Units)
Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Digital Design with Photoshop, 3-D Commercial Applications, 3-D Modeling,
Introduction to Digital Media Arts
3-D Animation Television/Video Communications; Video Game & Interactive Media Art; Pre-
visualization Emphasis (Certificate)
Program prepares students for entry-level positions in film, broadcast television, publishing and video game companies,
as well as product, industrial and architectural design. (25.5 - 31 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Digital Media Arts, Web Design with Flash, 3-D Commercial Applications, 3-D Animation
Business Administration
Business Applications and Technology (Associate/Certificate)
Program prepares students for employment as administrative assistants, secretaries and office support staff in a variety
of business offices, including legal and international. (17 Units)
Key Courses: Business Writing Skills, Office Procedures, Computer Fundamentals, Introduction to Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office Professional (Certificate)
Program prepares students for employment as administrative assistants, secretaries and office support staff in a variety
of business offices, including legal and international. (19 Units)
Key Courses: Advanced Windows, Advanced Microsoft Office, Real World Microsoft Projects,
PowerPoint/Excel/Word/Access, Microsoft Outlook, Computer Keyboarding
Computer Science
Computer Information Systems (Associate/Certificate)
Program provides students with fundamental skills such as the ability to write programs in Visual BASIC C++ or Java,
experience with microcomputer data processing applications such as Excel or Access, and abilities needed to structure
data for the computer. (27 Units)
Key Courses: Visual BASIC Programming, Introduction to Networking Technology, Advanced Visual BASIC, The Computer
and Society, Windows Visa Operating System
Database (Certificate, 15 Units)
Key Courses: Visual BASIC Programming, Microsoft Access, Structured Query Language
Enterprise Systems (Certificate, 12 Units)
Key Courses: Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Internet Information Server
Santa Ana College Page | 9
Help Desk (Certificate, 14.5 – 17.5 Units)
Key Courses: The Computer & Society, Cooperative Work Experience Education, MCDST Preparation, Help Desk Skills
Networking (Certificate, 12 Units)
Key Courses: Building a Small Office/ Home Office Network, Configuration and Application of LAN, Intro to Networking
Technology
Maintenance and Troubleshooting (Certificate, 16.5 Units)
Key Courses: Software Deployment Mechanisms, Personal Computer Troubleshooting, Intro to Networking Technology
UNIX (Certificate, 12 Units)
Key Courses: Perl Programming & CGI, Unix Operating System, Advanced UNIC, UNIX System Programming
Web Programming (Certificate, 15 Units)
Key Courses: Visual BASIC Programming, Advanced Visual BASIC, Visual BASIC for Web Development, Java Programming,
XML Programming
Computer Science (Associate)
Program prepares student for entry-level employment in computer science, engineering and other areas where high
aptitude in computer programming is recognized. (25 Units)
Key Courses: Data Structures Concepts, Programming Concepts, Introduction to Computer Organization, C#
Programming
Programming (Certificate, 12 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Programming, Programming Concepts, Data Structures Concepts, Java Programming
Engineering
Engineering Civil Technology (Associate/Certificate)
Program provides a background for employment in a civil engineering office, or for field work support, under the
direction of a professional engineer or licensed surveyor. (29-30 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Architecture, Plane Surveying, Civil CAD Concepts, Auto CAD I/II, Engineering Drawing
Engineering Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Associate/Certificate)
Program aimed to be comprehensive in computer aided parametric 2D and 3D drafting and design. Class applications
include mechanical, electronic, civil, surveying, architecture, and other major engineering disciplines. (24.5 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Windows, AutoCAD I/II/III, Engineering Drawing, AutoCAD 3-D Drawing, Introduction to
Architecture/ Civil Engineering/ Construction
Santa Ana College Page | 10
Engineering Industrial Technology (Associate/Certificate)
Program designed to train students for employment as mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing technicians/supervisors.
Opportunities are primarily in private manufacturing industries in areas such as production planning, quality control,
inspection and testing, and production supervision. (27 Units)
Key Courses: CATIA Solid Modeling I, ProEngineer Solid Modeling I, Introduction to Robotics, Machine Technology
Survey, Basic Metals Technology
Mechanical 3D Solid Modeling CAD (Associate/Certificate)
Program focuses on developing competency in parametric solid modeling CAD software that is used in mechanical,
aerospace, industrial, and biomedical engineering fields. (18 Units)
Key Courses: Solidworks Basic Solid Modeling, Solidworks Intermediate Solid Modeling, Solidworks Drawings, CATIA
Solid Modeling
Manufacturing Technology (Associate/Certificate)
Program has the following specializations and options: Conventional Machining, CNC Programmer A, CNC Machine Set
Up and Operation, and CAD/CAM. (15 Units)
Key Courses: Basic Blueprint Reading, Technical Mathematics, Basic Machining Concepts, CNC Program Writing,
Geometric Dimensioning
Music
Digital Music Production (Certificate)
Program intended for students with an interest in creating musical products with the aid of computer technology. (17
Units)
Key Courses: Creating Music with MIDI, Intermediate Techniques of MIDI Sequencing, Projects in Electronic Music,
Business of Music
Healthcare
Pharmacy Technology (Associate/Certificate)
Program designed to prepare students for employment as pharmacy technicians, assisting pharmacists by performing
the technical tasks related to the packaging and distribution of medication including prescriptions. (26 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Pharmacy Technology, Body Systems I/II, Pharmacy Technology Skills Lab, Pharmacy
Technology Externship
Santiago Canyon College Page | 11
Santiago Canyon College
Accounting
Computerized Accounting (Certificate)
Program prepares students for entry-level positions and promotional opportunities in accounting and administrative
departments of businesses in public and private sectors. (12 Units)
Key Courses: QuickBooks, Financial Accounting, Computer Information Systems – Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access
Art
Graphic Design (Associate)
Program prepares students for entry into the broad field of visual communication, with an emphasis on the
development of problem solving in the practical application of graphic design. (33 Units)
Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Fundamentals of Typography, Graphic Design I,
Illustration for Graphic Design
Digital Media (Certificate)
Program offers two certificates: Web Design and Graphic Design. Program designed to develop skills and creativity in the
areas of digital imaging, electronic page layout, graphic principles of web design, and interactive design for multimedia.
(21 Units)
Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Fundamentals of Typography, Graphic Design I, Introduction to Digital Media
Arts
Computer Science/Computer Information Systems
Computer Information Systems (Associate/Certificate)
Program designed for students interested in the application of computer hardware and software to business. CIS courses
prepare students for entry-level positions in programming, networking, or computer support. (22-23 Units)
Key Courses: Financial Accounting, Introduction to Information Systems and Applications, Computer Information
Systems – Microsoft Excel, Computer Science – JAVA, Programming, Visual BASIC
Web Page Designer (Certificate, 12 Units)
Key Courses: Adobe Photoshop, Web Site Development, HTML, JavaScript
Computer Science, (Associate/Certificate)
Program’s courses provide instruction in low-level and high-level languages, intermediate and advanced techniques in
programming, and hardware organization. (25-26 Units)
Santiago Canyon College Page | 12
Key Courses: The Computer and Society, Introduction to Computer Organization, Introduction to Programming, Data
Structures Concepts, Programming Concepts
Applied Robotics and Embedded Programming (Certificate)
The program prepares students for careers as robotics technicians, engineering technicians, and junior programmers.
(15 Units)
Key Courses: Java Programming, Introduction to Robotics Programming, Advanced Visual Basic, C# Programming
Survey/Mapping Sciences
Land Surveying (Associate/Certificate)
Program provides students with a background in land surveying and mapping in addition to an introduction to collection,
manipulation, formatting and mapping of geospatial data. (26 Units)
Key Courses: Plane Surveying, Computer Aided Drafting Fundamentals, Principles of Project Management
South Orange County CCD Page | 13
South Orange County Community College District
Fast Facts: South Orange County Community College District
District is comprised of three Community Colleges and
organizations: Saddleback College, Irvine Valley, and Advanced Technology
Education Park (ATEP)
There are 41 IT and IT-related programs offered between
Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College
32 percent of courses offered are in the Web Design and Animation
fields – areas in low demand among employers
Saddleback College Page | 14
Saddleback College
Accounting
Computerized Accounting Specialist Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program designed for students planning to enter the accounting field with knowledge of accounting principles and
practices using the double-entry accounting system, current commercial software, and the ability to analyze financial
statements. (19.5 Units)
Key Courses: Spreadsheets: Excel, Computerized Accounting: QuickBooks – Advanced, Individual Income Tax, Financial
Accounting, Managerial Accounting
Administration
Administrative Assistant Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program designed to prepare individuals for employment in office staff positions or to enhance existing skills of office
administration. (24 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Microsoft Office, Computer Operating Systems: Windows,
Spreadsheets: Excel
Architecture
Architectural Drafting Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Two-year occupational program designed for students who wish to train for employment in architecture or field related
to the construction industry. (49-52 Units)
Key Courses: Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Advanced Computer Aided Design, 3D Parametric Modeling, Introduction
to Rapid-Prototyping Technology, Advanced CAD Model Making and Tooling
Business
Project Management Occupational Skills Award (Award)
Program designed to provide students the opportunity to master necessary management concepts to successfully
complete projects. Program trains students for both entry-level employment as well as advancements in current careers.
(9 Units)
Key Courses: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office, Business Management, Human Relations in Business
Computer & Information Management
Applications Developer Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program is designed to help students find entry-level employment as an application developer. (22-23.5 Units)
Saddleback College Page | 15
Key Courses: Business Programming – Java, Web Development and DB: Intro SQL and MYSQL, Microsoft ASP.NET, Web
Development - XHTML
E-commerce Specialist Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program is designed to provide the skills necessary for conducting business on the web, preparing an electronic
approach, and managing an e-commerce web presence. (21 Units)
Key Courses: Database: Access, Web Development: XHTML, Creating Web Pages: Dreamweaver, Web 2.0 Design:
Cascading Style Sheets, Web Design: Capstone Portfolio Project
Network Administrator Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position as an information systems network administrator.
(21 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Introduction to Information Systems, Microsoft Office,
Computer Operating Systems: Unix/Linux, Computer Operating Systems: Windows
Software Specialist Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as knowledge workers in the technical work
environment using industry-standard software packages. (21 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Microsoft Office, Computer Operating Systems: Windows,
Database: Access, Spreadsheets: Excel, Managing Projects with Microsoft Project
Web Designer Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program prepares students to develop a web presence for businesses, organizations, and individuals in communication,
marketing, and data management through the development of a website. (18 Units)
Key Courses: Web Animation: Flash, Web Development: XHTML, Web Digital Imagery: Photoshop, Creating Web Pages:
Dreamweaver, Web Design: Capstone Portfolio Project
Webmaster Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program is designed to prepare students to build and administer a website, as well as set up and maintain its web
server. (24.5 Units)
Key Courses: Business Programming: Java, Computer Operating Systems: Unix/Linux, Networking Essentials and
Technologies, Web Design: Capstone Portfolio Project, Web Development: XHTML, Microsoft ASP.NET
Information Security: Security (Award)
Award prepares students to acquire necessary computer information security concepts to implement various InfoSec
strategies. (15 Units)
Key Courses: Information Security Fundamentals, Network Defense and Countermeasures, Information Security
Management, Security+, Cyber Law
Saddleback College Page | 16
Office & Computer Skills Occupational Skills (Award)
Award introduces students to office procedures and basic skills needed for employment in today’s office environment.
Areas of study include: office environment, organizational structure, computer skills, business math, filing, and records
management. (6 Units)
Key Courses: Office Skills: Database (Access), Office Skills: Desktop Publishing (Publisher), Office Skills: Spreadsheets
(Excel)
Computer Maintenance Technology Certificate Program (Certificate)
Program designed to help students prepare for entry-level employment as a computer technologist or computer
technician in companies involved in the manufacture, installation, repair, maintenance, upgrading, or sales of personal
computers and related hardware. (21-22 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Electronics for Computer Technologists, Survey of
Electronics, Applied Network Technology, Computer Maintenance and Repair I
Computer Science (Associate)
Program is designed for transfer students who wish to achieve an Associate degree in Computer Science. (31-32 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Programming, Advanced Programming, Data Structures, Computer Organization and
Assembly Language, Computer Organization and Machine Language
Drafting Technology Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program is designed to provide a general background and specialized skills in public and private organizations requiring
drafting skills. (36 Units)
Key Courses: Engineering Graphics, Computer-Aided Drafting, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Green and
Sustainable Manufacturing Design, Mechanical Design
Electronic Technology
Analog and Digital Circuit Electronic Technology Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program prepares students for entry-level employment as an electronic technician in companies involved in
manufacturing, testing, troubleshooting, and the repair of analog and integrated hardware. (20 Units)
Key Courses: Digital Electronic Circuits, Electronic Communication Systems, D.C. and A.C. Fundamentals, Semiconductor
Devices and Circuits, Digital Signal Processing and Microcontrollers
Digital Electronic Technology Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program prepares students for entry-level employment as electronic technicians in companies involved in the
manufacture, testing, installation, and repair of computers and related digital equipment. (22 Units)
Key Courses: Computer Maintenance and Repair I/II, Digital Electronic Circuits, D.C. and A.C. Fundamentals,
Semiconductor Devices and Circuits, Digital Signal Processing and Microcontrollers
Saddleback College Page | 17
Basic Analog and Digital Electronics Occupational Skills Award (Award)
Award is designed to confirm the successful completion of the basics of analog and digital electronics, both in theory and
in laboratory testing/troubleshooting. (12 Units)
Key Courses: Digital Electronic Circuits, DC and AC Fundamentals, Semiconductor Devices and Circuits
Graphics
Computer Graphics Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program is designed to prepare students for employment in the computer graphics field. Program relies heavily on a
basic understanding of graphic design and/or graphic communications principles as they relate to industry standards.
(21 Units)
Key Courses: Typography, Introduction to Computer Graphics, Digital Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, Digital
Animation, Digital Layout and Design
Illustration/ Animation Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program is designed to prepare students for careers in animation and in editorial illustration such as magazine, book
illustration, medial illustration, and marine illustration of in advertising illustration. (24 Units)
Key Courses: Drawing I, Graphic Rendering Techniques, Typography, Graphic Illustration, Introduction to Computer
Graphics, Motion Graphics
Others
Health Information Technology Certificate Program (Associate & Certificate)
Two-year Associate and Certificate program that prepares students for employment as a health information professional
with the knowledge and skills to accurately code diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services, and to collect,
maintain, and analyze clinical data in electronic health records that healthcare staff rely on to deliver quality service. (56
Units)
Key Courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microsoft Office, Fundamentals of Composition, Health Information
Science, Information Technology/ EHR in healthcare, Quality Performance Improvement in Healthcare, Management of
Resources
Rapid Digital Manufacturing Certificate Program (Associate/Certificate)
Program designed to address the skill-set required by technical, engineering, and management professionals working in
industries where products are designed and developed, with specific emphasis on mechanical/manufacturing,
art/animation, medical imagery, geographic information systems, and architecture. (27 Units)
Key Courses: Computer-Aided Drafting, Introduction to Rapid-Prototyping Technology, Advanced CAD Model Making
and Tooling, 3D Computer-aided Design- Solid works, Managing Projects with Microsoft Projects
Irvine Valley College Page | 18
Irvine Valley College
Accounting
Computerized Accounting (Certificate of Proficiency)
Program designed to help students find employment positions in the accounting department of a business using
QuickBooks accounting software and spreadsheet software. (6.5 Units)
Key Courses: Accounting Applications: QuickBooks, Spreadsheets I, Spreadsheets II
Computer Information Management
Administrative Assistant (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Program designed to develop office occupation skills that can be applied in a variety of business settings. (19 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computers, Keyboarding and Word I/II/III, Spreadsheets I/II, Business Communication,
Business English
Computer Applications (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Program designed to develop expertise in a variety of computer applications that may be required in all business
settings. (18 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Personal Computer Applications, Database, Word Processing I, Photoshop I, InDesign I
Desktop Publishing (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Program designed to develop expertise in applications used in the design and layout print publications. (22.5 Units)
Key Courses: Creative Suite, InDesign I/II, Graphic Design I, Typography, Publication Design and Digital Process, Business
English
Digital Media Technologies (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Program prepares students for entry-level positions as media specialists in advertising, website production, prepress
publication, and various areas of the entertainment industry. (26 Units)
Key Courses: Photoshop I/II, Illustrator I, After Effects I, Flash I, Dreamweaver I/II, Digital 2D Design and Color Theory
Local Area Networks: Cisco (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Cisco Certified Network Associate is one of the most highly-demanded certifications in networking. Cisco has designed a
four-semester program which leads to this certification. (23 Units)
Key Courses: A+ Hardware Concepts, Networking I/II, Internetworking Technologies I – IV
Web Authoring (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Irvine Valley College Page | 19
Program is designed to prepare students for employment in California’s rapidly expanding web authoring industry. (21
Units)
Key Courses: Creative Suite, Creating a Web Page I Using XHTML, Dreamweaver I/II, Cascading Style Sheets, Graphic
Design I
2D Animation (Certificate of Proficiency)
Program intended to prepare students for entry-level positions dealing with 2D animation. Certificate focuses on
fundamental 2D animation software and basic action-scripting skills. (10.5 Units)
Key Courses: Flash I, Flash II, Flash III
Digital Graphic Applications (Certificate of Proficiency)
Program introduces various industry standard digital graphics software with the essential creative suite of applications:
Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. (11.5 Units)
Key Courses: Photoshop I/II, Illustrator I, Creative Suite, InDesign I
Digital Publishing (Certificate of Proficiency)
Program is intended to prepare students for entry-level positions in digital publishing. (11.5 Units)
Key Course: Creative Suite, InDesign I, Graphic Design I, Typography
Multimedia Design (Certificate of Proficiency)
Program is designed to prepare students for the fundamentals of multimedia design, including video production and
animation. (16 Units)
Key Courses: After Effects I, Digital Sound and Video, Digital Video Production, Motion Graphics Animation, 3D
Animation
Spreadsheets (Certificate of Proficiency)
Program designed to develop spreadsheet and accounting skills that can be applied in a variety of business settings. (9-
10 Units)
Key Courses: Spreadsheets I/II/III, Financial Accounting, Accounting Applications: QuickBooks, General Accounting
Web Page Authoring (Certificate of Proficiency)
Program designed to prepare students for entry-level web authoring positions. Certificate focuses on fundamental web
development software and effective web layout skills. (11 Units)
Key Courses: Creative Suite, Creating a Web Page I Using XHTML, Dreamweaver I/II, Visual Design for the Web
Computer Science
Computer Languages (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Irvine Valley College Page | 20
Program designed to develop computer programming skills in preparation for professional careers and/or transfer to a
four-year college. (21 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Systems, Computer Discrete Mathematics I/II, Introduction to Programming
Using Python
Design
Design Model Making and Rapid Prototyping (Certificate of Achievement)
Program is designed to prepare students with the skills necessary for product design with both traditional and emerging
technologies. (24.5 Units)
Key Courses: Rapid Visualization, Basic Model Making, Advanced Model Making I/II, 3D Computer Design, 3D Rapid
Model Making and Prototype Development I/II, Modeling and Prototypic Methods and Materials
Drafting Technology & Engineering
Computer-Aided Design (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Program introduces students to mechanical, civil, electrical and architectural modeling techniques that conform to U.S.
and international industry standards. (22 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting, Engineering Drawing and Design, Introduction to Architectural
Drafting, Introduction to Engineering and Technology, Engineering Graphics and Descriptive Geometry
Civil Computer-Aided Design (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Program designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the terminology, methods, and analytical
techniques required to accurately model the terrain, civil structures, and site plans used in land development. (11 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Engineering and Technology, Engineering Graphics and Descriptive Geometry, Physical
Geography
Electronic Technology (Associate/Certificate of Achievement)
Program equips students for entry into the electronics industry in areas such as testing, quality assurance, customer
support, production support, equipment maintenance and technical sales. (26 Units)
Key Courses: Digital Electronic Circuits, Basic Electrical Circuits I/II, Industrial Electronics, Introduction to
Microprocessors, Electronic Devices and Circuits I/II
Electrician Trainee (Certificate of Proficiency)
Program designed to enable students to obtain necessary entry-level skills to become employable in the electrician
profession. (17 Units)
Key Courses: Basic Electric Circuits I/II, OSHA 10, Residential Wiring, Commercial and Industrial Wiring
ATEP Page | 21
Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP)
ATEP offers technology education, manufacturing training, organizational development and consulting services that
contribute to continuous workforce development, technology deployment and business development. ATEP can custom
design training programs to address specific organizational needs.
ATEP Technology Training Courses Include:
CNC Machining
Digital Manufacturing
Tooling and Manufacturing Methods
Subtractive Prototype
E-leaning Modules
Electronics
Electro-pneumatics
Air Logic Systems Design and Troubleshooting
PLC Control Systems
PLC Programming and Troubleshooting
Air/Fluid Control Systems
Electro-optical Systems and LabVIEW
LabVIEW Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Applications
Solid Works, Product Design, Engineering Theory, Practical Applications, and Rapid Prototyping
AutoCAD, Architectural Design, Engineering Theory and Rapid Prototyping
Illustrator
Master CAM, Product Design, Engineering Theory, Practical Applications, Machine Technology and
Rapid Prototyping
Catia, Product Design, Product Development/Improvement and Engineering Theory.
Optics, Refraction of Light, Lens Design, Lens Quality, and Related Products and Applications.
Photonics, Technical Applications of Light (Includes the generation, emission, transmission,
modulation, signal processing, switching, amplification, detections and sensing of light)
Fiber Optics
Lasers
Quality Systems, Six Sigma, ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 Theory and Implementation. SPC Data Collection
Methods. Inspection Methods and Techniques, Beginning to Advanced Levels Relating to Manufactured Parts,
Electronic Devices, Optics, Photonics and Lasers.
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GDT), ASME Y14.5 Standards (Facilitated in Spanish as well as
English)
Lean Manufacturing, Identifying and Eliminating the Common Forms of Waste. Kan Ban Design and
Implementation. Measuring Success by Performance Matrix.
North Orange County CCD Page | 22
North Orange County Community College District
Fast Facts: North Orange County Community College District
There are two community colleges within the district: Fullerton
College and Cypress College
52 IT and IT-related courses are available between the two colleges
There is one business-oriented course offered, and several programs
available for developing business and office skills
Fullerton College Page | 23
Fullerton College
Business and Computer Information Systems
Business & Technology Skills (Certificate)
Program prepares students with key business skills alongside introductory technical skills in either personal computers
OR information systems. (38-41 units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Personal Computers, Introduction to Information Systems, Keyboarding
Computer Information Systems (A.S. Certificate)
Program prepares students for employment with organizations that use computers to process, manage, and
communicate information. The curriculum is customized to meet community information systems needs and give the
student a comprehensive introduction to all specialty areas included in the CIS field. (28-33 core units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Operating Systems, Introduction to Networking Concepts, Visual Basic Programming I,
Spreadsheet I or II, Database I or II, Web Page Design II or III, Programming in C++, Java Programming I or II
Computer Software Applications Specialist (Certificate)
Program provides students with an introduction to basic computer software including spreadsheet, word processing,
database and internet applications. Additional emphasis is placed on applications for online marketing, graphic design
and spreadsheet programming. (36-37 units)
Key Courses: Web Page Design I and II, Spreadsheet I, Personal Computer Security, Word Processing I and II, Database I
and II, Dreamweaver I, Macro Programming
Database Applications (Certificate)
Program prepares students for a career using database application software. This brief program includes courses in
database applications and visual programming. (8 units)
Key Courses: Database I and II, Visual Basic Programming, Office Certification Preparation
E-Commerce Programming (Certificate)
Program provides students with core web design and networking concept skills. Students will also obtain skills in
operating systems and visual, web, PHP and MySQL programming. (15-16 units)
Key Courses: Web Page Design II, Introduction to Networking Concepts, JavaScript programming, Web Server
Programming, PHP and MySQL Programming
Enterprise Database (Certificate)
Prepares students for a career using enterprise database software. Upon completion, students will have the skills to
develop databases, implement the design in various databases, and manage a corporate database. (10 units)
Key Courses: Database I and II, SQL Server Administration, Introduction to Oracle: SQL and PL/SQL
Fullerton College Page | 24
Internet (Certificate)
Certificate provides students with basic internet skills including web page design, internet marketing and internet
research skills. (15 units)
Key Courses: Web Page Design I and II, Introduction to Operating Systems, Internet Entertainment, Business Web
Graphics
Networking (Certificate)
Prepares student for a career using computer networks in business. Student will obtain skills in installing and managing
windows networks. (15 units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Networking Concepts, Network Security Fundamentals, Windows Server, Enterprise
Networking
PC Applications (Certificate)
Provides students with an introduction into PC database, spreadsheet, and graphic presentation applications, with an
overview of operating systems. Additional emphasis is placed on internet use and design, PC communication, security
and programming. (16 units)
Key Courses: Presentation Graphics, Spreadsheet I, Introduction to Operating Systems, Database I and II, Macro
Programming, Personal Computer Security
Programming (Certificate)
Certificate provides students with business-applicable skills in Visual Basic programming and additional programming
skills in C++, Java. Students also have the opportunity to learn CGI/Perl, robotic, XML and PHP and MySQL programming
skills. (15 units)
Key Courses: Basic Programming for Business, Visual Basic Programming I and III, Java Programming I, Programming in
C++, XML Programming
Spreadsheet Applications (Certificate)
Certificate prepares students for a career using spreadsheet application software, with additional skills in macro
programming. (7 units)
Key Courses: Spreadsheet I and II, Macro Programming, Office Certification Preparation
Web Design (Certificate)
Certificate provides students with core skills in web page and graphic design, with additional skills in networking,
scripting and programming. Core emphasis is also placed on project management skills. (15 units)
Key Courses: Project Management, Web Page Design I and II, Dreamweaver II or III, JavaScript Webmaster, CGI/Perl Scripting
Web Scripting (Certificate)
Fullerton College Page | 25
Prepares students for a career using various web scripting tools to create and manage databases. Students will obtain
typical web scripting tools to create web pages and websites. (11 units)
Key Courses: Web Page Design II or III, JavaScript Programming I or II, PHP and MySQL Programming
Office Technology
Administrative Office Assistant (Certificate)
In addition to general office skills, students gain introductory skills in presentation graphics, spreadsheet and database
software. Additional IT skill options include internet, keyboarding and Microsoft office skills. (26-27 units)
Key Courses: Spreadsheet I, Word Processing I and II, Personal Computer Security, Database I, Presentation Graphics,
Financial Accounting, Project Management
Legal Office Administration (A.S. Certificate)
In addition to basic legal knowledge and skills, students learn basic word processing, spreadsheet, internet, and
database skills. (32 units)
Key Courses: Word Processing I, Keyboarding, Spreadsheet I, Personal Computer Security, Civil Litigation, Business
Communication
Word Processing (A.S. Certificate)
Provides students with skills in word processing, presentation graphics, database, web page design, and spreadsheet
software. Additional emphasis is in business communication, financial and managerial skills. (35 units)
Key Courses: Word Processing I or II, Database I, Keyboarding, Introduction to Operating Systems, Spreadsheet I,
Webpage Design
Art Computer Graphics (Certificate)
Provides students with the skills necessary to create digital drawings, paintings and illustrations, assisting students with
building a portfolio representative of the students’ artistic talents and technical proficiency. (30 units)
Key Courses: Introduction: Computer Graphics/Mac, Electronic Illustration, Electronic Paint for Macintosh, Basic
Drawing, Survey of Graphics Software, Desktop Publishing I or II for Mac
Computer Animation/Multimedia (Certificate)
Provides students with the skills necessary to create animated and/or interactive projects for distribution on a variety of
media, including DVD, web pages, videotape, CD-ROM, etc. (32 units)
Key Courses: Introduction: Computer Graphics/Mac, Introduction: Web Graphics/Mac, Introduction to 3D
Graphics/Mac, Introduction: Dimensional Design/Mac, Survey Computer Applications, Desktop Publishing I or II for Mac
Desktop Publishing (Certificate)
Fullerton College Page | 26
Provides students with the skills needed for digital publication design, building a portfolio representative of the
students’ artistic talents and technical proficiency. (27 units)
Key Courses: Electronic Illustration, Electronic Paint for Macintosh, Desktop Publishing I and II for Mac, Intro to
Advertising and Graphic Design, Publication Design
3D Animation Certificate – Level II (Certificate)
Program helps prepare students for entry-level employment in the 3-D animation and modeling industry. Students will
obtain basic computer graphics skills with emphasis in 3-D animation software. (15 units)
Key Courses: Introduction to 3D Graphics/Mac, 3D Modeling, 3D Computer Animation for Mac
Mathematics and Computer Science
Computer Science (Associate)
Provides students with skills in C++ programming and data structures. Students also learn advanced math and computer
and programming language skills. (24 units)
Key Courses: Intro to Programming Concepts in C++, Data Structures in C++, Calculus II, Discrete Mathematics, Graphic
Theory and Linear Algebra, Computer Org. and Assembly Lang. Program
Cypress College Page | 27
Cypress College
Cisco Networking (Certificate)
Provides students with the skills need to design, build and maintain small to medium-size networks. (12 Units)
Key Courses: Cisco Networking 1-4
Computer Applications (A.S. Certificate)
Provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of computer applications, focusing on recent
developments and current discoveries in computer applications from academia and business related industries. The
certificate aims to teach students to apply an understanding of computer applications to an on-the-job learning
environment. (28-30 Core units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Windows, Linux Operating System, Computer Information Systems, Spreadsheet (Excel),
Database (Access), Information Systems Management, Data Communications, Introduction to Programming
Computer Information Systems (A.S. Certificate)
Provides students with a working knowledge of what is required to be successful in business computer information
systems. (27 Core Units)
Key Courses: Financial Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Microsoft Office Applications, Word Processing,
Information System Management, Spreadsheet (Excel), Database (Access)
Computer Programming (A.S. Certificate)
Provides students with the skills necessary to apply problem analysis methods through digital design-oriented solutions.
Student will learn to be able to code, debug, implement and maintain programs. (A.S. – 18 units, Certificate – 12 units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Programming, Visual Basic Programming, Visual C++ Programming, Java Programming,
Visual C# programming
Computer Software and Application (Certificate)
Provides students with the skills needed to use introductory business software applications in order to manage and
format information through word processing, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing, or web pages. Upon
completion, students can apply their software application knowledge to on-the-job learning situations. (20 units)
Key Courses: Intro-Comp and Windows Concepts, Microsoft Office Applications, Business Skills Development, Word
Processing, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, MS Access and Expression Web
Game Programming (Certificate)
Provides students with essential programming skills required to create gaming environments and scenarios. (18 units)
Key Courses: Game Concepts Development, Game Programming, Mobile Game Programming, Windows Game
Programming, Game Programming in Flash, 3D Game Programming
Cypress College Page | 28
Computer Forensics (Certificate)
Provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to collect digital artifacts and present them to
related parties as digital evidence. Students will learn how to process cases from start to finish in addition to software
toolkit usage. (18 units)
Key Courses: Computer Forensics I and II, Cyber Crime, Comp Forensics Legal Aspects, Analysis or Digital Media,
Computer Forensics Capstone
Internet and Data Communications (Certificate)
Provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of personal computer networking, internet, and
web publishing. Program focuses on recent developments and current discoveries in data communications and web
technologies. (17 units)
Key Courses: E-Business Applications, Microsoft Expression Web Applications, Dreamweaver Business Apps, Intro to
Web Page Design, Data communications Management, Web Page Programming, Java Script Programming and AJAX
PC/Networking Hardware Support (Certificate)
Provides students with hands-on practice to develop competency in core hardware related to PC and network
technologies. Upon completion, students will be able to recognize major personal computer components and configure
the most common technical problems associated with a personal computer on both stand-alone and networking
platforms. Special emphasis is focused on hands-on skills with PC hardware, software instillation and troubleshooting in
a network environment.
Key Courses: PC Operating System, PC Hardware Configurations, Intro to Network Hardware, Computer Desktop
Support, Data Communications Management, Windows Server Administration
Microsoft Networking (Certificate)
Provides students with skills needed in planning, designing, implementing and managing a Microsoft network. Upon
completion, students will be able to manage day-to-day general network administration, configuration and support task
in Microsoft network environment. (18 units)
Key Courses: Windows Client Administration, Windows Server Administration, MS Windows Active Directory, Network
Infrastructure Admin., Internet Security (ISA) Server
Network Virtualization (Certificate)
Provides students with information on key virtualization techniques and the practical application of virtualization
technology in the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of virtualized enterprise infrastructure,
including the computational cloud. Program focuses on recent trends in virtualization including the current wave of
virtualization technology from VMware and Microsoft. (15 units)
Key Courses: Windows Server Administration, MS Windows Active Directory, Intro to Network Hardware, MS
Virtualization Network, VMware Virtualization Network
Web Networking Technology (Certificate)
Cypress College Page | 29
Prepares students with the focused knowledge and understanding of collaborative web technologies. Program focuses
on use of the internet to enhance interconnectivity and interactivity of web-delivered content including the
development of interactive and collaborative websites. (18 units)
Key Courses: Advanced Internet Applications, Adobe PDF Document Management, Microsoft Expression Web Apps,
Dreamweaver Business Apps, Intro to Web Page Design, Web Networking Technology, New Technology
Web Page Design (Certificate)
The program focuses on current developments in web page technologies used in academia and businesses. Upon
completion, students will have the skills to design and modify web pages using current software programs or
programming languages and apply their knowledge to on-the-job learning situations. (17 units)
Key Courses: E-Business Applications, Adobe PDF Document Management, Microsoft Expression Web Apps,
Dreamweaver Business Apps, Intro to Web Page Design, Intro to Programming, Web Page Programming, Java Script
Programming and AJAX
Advanced Web Page Design (Certificate)
Provides students with the skills needed to implement a full-featured web site within corporate intranet, including
deploying dynamic content using related tools. Program offers advanced programming technologies in the area of web
publishing and web site management with e-commerce capabilities. The program is designed for occupations such as
Web Programmers, Web Masters, Web Page Designers, Marketing and Advertising Coordinator and Web Technical
Support.
Key Courses: Intro to Webpage Design, Web Page Programming, Perl Programming, Python Programming, PHP
Programming
Advanced Networking (Certificate)
Provides students with hands-on skills utilizing advanced networking equipment. Program focuses on advanced
networking concepts such as network security, voice over IP, wireless LAN and Microsoft networking services.
Key Courses: Data Communications Management, CCNA Boot camp, Cisco Wireless Networking, MS Windows Exchange
Server, Internet Security (ISA) Server, Network Security, Anti-Hacking Network Security, CCNA Security
Computer and Office Applications (A.A. Certificate)
Provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge for computer applications used in the office setting. The
program focuses on recent computer applications used in a variety of government, academia, and business-related
settings. (27 - 30 Core units)
Key Courses: Advanced MS Word Business Apps, MS Access and Expression Web, Word Processing, Information Systems
Management, Computer Information Systems
Office Assistant (Certificate)
Prepares students for a variety of occupational office positions with a basic understanding of frequently-used computer
applications. (16 units)
Cypress College Page | 30
Key Courses: Comp and Windows Concepts, Intro MS word/Doc Formatting, Microsoft Office Applications
Computer Science
Computer Science Transfer Program
This program targets students looking to transfer to a UC or CSU Computer Science program. Students work with
advisors to take the courses needed to meet lower division major requirements for most public universities in California.
Specialized courses include C++ programming, data structures and Fortran programming.
Key Courses: Intro to Programming Concepts in C++, Data Structures in C++, Fortran Programming
Engineering Technology
Drafting Engineering Technology (A.S.)
Provides students with an engineering foundation and the skills necessary to create advanced technical engineering
graphics using Computer Aided Design (CAD).
Key Courses: Physics, Advanced Engineering AutoCAD, Computer Aided Design, Engineering Graphics
Health Information Technology (A.S. Certificate)
Certificate prepares students to become health information managers, teaching how to process health information
using computers and computer applications. Students also learn the legal aspects inherent in the delivery of patient care
and managerial skills working as supervisors and directors of health information. (56-57 core units)
Key Courses: Computer Information Systems, Health Information Science, Beginning Coding, CPT/Ambulatory Care
Coding, Advanced Coding, Information Technology, Coding Skills Lab
Health Information Coding (A.S. Certificate)
Prepares students to assign numerical codes to diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures using the current diagnostic
coding and procedure classification systems, which include ICD 9-CM, ICD-10-CM, ICD 10-PCS and Current Procedural
Terminology (CPT). (52 units)
Key Courses: Computer Information Systems, Health Information Science, Beginning Coding, CPT/Ambulatory Care
Coding, Advanced Coding, Information Technology
Media Arts Design
Animation 2D Computer Graphics (Certificate)
Provides student with the skills necessary for publishing animation on websites. Students learn to create digital
drawings, paintings and illustrations for the purpose of creating two-dimensional animated cartoons and interactive
games suitable for the internet and CD-ROMs. (15 units)
Key Courses: Two-dimensional Design, Intro to Web Graphics, Digital Imaging, Adobe Flash Design
Animation 3D Computer Graphics (Certificate)
Cypress College Page | 31
Provides students with the skills needed to create three-dimensional models and animated short films appropriate for
use in movies, television, electronic gaming, and internet distribution. (21 units)
Key Courses: Intro to Mac 3D Graphics, Intro to Win 3D Graphics, 3D Modeling, Intermediate Animation, Advanced
Animation, Digital Video
Computer Graphics (Certificate)
Provides students with the skills to create material based digital drawings, paintings and illustrations. (30 units)
Key Courses: Two-Dimensional Design, Intro to Computer Graphics, Intro to WEB Graphics, Electronic Illustration, Digital
Imaging
Digital Cinema Arts and Industry (Certificate)
Provides students with a foundation in the field of time-based media creation, which includes video and audio recording
for multiple-platform exhibition and distribution. Students learn operation and application of software and hardware
specific to motion pictures, television, multimedia, internet and wireless media. (18 units)
Key Courses: Motion Graphic I, Digital Video Production I, Animation History/Technology, Digital Video Mac, Digital
Cinematography
Digital Cinema Production (Certificate)
Provides students with production knowledge and skills used by digital artist to perform a variety of production duties in
the live-action and animation areas of motion pictures and time-based media creation. (18 units)
Key Courses: Motion Graphics II, Video Production II, Introduction to 2D Animation, Preproduction for Filmmakers
Digital Cinema Techniques and Technologies (Certificate)
Provides students with both historical and technical knowledge of cinema skills and practices. Program focuses on
development of lighting, filming, recording, editing, and directing. (14 units)
Key Courses: Digital Video Production I, Music in Film, Directing Actors for Film/TV
Post Production Basics for Cinema and Video (Certificate)
Prepares students to use computer hardware and software to add sound and music to an existing video recording or
digital film. Students will also learn to edit video and combine live action and animated content with visual effects. (12
units)
Key Courses: Digital Video/Mac, Audio Production for Film I, Audio Production for Film I, Science Fiction Film Genre
Electronic Publishing Design (Certificate)
Provides student with the skills to create ad-design art and to generate digital “camera ready” page layouts. (30 units)
Key Courses: Advertising/Graphics Design 1 or 2, Intro to computer Graphics, Intro to WEB Graphics, Electronic
Illustration, Desktop Publishing 1-3, Digital Imaging
Cypress College Page | 32
Vector Illustration (Certificate)
Provides students with the skills necessary to create vector-based digital drawings, paintings and illustrations. (30 units)
Key Courses: Intro to computer Graphics, Illustration, Electronic Illustration, Digital Imaging, Intro to WEB Graphics
Multimedia Production Basics (Certificate)
Provides students with a foundation in multimedia content creation skills necessary to be a competent multimedia
author for social media, business communications and entertainment industry media. (12 units)
Key Courses: Multimedia Mobile Design, Digital Video Explorations, Intro to Music Technology, Music in Film
Coast CCD Page | 33
Coast Community College District
Fast Facts: Coast Community College District
There are three Community Colleges in the district: Coastline
College, Golden West College and Orange Coast College
Orange Coast College offers the highest number of IT and IT-related
courses (35) relative to all other community colleges in Orange County
Orange Coast College offers 6 Healthcare IT courses – the highest
among all Community Colleges in Orange County
There are 65 total IT and IT-related courses offered in the district
Coastline Community College Page | 34
Coastline Community College
Computer Networking
Cisco Certified Network Administrator - CCNA (Certificate of Accomplishment)
This is the first in a series of Cisco certifications. Program help prepare students for the CCNA Certification Exam. (12
Units)
Key Courses: Cisco Fundamentals/CCNA 1, Cisco Router Configuration/CCNA 2, Cisco Switching/CCNA 3, Cisco WAN
Configuration/CCNA 4
Cisco Certified Networking Professional – CCNP (Certificate of Specialization)
Program provides a three-semester sequence of courses that leads to an advanced Cisco certification (CCNP) that is
highly regarded into the computer industry. (9 Units)
Key Courses: CCNP: Implementing Cisco IP Routing, CCNP: Implementing IP Switching, CCNP: Troubleshooting and
Maintaining Cisco IP Networks
CompTIA (Certificate of Accomplishment)
Program provides students with basic skills needed to provide entry level computer support. Topics provide skills
necessary to prepare for CompTIA certifications. (15 Units)
Key Courses: A+ Essentials Hardware, A+ Essentials Software, Network+ Introduction to Networking, CompTIA Linux,
Introduction to Security
Computer Networking with Concentrations in: Cisco, Microsoft, Security (Certificate of
Achievement/ Associate)
Program consists of three concentrations that prepare students to become Computer Networking Specialists in Cisco,
Microsoft, or Security. Courses are designed to provide students with the knowledge and experience required by
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network
Professional (CCNP), and Security Administrator or Consultant Certificates. (27 units)
Key Courses: Cisco Router Configuration/ CCNA2, Cisco Switching/ CCNA 3, Cisco WAN Configuration/ CCNA 4, MS SQL
Server, MS Server 2008 Network Infrastructure , Linux Networking and Security. Ethical Hacking
Network Security (Certificate of Accomplishment)
Program designed to provide students with the basic skills needed to set up a secure computer network. The courses
provide an overview of the entire field of Network Security. (13.5 Units)
Key Courses: Ethical Hacking, MS Server 2008: Network Infrastructure, Cisco ASA and Network Security, Intrusion
Detection Systems, Firewall and Access Control Lists, Computer Forensics, Wireless Networking, Linux Networking and
Security, Cisco IPS/CCSP
Windows Server 2008 (Certificate of Accomplishment)
Coastline Community College Page | 35
MCTS Certificate of Specialization for Windows Server 2008 is designed to give students the knowledge and skills
necessary to understand the functions and features of the Windows Server 2008 networking platform. (12 Units)
Key Courses: Microsoft Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration, Microsoft Server 2008 Network Infrastructure,
Configuring Microsoft Windows 7
Digital Media Foundation
Animation and Gaming Foundations (Certificate of Accomplishment)
Program consists of the foundational courses that help prepare students to become entry level animators. Program runs
in partnership with ACME Animation and the Orange County Animation Project (12 Units)
Key Courses: Color and Design: Two Dimensional, Intro to Information Systems, Programming with Visual Basic.Net, 3D
Simulation and Multimedia
Motion Graphic (Certificate of Achievement)
Program prepares students for entry-level employment in print, graphic design, multimedia animation/gaming, web
design, and/or other related occupations. Program emphasizes the production process, creativity, problem solving,
design skills, project management, and teamwork. (30 Units)
Key Courses: Color and Design: 2D, Web Design/XHTML, Adobe Photoshop 1, Introduction to Adobe Illustrator,
Dreamweaver Basics, Flash Basics, After Effects, Adobe Premiere
Print Design (Certificate of Achievement)
Program designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in print, graphic design, multimedia,
animation/gaming, wed design, and/or other related occupations. (30 Units)
Key Courses: Color and Design: 2D, InDesign, Dreamweaver Basics, Flash Basics, Adobe Photoshop 1/2, Web
Design/XHTML
Web Design (Certificate of Achievement)
Program designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in print, graphic design, multimedia,
animation/gaming, wed design, and/or other related occupations. (30 Units)
Key Courses: Cascading Style Sheets, Web Design/XHTM, Web Accessibility, Adobe Photoshop 1/2, Introduction to
Adobe Illustrator, Dreamweaver Basics, Flash Basics
Web Technologies (Certificate of Achievement)
Program emphasizes creativity and a systematic approach to problem solving, project management and teamwork.
Students will lean “client-side” analysis of what factors make up a reliable and efficient web site. (30 Units)
Key Courses: Cascading Style Sheets, Web Design/XHTML, JavaScript for Non-programmers, JavaScript 2, Web
Accessibility, Cold Fusion, Using SQL, PHP and MYSQL
Electronics and Electric Technology
Coastline Community College Page | 36
Electronics (Certificate of Achievement)
Program designed to provide students a solid foundation in electronics using applied theory to solve practical
application problems, utilizing materials and the forces of nature for the benefit of society. (14 Units)
Key Courses: D/C Circuits, A/C Circuits, Digital Circuits, Semiconductor Devices and Circuits, Analog Electric Circuit
Analysis
Information Technology
Informatics (Certificate of Achievement/Associate)
Program provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement software and information
systems to help users work more effectively. Students will learn how to design, build, and analyze actual data systems
that are used in numerous industries. (39 Units)
Key Courses: Concepts in Programming Languages II, Informatics Core I/II/III, Fundamental Data Structures, Concepts in
Programming Languages I, Software Methods and Tools, Human-Computer Interaction
Mobile Applications
Mobile Applications (Certificate of Accomplishment)
Program emphasizes the basics of mobile application design and development using operating systems such as Apple’s
iOS and Android OS. Program also focuses on an understanding of entrepreneurship and business operations. (12 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Mobile Applications, Mobile Application Development, WEB Design/XHTML,
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Organization
Process Technology
Process Technology (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program designed to provide students with the basic skills needed to obtain a position as a processing technician within
a variety of industrial fields. (25.5 Units)
Key Courses: Safety, Health and Environment, Quality Management, Process Control I: Equipment, Process Control II:
Systems, Process Control III: Operations, Instrumentation I/II, Introduction to Information Systems
Process Technician Fundamentals (Certificate of Accomplishment)
Program designed to provide students with the basic skills needed to obtain a position as a processing technician within
a variety of industrial fields. (12 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Process Technology, Process Control I: Equipment, Process Control II: Systems, Process
Control III: Operations
Golden West College Page | 37
Golden West College
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in technical drafting, mechanical drafting, or 3D design
sectors. (20 Units)
Key Courses: Basic Computer Aided Drafting, Basic Engineering Drafting I, Elementary Algebra, CAD Drafting Laboratory,
Basic Engineering Drafting II, Advanced 3D CAD
Technical Option (Certificate of Specialization)
Program concentrates on basic drafting and computer practice, while providing experiences in applying technical skills to
practical problems. (11.5 Units)
Key Courses: Basic Computer Aided Drafting, Basic Engineering Drafting I, Elementary Algebra, CAD Drafting Technology
Computer Business Applications
Computer Business Applications (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program provides an introduction to computers and computer literacy as well as a working knowledge of the most
frequently used computer applications used in today’s businesses. (21.5-29.5 Units)
Key Courses: QuickBooks Pro, Acrobat, Introduction, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
Microsoft Office (Certificate of Specialization)
Program designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite. Specialized skills include
composing messages, creating spreadsheets, managing databases, and creating presentations. (14.5-22.5 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computers, Windows, Office- Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint
Computer Science
Software Development (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program designed to provide formal training for individuals who seek entry into the rapidly growing fields of computer
software engineering, systems analysis, application development, and systems software. (20 Units)
Key Courses: C++ Programming, Survey and Software Development Tools, Advanced C++
Visual Basic.NET, Visual C#.NET, Programming the Web
Video Game Development (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program prepares students for challenging careers in game development, 3D graphics programming, computer
animation, and other fields. (20 Units)
Golden West College Page | 38
Key Courses: C++ Programming, Visual C#.NET, Game Programming Introduction, Game Programming Advanced,
Creating Game Artwork
Digital Arts & Design
Graphic Design and Production (Certificate of Achievement)
Program prepares students for employment in the field of graphic design illustration. Program consists of experiences in
lettering, applied design, photography, and reproduction processes. (31 Units)
Key Courses: The Business of Art, Digital 2D Design, Introduction to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Rendering I, Digital
Imaging, Graphic Design Principles on the Computer
Graphic Design Advanced Production (Certificate of Specialization, 17 Units)
Key Courses: Graphic Design Principles, Desktop Publishing, Introduction to Page Layout & Design Adobe InDesign,
Intermediate Photoshop
Graphic Design Foundation (Certificate of Specialization, 17 Units)
Key Courses: The Business of Art, Digital 2D Design, Introduction to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Typography, Digital
Imaging
Graphic Design Web Site Design (Certificate of Specialization, 17 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Web Page Design, Web Animation/Flash, Photoshop, Advanced Web Design, Digital
Imaging
Digital Media
Digital Media (Certificate of Achievement)
Program provides formal training for individuals who seek entry into the rapidly growing field of digital media,
encompassing digital video production, audio recording, and digital arts. (24 Units)
Key Courses: Digital Media/Audio Introduction, Media Production, Photoshop, Audio Post Production, Video Editing and
Motion Graphics
Audio Recording (Certificate of Specialization)
Program prepares students for a career in audio engineering. (10 Units)
Key Courses: Sequencing and Production, Sound Recording I, Sound Recording II, Digital Audio Production
Video Production (Certificate of Specialization)
Program designed for students seeking careers as a working professional in the digital media industry, including
corporate, education, internet, cable and broadcast video production. (9 Units)
Key Courses: Documentary Video Production, Non-Linear Editing II, Intro to Motion Graphics
Orange Coast College Page | 39
Orange Coast College
Architectural Technology
Architectural Design 1 (Certificate of Achievement/Associate)
Program prepares students for entry-level professional positions at architectural or related design offices. (19 Units)
Key Courses: Arch Drawing/Design Visual 1, Intro to Architecture, BIM 1 for Architecture, Architectural Technology
Architectural Design 2 (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program requires the successful completion of the Architectural Design 1 Certificate of Achievement. (40 Units)
Key Courses: CAD 2D for Architecture, BIM 1 for Architecture, BIM 2 for Architecture, 3-D Modeling: Sketch Up 1, 3-D
Modeling: Rhino or 3D Studio Max 1
Integrated Project Design (Certificate of Achievement)
Program prepares students to design, develop, virtually construct and administrate multi-disciplinary projects using BIM
technology. (17 Units)
Key Courses: BIM 1 for Architecture, BIM 2 for Architecture, BIM Structural/MEP, BIM Project Management
Computer Information Systems
Business Application Development (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program designed to provide students with a good foundation in developing computer applications. Program aims to
prepare students for entry-level positions in the computer and information systems industries. (33 Units)
Key Courses: Intro to Computer Info Systems, Intro to C# .NET Programming, Java Programming 1, Calculus
Computer Programming (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program designed to provide students with comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of modern computer
programming. (41-46 Units)
Key Courses: Computer Architecture, C++ Programming 1, Java Programming I, Data Structures, Software Engineering,
Theories of Computation
C++ Programming (Certificate of Specialization)
Program provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to write programs in C++ using classes, flow-of-control
and fundamental data structure. (12 Units)
Key Courses: C++ Programming 1, Data Structures, C++ Programming 2
Database Administration Professional (Oracle) (Certificate of Specialization)
Orange Coast College Page | 40
Program provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to design and develop a data model; create, manage,
backup and recover an Oracle database; and monitor database performance using Oracle supplied administration tools
and SQL. (15 Units)
Key Courses: Intro to Database Concepts, Oracle Database Admin I, Oracle Database Admin II
Database Developer Professional (Oracle) (Certificate of Specialization)
Program enable students to acquire the skills needed to pursue a career in PL/SQL Oracle database environment. (15
Units)
Key Courses: Intro to Database Concepts, Oracle SQL Programming, Oracle PL/SQL Programming
Computer Information Systems (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program designed to meet major requirements for the Associate in Science degree but has not been articulated with any
particular four-year institution. Program aims to prepare students for employment in entry-level positions in the
computer information systems industries. (32 units)
Key Courses: PASCAL Programming, Java Programming 1, Intro to VB .NET Programming, Financial Accounting,
Managerial Accounting, Business Law, Macro/Micro Economics
Enterprise Routing (Certificate of Specialization, 10 Units)
Key Courses: Networking Essentials (Cisco 1), Routing and Router Configurations (Cisco 2), Enterprise Router
Configurations 1
Network Administration – Linux (Certificate of Specialization)
Students will be skilled to deploy, build, optimize, and operate a Linux environment and they will be able to make the
design and technology decisions necessary to ensure successful technology implementation projects. (9 Units)
Key Courses: Windows Desktop Administration, Introduction to Linux, PC Concepts: Linux/Certification Preparation
Network Administration – Windows (Certificate of Specialization)
Program enable students to acquire the skills needed in the areas of technical operations and network management. (15
Units)
Key Courses: Windows Desktop Administration, Network Directory Structure Administration, Network Infrastructure
Administration
Network Professional (Certificate of Specialization)
Students are required to have the Information and Communications Technologies: Network Technician Certificate of
Specialization to receive this certificate. (9 Units)
Key Courses: Small Office/ Home Office Case Study 1, Applied Management for Public and Private Organizations,
Interpersonal Communication
Orange Coast College Page | 41
Network Security (Certificate of Specialization, 6 Units)
Key Courses: Fundamentals of Information Security, Ethical Hacking and Network Defense
Network Services & Applications (Certificate of Specialization, 9 Units)
Key Courses: Fundamentals of Wireless Networking, Fundamentals of Voice over IP, Home Technology Integration
Network Technician (Certificate of Specialization, 8 Units)
Key Courses: PC Concepts: A+ Certification Preparation, Fundamentals of Networking
Virtualization & Cloud Computing (Certificate of Specialization, 12 Units)
Key Courses: Information and Storage Management, Cloud Infrastructure and Services, Virtual Desktop: Installation,
Configuration and Management, Virtual Infrastructure: Installation, Configuration and Management
Office Applications (Certificate of Specialization)
Program prepares students to apply for office personnel positions using Microsoft Office applications. (8 Units)
Key Courses: Beginning Computer Keyboarding 1/2, Introduction to Computer Applications, Excel
Web Design (Certificate of Specialization)
Program enables students to apply for entry-level positions in web page design for commercial or personal use. (10-11
Units)
Key Courses: Intro to Web Page Design, Cascading Style Sheets/Web Pages, Flash Programming, JavaScript 1/2, Business
Multimedia/ Graphics
Digital Media Arts and Design
Digital Graphics Production (Certificate of Achievement/Associate)
Program demonstrates skills in design utilizing industry standard graphics software. (19 Units)
Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Graphics, Graphic Design, Illustration & Computer Graphics, Color & Design 2-D,
Lettering/Digital Typography
Graphics Design (Certificate of Achievement/Associate, 46 Units)
Key Courses: Color & Design 2-D, Freehand Drawing, Intro to Computer Graphics, Graphic Design, Illus & Computer
Graphics 1, 2-D Animation
Multimedia (Certificate of Achievement/Associate)
Program exposes students to a broad range of media, including art, photography, video, animation, music, text, and the
techniques required to incorporate them into digital media. (44-45 Units)
Orange Coast College Page | 42
Key Courses: Intro to Computer Graphics, Web Design/ Artists Graph Design, 3-D Computer Graphics Animation, Motion
Graphics/Video Composting, Illus & Computer Graphics
Electronics Technology
Electro-Mechanical Technician (Certificate of Specialization)
Program aims to develop fundamental skills for electro-mechanical production technicians: mechanics, electronic
assembly, and computer skills. Additionally, program prepares students to take the CompTIA A+ Computer Technician
certification exam. (11 Units)
Key Courses: Intro to Robotics, Intro to Computer Installation, Electronics Laboratory, Elec. Problem Solving
Electronics Engineering Technician (Certificate of Achievement/ Associate)
Program aims to prepare students for any electronics engineering-related field and take the CET (Certified Electronics
Technician) exam. (33.5 Units)
Key Courses: Electronics Laboratory, Logic, Alternating Current Circuits, Automation II Semiconductors, Motor Control
Electronic Reliability Technician (Certificate of Achievement)
Program prepares students for entry-level employment by developing essential skills for technicians operating in
electronics, computer hardware, mechanics, robotics, or test instruments. (22 Units)
Key Courses: Direct Current Circuits, Electronics Laboratory, Robotics 2, Computer Installation & Repair
Manufacturing Technology
CNC Machine Operator (Certificate of Achievement/Associate)
Program designed to enhance the skills of students who have earned a machinist certificate by providing students with
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operating skills and manual programming skills. (32 Units)
Key Courses: CNC Mach Operation 1, CNC Mach Operation 2, CNC Programming Mastercam
CNC Machine Programmer (Certificate of Achievement/Associate, 35.5 Units)
Key Courses: CNC Mach Operation 1, CNC Mach Operation 2, Mastercam Solids, Mastercam Lathe
CNC Operator (Certificate of Specialization)
Program is a Professional Upgrade Certificate designed for students who are already machinists. (9 Units)
Key Courses: CNC Mach Operation 1, Intro to Numerical Control & Manual Programming, CNC Mach Operation 2
CNC Programmer (Certificate of Specialization)
Program is a Professional Upgrade Certificate designed to upgrade the skills and knowledge of the machinist or the CNC
machine operator to the level of the CNC machine programmer. (11.5 Units)
Orange Coast College Page | 43
Key Courses: CNC Prog - Mastercam 1, CNC Prog - Mastercam 2, Mastercam Lathe, Mastercam Solids
Neurodiagnostic Technology
Neurodiagnostic Technology (Associate)
Program aims to meet the needs of the local health care community by preparing students for entry level employment
as a professional in neurodiagnostic technology. (55.5 Units)
Key Courses: Patient Care, Applied Pharmacology, Basic EEG, Microcomputer Applications, Polysomnography Basics,
Technical Electronics
NDT Upgrade (Certificate of Specialization)
Program intended for advanced neurodiagnostic students or for technologists working in the field of
electroneurodiagnostic technology. (6-8 Units)
Key Courses: Intro to Intraoperative Monitoring, Microcomputer Applications, Polysomnography Basics, Statistics for
Behavioral Sciences
Polysomnographic Technology
Polysomnographic Technology (Associate)
Program aims to meet the needs of the local health care community by preparing students for entry level employment
as professionals in polysomnograph technology. (52.5 Units)
Key Courses: Medical Terminology, Applied Pharmacology, Cardiac Rhythm Analysis, Polysomnography Testing,
Polysomnography Clinical 1/ Practice
Neurodiagnostic Technology Option (Associate)
Program option available for graduates interested in cross-training as polysomnographic technologists. (81.5 Units)
Key Courses: Cardiac Rhythm Analysis, Polysomnography Testing 1, Polysomnography Practice, Pulmonary Pathology
Respiratory Care Option (Associate)
Program option recommended for respiratory care graduates interested in cross-training as polysomnographic
technologists. (62.5 Units)
Key Courses: Polysomnographic Testing 1, Polysomnographic Practice, Child Growth and Development, Advanced EEG
Radiologic Technology
Radiologic Technology (Diagnostic) (Associate)
Program aims to provide students with necessary knowledge needed to provide ethical patient care, comfort, and safety
while demonstrating the communication skills necessary to participate in the health care environment. (65 Units)
Orange Coast College Page | 44
Key Courses: Rad Physics and Protection, Beg Radiologic Practice, Rad Positioning/Critique 1, Clinical Lab 2, Radiographic
Imaging
Cal State Fullerton Page | 45
Universities
California State University Fullerton
Fast Facts: California State University Fullerton
CSUF offers eight IT-oriented degrees
75 percent of the programs have a graduate studies option available
Three of the eight programs are exclusively available online
One IT programs is in Business Administration with an emphasis in
Information Systems
Cal State Fullerton Page | 46
Programs at California State University Fullerton
Business Administration with Emphasis in Information Systems (B.A.)
Program provides graduates with the managerial skills and the knowledge of the essentials of information systems to
strategically manage, maintain, and analyze data and systems. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to manage
systems such as Accounting Information Systems, Marketing Information Systems, or Financial Information Systems.
Computer Engineering (B.S.)
Program provides students with a strong theoretical and practical background in both the hardware and the software
aspects of computer-based systems, along with the engineering analysis, design, and implementation skills necessary to
work between the two.
Computer Science (B.S./M.S.)
Program provides students with a strong knowledge of computer science fundamentals and computer systems
technology; practical problem-solving skills for creating computer systems applications; and the ability and motivation to
adapt as technology advances.
Electrical Engineering (B.S./M.S.)
Program designed to prepare students for technical careers in electricity and its application through commercial and
local infrastructure.
Information Systems (M.S.)
Program provides the conceptual understanding and technical competence needed for careers in information systems.
Students in the program can opt for concentrations in business intelligence or decision sciences
Information Technology (Online Only) (M.S.)
This online-exclusive program is designed to meet nine goals: the accounting and managerial aspects of managing an
information technology organization, the telecommunications requirements necessary to support an organization’s
information technology needs, the systems development process, the data needs of an organization, programming
concepts, electronic commerce and its role in business, critical thinking, research, and written communications skills.
Instructional Design and Technology (Online Only) (M.S.)
This online-exclusive program is designed for professionals working in the field of technology as applied to teaching in K-
12, higher education, military, or corporate settings.
Software Engineering (Online Only) (M.S.)
This online-exclusive program prepares students for careers as software engineers and software process managers in
industry and government agencies. The program emphasizes a comprehensive process-oriented approach to software
development and its curriculum is fundamentally grounded in software engineering research, theory, principles, and
practice (e.g. CMMI, RUP, UML and design patterns). Students will also gain valuable experience with software
engineering tools from Rational, Parasoft and open source software organizations.
Chapman University Page | 47
Chapman University
Fast Facts: Chapman University
Chapman offers six IT-oriented degrees
Two out of the six programs have a graduate studies option
available
Two of the degrees offered are in design and animation
Chapman University Page | 48
Programs at Chapman University
Digital Arts (B.A.)
Program offers students the opportunity to develop the artistic and technical skills needed to create or enhance a story
using the tools of the digital world, emphasize changing trends in increased use of computer–animated characters,
digital effects and compositing techniques combining motion capture, live action and animation.
Graphic Design (B.A.)
Program designed for students wishing to pursue graphic design in the larger context of professional applications and
practices. Design studio classes are combined with courses that explore the history and theory of the discipline, as well
as necessary techniques and software relevant to the field.
Computer Science (B.S.)
Program strives to provide a degree that teaches undergraduates to push the frontier of advancement in computer
hardware and software, and apply this power of computing to other branches of scientific study.
Computer Information Systems (B.S.)
Program helps students develop the ability to design and manage the digital infrastructure of a business, while
introducing students to the world of cloud computing, analytics, and mobile apps, thereby giving them a technical
advantage in the financial sector.
Computational Sciences (M.S./Ph.D.)
Program adopts an interdisciplinary approach to solving critically important problems, using mathematics, physics,
chemistry, biology, statistics and computing. Through the modeling, simulation, data mining, and study of specific
phenomena via computer analysis and engineering, students learn to apply technology and processes to answer
complex questions as part of the degree.
Economic Systems Design (M.S.)
Program enables students to study the design, development, testing, and implementation of economic institutions and
how they operate. This master’s degree prepares students to undertake the scientific process of understanding and
developing systems of exchange and incentives.
UCI Page | 49
University of California Irvine (UCI)/ UCI Extension Program
Fast Facts: University of California Irvine
UCI offers the highest number of business-oriented IT programs out
of the three compared universities in Orange County
12 IT and IT-related courses are offered at UCI
50 percent of IT and IT-related courses have a graduate studies
option available
15 IT programs and certificates are offered through UCI Extension
System
UCI Page | 50
Programs at University of California Irvine
Business Administration with Emphasis in Information Systems (B.A./M.B.A.)
Program provides a broad learning experience in a multi-disciplinary and global context and focuses on the development
of essential managerial skills, especially critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and effective
communication skills.
Business Administration with Emphasis in Operations and Decisions Technologies (B.A.)
Program provides a broad learning experience in a multi-disciplinary and global context and focuses on the development
of essential managerial skills, especially critical thinking, quantitative/qualitative analysis, and effective communication
skills.
Business Information Management (B.S.)
Program seeks to educate students to understand and apply the concepts of a broad, integrated curriculum covering
computing, informatics, business fundamentals, and analytical decision-making.
Computer Game Science (B.S.)
Program provides the fundamentals of information and computer science, along with course work in mathematics,
statistics, physics, and film and media studies, to provide students with the concepts and tools necessary to study
computer game technologies.
Computer Science (B.S./M.S./Ph.D.)
Program emphasizes the principles of computing that underlie the modern world, and provides a strong foundational
education to prepare students for the broad spectrum of careers in computing.
Computer Engineering (B.S.)
Program addresses the design and analysis of digital computers, including both software and hardware.
Computer Science and Engineering (B.S./M.S./Ph.D.)
Program designed to provide students with the fundamentals of computer science, both hardware and software, and
the application of engineering concepts, techniques and methods for both computer systems engineering and software
systems design.
Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
Program designed to provide the fundamentals of synthesis and design that will enable graduates to begin careers in
careers in electricity and pursue graduate studies.
Informatics (B.S.)
Program addresses the broad set of issues surrounding design, ranging from initial requirements gathering to estimating
and measuring the impact of alternative solutions.
UCI Page | 51
Information and Computer Science (B.S./M.S./Ph.D.)
Program is an individually designed degree where students must submit a proposal for a four-year plan of study along
with rationale for why the proposed plan does not fit into any of the existing ICS majors.
Networked Systems (M.S./Ph.D.)
Program provides education and research opportunities for graduate students in the areas of computer and
telecommunication networks.
Software Engineering (B.S./M.S./Ph.D.)
Program combines a solid foundation in computer science with knowledge of how to engineer modern software
systems, and how to function within teams.
UCI Extension Page | 52
Programs at UCI Extension
DSP Systems Engineering Specialized Studies Program
Program designed for individuals involved in the evaluation, design, or development of systems employing digital signal
processing, or as an introduction to DSP technology.
Key Courses: C Programming for Embedded Systems, MATLAB for Engineers, DSP Fundamentals, Modeling and Analysis,
Digital Signal Processing with FPGA’s, Motor Control Algorithms and Applications
Linux Certificate Program
Program provides detailed instructions on the installation, maintenance, and usage of Red Hat Linux. Program prepares
students to set up users and user accounts, manage databases, host websites on a Linux platform, and configure a
network of Linux computers and peripheral devices.
Key Courses: Red Hat Linux Fundamentals, Red Hat Linux System Administration, Red Hat Linux Networking Services,
Red Hat Linux Troubleshooting
Embedded System Engineering
Program provides students with essential knowledge of embedded systems design and programming while exploring the
latest developments in embedded technologies.
Key Courses: Fundamentals of Embedded Systems Design and Programming, Embedded Systems Architecture, Real-
Time Embedded Systems Programming
Device Software Engineering
Program addresses best practices in managing the embedded software engineering process, design engineering, and
hardware and software co-development.
Key Courses: C Programming for Embedded Systems, Writing Portable Device Drivers, Designing Embedded Software
Using Real-time Operating Systems, Fundamentals of Embedded Linux
Microsoft.NET Technologies
This program is designed for individuals with previous programming experience in a Microsoft language such as C#
Visual Basic who are interested in applying their knowledge to the .NET environment.
Key Courses: Introduction to .NET Architecture, Developing .NET Solutions with C#, Introduction to C# Programming
using Visual Studio 2010, Data Structures and Algorithms
Information Systems Security Certificate
Program designed to benefit people who work on software development and information technology infrastructure
teams, security technicians working with Internet service providers, application service providers, systems integrators,
and security auditors.
Key Courses: Introduction to Information Systems Security, Secure Systems, Security Architecture and Design
UCI Extension Page | 53
Web Intelligence Certificate
Program designed for individuals who wish to enter the field of digital analytics, including those whose job functions
include marketing, website design, corporate branding, product positioning, or other aspects of a database-driven
marketing.
Key Courses: Introduction to Web Analytics, Web Analytics for Site Optimization, Creating and Managing the Analytical
Business Culture, Measuring Marketing Campaigns Online, Business Intelligence/Data Warehouse
Mobile Application Development Certificate
Program intended for students interested in design, development, or use of mobile device applications, games, or
utilities.
Key Courses: Introduction to Mobile Application Design and Development, Advanced Mobile Application Design and
Development, Specialized Tracks: IOS, Android, Windows Phone
Business Intel/Data Warehousing
Program introduces students to the main components of a data warehouse for business intelligence applications.
Students will learn how a data warehouse fits into the overall strategy of a complex enterprise, how to develop data
models useful for business intelligence, and how to combine data from disparate sources into a single database.
Key Courses: Business Intelligence/Data Warehouse, Designing Dimensional Models, Designing ETL Processes for Data
Warehouses
Java Programming
Program designed for people who already have introductory Java programming experience.
Key Courses: Introduction to Computer Programming using C++, Advanced C++ Programming and STL, Data Structures
and Algorithms
Oracle Applications Development
Program is best suited for individuals who are looking to pursue database management technologies as they pertain to
the Oracle suite of services.
Key Courses: Introduction to SQL, Program with PL/SQL, SQL Turning Workshop, Designing Relational Databases
Oracle Database Administration
Program provides students with skills such as basic database functionality, backup, recovery, tuning and network
administration.
Key Courses: Program with PL/SQL, Performance Tuning, Data Warehouse Fundamentals
Project Management
UCI Extension Page | 54
Program provides students with project management tools and techniques that are effective in initiating, planning,
executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing a project.
Key Courses: Project Procurement Management, Project Risk Management, Project Monitoring and Control with Earned
Value, Project Management Practicum and Project Simulation
Web Design and Development Certificate
Program designed to provide students with the knowledge needed to design and implement effective and dynamic
websites.
Key Courses: Web Development with HTML, JavaScript Programming, Internet Systems, Architecture, Website Project
Management, Web Design and Development
Predictive Analytics Certificate
Program designed for professionals who are using or wish to use predictive analytics to optimize business performance
at a variety of levels in a wide range of industries.
Key Courses: Defining Business Goals for Predictive Analytics, Effective Data Preparation, Deploying and Refining
Predictive Models, Business Intelligence/ Data Warehouse
UCI Extension Page | 55
University of California Irvine – Intel Science & Technology Center for Social Computing
(ISTC)
Launched in June 2012, ISTC conducts research to explore the relationship between information technology and society.
In the 21st Century, with technology being defined by social media and community engagement, it is becoming
increasingly important for technological advances to incorporate social and cultural attributes of the time, to individual
user experience. ISTC aims to accomplish this by bringing together a group of researchers from leading universities and
enabling them to identify and develop theories that will drive new scholarly research, new technology prototypes, new
policy interventions, and new areas of innovation. The center, with its hub based at UC Irvine, facilitates research and
collaboration at the front line of an era defined by networking, and mobile and cloud computing, while incorporating
and building on the history of earlier systems of technological and social interaction. Current research themes of ISTC
include:
Materialities of Information: Re-thinking the nature of information as grounded in materials and physical objects
Algorithmic Living: Implications of algorithms moving into social systems and daily life, invited or not
Information Ecosystems: How people, values, and systems interact and conflict at different scales
Subjectivities of Information: Moving beyond “the user” as the center of user experience and user-centered
design
Creativity and Collectivity: How group production and patterns of making are changing what it is to be creative
UCI Extension Page | 56
UC Irvine Center for Computer Games and Virtual Worlds
UC Irvine’s Center for Computer Games and Virtual Worlds aims to draw upon UCI’s strengths spanning the social and
technological aspects of the gaming and virtual worlds, by bringing together over thirty-five faculty from different fields
of study, ranging across computer science, arts, humanities, social science, law, medicine and education. Launched in
2001, the Game Culture and Technology Lab has attracted over $5 million in external funding, and has enabled the
launch of a new undergraduate degree in Computer Game Science.
Additionally, the center provides several seminars throughout the year on gaming and external social factors that impact
the gaming world. Current seminar topics include:
Robotics, Computer Gaming, and Sensory Motor Restoration
Owning e-Sports: Proprietary Rights in Professional Computer Gaming
Creating Opportunities for Computer Game R&D Projects
Ethnography in Virtual Worlds
By Any Media Necessary: Politics and Participation in the Transmedia Generation
Brandman University Page | 57
Brandman University
Fast Facts: Brandman University
Brandman hosts four schools of academic programs – Arts &
Sciences, Business & Professional Studies, Nursing & Health, and Education
21 Brandman campus locations within California; Brandman’s Irvine
campus is the primary location serving Orange County
Over 60 IT certificate programs offered through online and in-
person study models
Other related areas of study include Healthcare IT, Instructional
Design, and M.A. Education – Instructional Technology
Brandman University Page | 58
Certificate Programs
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
The MOS certification program provides computer program literacy, measures proficiency, and identified opportunities
for enhancement of skills. Successful candidates receive a Microsoft Office Specialist certification credential that sets
them apart from their peers in the competitive job market. Business Skills concentration also offered.
Key Courses: Microsoft Windows 7 Levels 1-2, Microsoft Word 2010 Levels 1-3, Microsoft Excel 2010 Levels 1-3,
Microsoft Outlook 2010 Levels 1-3, Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 Levels 1-2, Microsoft Access 2010 Levels 1-3, Advanced
Interpersonal Communication, Email Etiquette
Microsoft Office Suite Comprehensive Training Course Versions 2003, 2007, or 2010 (Certificate
Only Option)
This comprehensive course provides online, self-paced one year access to introductory through advanced learning
modules for Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Choose from 2003, 2007, or 2010 versions. Individual certifications
for each Microsoft Office software also offered.
Key Courses: Microsoft Word 2010 Levels 1-3, Microsoft Excel 2010 Levels 1-3, Microsoft Outlook 2010 Levels 1-3,
Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 Levels 1-2, Microsoft Access 2010 Levels 1-3
QuickBooks 2010 or 2011 (Certificate Only Option)
In QuickBooks, students will use the basic features of QuickBooks to record and track your business transactions.
Students will examine how to use the advanced features in QuickBooks to create estimates, convert estimates into
invoices, process sales tax and payroll, generate reports, review client data, and work with other applications.
Key Courses: QuickBooks 2011 Levels 1-2
Computer Programming (Certificate Only Option)
Students will learn the fundamental concepts and terminology of software application development and develop skills in
designing and writing simple computer programs. The course assumes no programming background.
Key Courses: 2667 Introduction to Programming
JavaScript Programming (Certificate Only Option)
Students will create and execute advanced scripts using JavaScript. This course series is intended for students who are
familiar with developing web pages; students should be proficient in writing XHTML code and using Internet Explorer
and Mozilla Firefox.
Key Courses: JavaScript Programming, JavaScript Advanced Programming
Oracle Database 11g (Certificate Only Option)
Brandman University Page | 59
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of SQL using Oracle Database 11g database technology. This course
provides the essential SQL skills that allow developers to write queries against single and multiple tables, manipulate
data in tables, and create database objects.
Key Courses: Oracle Database 11g – SQL Fundamentals
Crystal Reports 2008 or XI (Certificate Only Option)
Learn basic to advanced techniques to take full advantage of Crystal Reports powerful features, including formatting
report objects, sorting records, and creating groups and summaries. Students learn how to create more sophisticated
reports including sub-reports and cross-tabs, and how to increase the speed and efficiency of reports by using SQL
queries.
Key Courses: Crystal Reports XI Level 1-2, Crystal Reports 2008 Level 1-2
VMWare Sphere (Certificate Only Option)
Explore the installation, configuration, and management of VMware vSphere, consisting of VMware vSphere ESXi and
VMware vCenter Server.
Key Courses: VMware VSphere 5; Install, Configure, Manage. VMware VSphere 5; What’s New?
Cisco Certifications
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification demonstrates knowledge to deploy, maintain, secure and operate
a medium-sized network using Cisco technologies. The Cisco CCNA is a prerequisite for specialist certifications such as
special topics in network security.
Paths Offered: CCNA, CCNP, CCENT with CompTIA Network+
Microsoft Service Certifications
Various Microsoft-branded certifications range from troubleshooting and service credentials through SharePoint,
Exchange Server, and SQL Server.
Paths Offered: MCTS/MCITP Windows 7, MCSA Windows/SQL Server 2012, MCSE Infrastructure (in
Server/Desktop/SharePoint/Exchange/Private Cloud/SQL/Communication Lync)
CompTIA Certifications
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification demonstrates knowledge to deploy, maintain, secure and operate
a medium-sized network using Cisco technologies. The Cisco CCNA is a prerequisite for specialist certifications.
Paths Offered: CCNA, CCNP, CCENT with CompTIA Network+
Network Security Certifications
Certification training is ideal for anyone interested in learning more about IT security risks and how to protect IT
infrastructure and information. CHFI certified candidates may investigate invasion or theft of intellectual property,
Brandman University Page | 60
misuse of IT systems and violations of corporate IT usage policies. The CEH training immerses students in an interactive
environment where they will learn how to scan, test, hack, and secure their own systems.
Paths Offered: CompTIA Security+, CHFI Forensics Program, CompTIA CASP, CEH Program, CISSP
Project Management Certifications
Students exchange project plan data with other applications, update project plans, create visual reports, and reuse
project plan information. Six Sigma uses a set of quality management methods and creates an infrastructure of people
within the organization who are experts in these quality process methods. Each Six Sigma project carried out within an
organization follows a defined sequence of steps and has quantified financial targets (cost reduction and/or profit
increase).
Paths Offered: CompTIA Project+, Six Sigma Lean Green/Black/Master Belt, PMP
Digital Media and Web Design Certifications
Certificates include the Adobe suite, Dreamweaver, and Microsoft visual programming.
Paths Offered: Adobe Illustrator CS5, Adobe InDesign CS5, Adobe Photoshop CS5 (with Web Production), Microsoft
MCSD for Web Apps/Windows Store using C#/HTML5
Business-IT Programs in OC Universities Page | 61
Business –IT Programs in Orange County Universities
Highlighted below are programs provided by Orange County’s public universities that stand the greatest chance of
bringing together business and IT – combined programs that seamlessly mix both areas of study.
Cal State University Fullerton
B.A. in Business Administration (IS Emphasis, Joint Emphases)
At Cal State Fullerton’s Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, the B.A. in Business Administration is a 75-unit
program combining principles in accounting, economics, management, and statistics as a core background while offering
a specialization that comprises roughly a third of the coursework. Relevant concentrations to Information Technology
are offered in Information Systems (IS), joint Accounting & Information Systems, and joint Marketing & Information
Systems. Within the core upper division, students are required to take two courses in statistics in the IS cluster
regardless of concentration.
The Information Systems concentration currently has about 200 students per year enrolled at the undergraduate level
(including joint IS programs). The concentration requires seven total courses supplementing the 18 Business
Administration common courses.
The core content of the concentration covers the creation and maintenance of databases, while the electives allow
students freedom to focus even deeper into specific functions of applying IT to business. Enterprise systems courses are
valuable for small business operation. Introductory applied programming is useful for informing decisions on software
and solutions in a future business setting. Data-mining and decision-making via statistics are also a viable option to
explore within electives, pairing well with the core database coursework.
Two concentrations offered by CSUF for the Business Administration degree are dual by design, pulling coursework from
two subjects into a unique concentration. The first of these combines Information Systems with Accounting. The
emphasis pulls five courses each from IS and Accounting. Notably, the IS cluster covers electives in integrated systems
and IT security as primary coursework for the joint degree.
The joint emphasis in Marketing and Information Systems is the newest addition to the CSUF Business Administration
lineup – so new that its coursework has not been specified on the Mihaylo College’s page. Based on currently-offered
Marketing courses, some of the possible requirements included in the concentration are: Marketing Information
Technology, Marketing Research Methods, Marketing Analytics Decision-Making in the Information Age, and Retail and
Marketing Channel Strategies. Interested students are encouraged to contact the faculty career path advisors for further
information on requirements.
M.B.A. in Information Systems
On the Master’s Degree end of the spectrum, the CSUF M.B.A. program also offers a concentration designed for
advanced business students to gain an area of expertise in Information Systems. About 20 students per year enroll into
this subsection of the M.B.A. program.
The Mihaylo M.B.A. program consists of 11-15 courses designed to deliver broad, strategic managerial perspectives,
while balancing theory with practical application and strengthening leadership skills. Core requirements include Decision
Making for Business and Economics regardless of concentration.
Business-IT Programs in OC Universities Page | 62
Chapman University
Chapman is home to several specialized programs that integrate unique applications of business technology. Chapman’s
IT-related degree programs are offered through both the School of Computational Sciences and the Argyros School of
Business and Economics, including courses and instructors from both professions that provide students with a well-
rounded technical education. Chapman addresses the need for business-oriented technical experiences through its new
B.S. in Computer Information Systems, and also offers two specific programs that prepare students in two key emerging
areas of study – business intelligence and mobile application development.
B.S. in Computer Information Systems
This hybrid computer science degree is nicknamed “the high-tech business degree” by faculty, and is a solid example of
how to balance a comprehensive data-intensive education with a clear grasp of business process fundamentals. The
Computer Information Systems degree’s learning outcomes include mastering the foundational concepts of computing
and problem solving, utilizing design and implementation practices in technology settings, and demonstrating
comprehension of business and economic concepts. The program helps prepares students for careers in systems
analysis, systems design, network security, database design, programming, and systems management.
60 credits are required of the major in Computer Information Systems, and are almost evenly split between computer
science and management coursework. Required technical courses include visual programming, software engineering,
data structures and algorithms, data communications, and database management. Elective options range from user
experience coursework such as human-computer interaction to high-performance computing topics such as
computational economics, advanced web-based database systems, and algorithm analysis. The core business
foundations include financial management, operations management, business ethics, and economics.
M.S. Economic System Design
Created as an alternative to typical economics programs, the Master of Science in Economic Systems Design (MSESD)
encourages students to develop computer experiments and statistical analysis to study the functions of economic
institutions. This degree prepares students to design, develop, test and implement efficient exchange systems in fields
such as stock trading, online auctions, scheduling, insurance and public utilities. The strengths of the MSESD degree are
easily applicable to careers in business/web intelligence, as the MSESD assists students in discovering how to organize
data, manage research, and approach data-based problems in inventive ways.
The MSESD provides two pathways to completion – as a two-year, 31 credit Master’s program, or as an integrated five-
year undergraduate/graduate blend program. Prerequisites are satisfied through advanced topics in computer science
and economics. Courses begin with a foundation in how experiments can be constructed and implemented – through
computational economics and game theory. The courses afterward require students to synthesize their knowledge of
system design and experimental economics by applying their skills to real-world problems. The final set of design lab
courses prepares students for a capstone project.
Minor – Game Development Programming
Though not an independent degree program, Chapman’s minor in game development represents the possibilities in
software development and equips students with the technical and artistic tools they need to succeed in the video game
industry. The Game Development Programming minor is specifically structured to be paired with four different major
degrees – each option represents a career pathway in one of several different aspects of game development:
Business-IT Programs in OC Universities Page | 63
Game Art & Animation: Combine a major in art or digital arts with the minor in game development
Game Design: Combine a major in digital arts with the minor in game development
Game Production: Combine a major in computer information systems with the minor in game development
Game Programming: Combine a major in computer science with the minor in game development
The minor constitutes 25 credits of study, much of which dual-count for the aforementioned majors in computer-related
degrees. The core requirements include level design, game development, collaboration in development, and an
introduction to the game industry. Electives cover topics in physics, computer graphics, storytelling, social issues in
programming, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum is designed through consultation with industry professionals
from Blizzard, Sony, Obsidian and others, helping students to graduate as productive contributors to game companies
without requiring extensive retraining.
University of California Irvine
University of California Irvine’s Merage School of Business hosts several business degrees constructed to give students
healthy exposure to IT coursework. The Business Administration degree is a 23-course program with 10 classes of
elective content. For four of the 10 elective courses, seven elective concentrations are available to choose from; two of
the newest concentrations are in Information Systems (IS) and Operations & Decision Technologies. Additionally, UC
Irvine’s School of Business strongly encourages students to strive towards an education program that encompasses their
individual career interests – students are encouraged to enroll in courses offered within the other schools at UC Irvine.
B.S. Business Information Management
A special interdisciplinary degree recently introduced by UCI, the B.S. in Business Information Management combines
business fundamentals with computing topics such as informatics, programming, and network management. With
approximately 160 students enrolled, the program’s curriculum is presented across three general academic areas:
Computing (computer science, informatics, and software); Business Foundations (accounting, finance, marketing,
strategy, and operations); and Analytical Methods (mathematics, statistics, economics, management science, and
decision analysis). While sharing many of the core requirements of the B.A. in Business Administration, the B.S. in BIM
includes unique courses in the following concentrations:
ICS
Introduction to Programming (4)
Programming with Software Libraries (4)
Intermediate Programming (4)
Programming in Java as a Second Language (4)
Informatics
Informatics Core Course I (6)
Informatics Core Course II (6)
Business-IT Programs in OC Universities Page | 64
Patterns of Software Construction (4)
Requirements Analysis and Engineering (4)
Information Visualization (4)
Management
Business Intelligence (BI) for Analytical Decisions (4)
Database Management and Applications (4)
Information Technology (IT) and Strategy (4)
Management of Information Technology (4)
Supplemental Java programming coursework is strongly recommended as a prerequisite, as many of the classes use
Javascript as the programming language of choice.
M.B.A. Emphasis in Information Science
The Full-Time M.B.A. program requires a minimum of 92 units (24 courses), nearly half of which are elective content.
There are an estimated 400 Full-Time MBA students, with many more completing part-time programs. Class
requirements are structured differently for Executive MBA and Fully Employed MBA programs.
Relevant common courses for all MBA students include Statistics for Management, Information Technology for
Management, and Business Strategy. For the Emphasis in Information Science, a wealth of topics are available that give
students background and insight into the practical business application of information.
Brandman University
Brandman University is a career-focused adult education center, founded in 1958 and currently under the jurisdiction of
the Chapman University System. Known for its online programs, the majority of Brandman’s IT-related programs fall
within Brandman’s business school – a promising sign for students looking to merge technical prowess with competent
soft skills. Brandman’s existing IT program directly addresses new suggested areas of study through its multitude of
elective topics.
B.S. in Computing Technology
The Bachelor of Science in Computing Technology is designed for students that want to begin their careers with a solid
foundation in the principles and the application of IT in a support role for business – in careers such as network systems
administration, information security analysis, and project management. The core program offers three choices of
emphases:
Information Technology
Learn to analyze, design and implement IT-based solutions to meet business needs.
Business Systems Administration
Learn to install, test and administrate networking systems with data security features.
Business-IT Programs in OC Universities Page | 65
Project Management
Learn to plan, structure and manage projects by applying project management and quality assurance skills.
Of the 120 credits required for degree completion, 48 credits pertain to the Computing Technology major’s
requirements, covering a broad range of IT subject matter – including IT security, quality assurance procedures, and
object-oriented programming. Keeping in line with Brandman’s values emphasizing professional integrity and quality
teamwork, the Computing Technology degree also includes required coursework in organizational communication,
strategic team building, and professional ethics. Furthermore, students with existing professional certifications can
demonstrate their credentials to use as transfer credit covering several courses.
12 of the 48 major-required credits are specific to each emphasis. The Information Technology emphasis is geared
toward data-inclined students, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle the future of “Big
Data.” Courses include database management, structured systems analysis and design, data communication and
computer networks, and network implementation. Business System Administration coursework covers specialized topics
useful to students exploring IT security, including data encryption and advanced web-based database applications. The
Project Management emphasis grounds students in a sound understanding of business process and managerial acumen,
featuring courses in project work structure, resource management, and risk management.
Through the B.S. in Computing Technology, Brandman is helping to anticipate the needs of Orange County businesses
with regards to IT security, business process, and business intelligence/data analysis. Brandman also offers a response to
the need for improved integration of business and IT coursework through online programs offering specializations.
B.B.A. – Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Information Systems Management
Brandman’s signature online business degree offers great flexibility to help both remote and local business students lay
the foundation for a career using technology to support business decision-making. 72 of the degree’s 120 credits
encompass the major’s requirements, of which 21 pertain specifically to the Information Systems Management
emphasis. The core business requirements emphasize diversity and leadership, calling on students to study management
of multicultural organizations and the global environment of business in addition to the broader studies of business
finance, marketing, and communication common to all comprehensive degrees in business administration.
The Information Systems specialization is unique in that it allows students to freely shape the content of the emphasis to
reflect a preferred area of IT study. The five primary courses in the emphasis include an introduction to programming,
computer systems organization, information systems security, organizational information systems, and project
management. From there, students can elect to attend two of the five advanced courses offered for the major – data
communications, database management, structured system analysis, quality assurance, and network implementation.
Through this program, students can effectively reflect the emphases offered to Computing Technology majors, but with
a more pronounced business perspective.
In summary, Brandman brings three significant advantages to IT education in Orange County – affordability, business
acumen, and organization-wide values emphasizing interpersonal team-building and ethical conduct in the workforce.
Private Education Institutions Page | 66
Private Education Institutions & Organizations
Fast Facts: Private Education Institutions
Information is provided on 18 notable IT-oriented private education
institutions
Private education institutions are the number one choice by
employers in terms of retraining and certifying employees
Relative to universities and community colleges, private institutions
offer the most flexibility for students in terms of scheduling, mode of
teaching and material delivery
Programs within these institutions are largely able to keep pace
with industry trends due to solid business partnerships and a high level of
communication with businesses
Private education institutions are able to introduce new programs
as the IT industry changes due to less government regulation
Private Education Institutions Page | 67
New Horizon Computer Learning Centers of Southern California
Microsoft Certification
Program has multiple career paths designed for both experienced professionals and those new to the field. Certification
is available for a diverse set of job roles and responsibilities.
Available Paths: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft
Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), Microsoft Certified Solutions Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified
Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified
Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist, Microsoft Certified Applications
Specialist with Business Skills, Microsoft SQL Database Administrator with Business Intelligence MCTS Entry
VMware Certification
Program delivers authorized VMware certification training designed to validate and recognize IT professionals with the
technical capabilities and real-world experience needed to effectively install, manage, deploy and support VMware
products and solutions.
Available Paths: VMware Certified Professional on vSphere 5
Cisco Certification
Certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s unique ability to manage, secure and administer networks run on
Cisco equipment.
Available Paths: CCNA - Network Associate Certification, CCNA - Voice Certification, CCNA - Security Certification, CCNA -
Wireless Certification, Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician, CCNA with CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Certification
As a member of the CompTIA, New Horizons offer courses that follow the exam objectives of CompTIA’s certification
programs developed in conjunction with its member organizations.
Available Paths: A+, Network+, Security+, Storage+, CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP), IT Project+, Linux+
Security Certification
Program designed to provide knowledge of security theories and practices covered in the information systems security
Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
Available Paths: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI), Certified Information
Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Citrix
Program designed to put IT professionals at the forefront of virtualization, networking, and cloud innovation.
Available Paths: Citrix Certified Integration Architect (CCIA), Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA, CCAA), Citrix Certified
Enterprise Engineer (CCEE)
Private Education Institutions Page | 68
Linux Certification
Program designed to prepare course takers for popular Linux certifications.
Available Paths: Novell’s Certified Linux Professional, CompTIA’s Linux+
Novell Certification
Unique program designed to integrate multi-vendor environments and products.
Available Paths: Certified Novell Administrator (CNA), Certified Novell Engineer (CNE), Master Certified Novell Engineer
(Master CNE), Certified Directory Engineer (CDE)
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
Program focuses on key activities that bring optimal service quality, with a reasonable and justifiable cost, and is
supported by accredited training organizations.
Available Paths: Services in IT Service Management are available at the Foundation, Practitioner, and Manager level.
Healthcare Information Management
Program designed to provide skills and knowledge necessary to acquire top-quality positions in the medical billing and
coding industry.
Available Paths: Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS),
Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Medical Front Office Assistant, Medical Coding Specialist, Medical Billing Specialist,
Medical Claims Processor, Medical Claims Reimbursement Collector
Project Management/ITIL/Six Sigma
Program designed to teach course takers how to keep projects within budget and delivered on time. Program is valuable
for individuals seeking to learn basics of project management, become certified in project management, or learn project
management software.
Available Paths: Certified Project Manager (CPM), Six Sigma Lean Black Belt, Six Sigma Lean Black Belt with Project
Management, Six Sigma Lean Black Belt/ITIL Foundations/CompTIA- Project +, Project Certifications Program, Project
Certifications Program Path with AutoCAD, Project Management Professional (PMI) Program, Project Management
Professional/Six Sigma Lean Black Belt Training Program, Solar Photovoltaic Installer Program with Project Management,
Solar Photovoltaic Installer Program with Project Management and Auto Desk Revit
Adobe Certifications
New Horizon offers a full range of Adobe training programs, providing students with skills necessary to become graphic
designers, web designers, animators, web publishers, etc.
Available Paths: Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) Web Specialist, Adobe Microsoft Certified Application Program, Adobe
Web Design with Microsoft Backend Development
Private Education Institutions Page | 69
NR Computer Learning Centers
Microsoft Office 2010
Program designed to provide users with knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use all functions available in
Microsoft Office 2010 Software - Project, Visio, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and OneNote.
QuickBooks
Program designed to offer students with the knowledge and skills required to use QuickBooks to track the finances of a
small business. Students will learn how to set up a new company, manage bank account transactions, maintain customer
and vendor information, generate reports, and write and print checks.
Programming
Courses are offered in the following programming languages: Java, Visual Basic, PHP & MySQL, Ajax, ASP.NET, C++, Perl,
Python 2.5, Ruby, CSS JavaScript, and HTML 5.0.
Project Management Training
Three-day program designed to enable students to understand the fundamentals of project management using
Microsoft Project 2010. Program covers basic concepts through functions required for managing small to medium sized
projects, leveling resources, and capturing cost and schedule progress.
Website Development
Program includes courses such as: HTML 5.0, CSS JavaScript, Java Programming, Creating WordPress Websites, Microsoft
Expression Web, DreamWeaver, InDesign, Flash, Photoshop, XHTML, Windows Vista, and Business Marketing on the
Web.
CompTIA A+
Program designed to help students prepare for the CompTIA Certification exam. This five-day training program includes
both essential and practical skills necessary to successfully achieve the CompTIA Certification.
Database Design and Development
Program offers the following courses, either online or in instructor-led format, to train students for successful database
design and development: Microsoft Access 2010, MySQL, Oracle, Database Development, Crystal Reports 10, and PHP.
Website SEO and Web Analytics
Program prepares students to use internet marketing to promote online business and drive traffic to websites.
Microsoft Office
Key Courses: Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Office 2010, Windows 7 and Sharepoint 2010
Project Management
Private Education Institutions Page | 70
Key Courses: Microsoft Project 2007, Microsoft Project 2010, Managing Project Teams, Strategic Planning Skills, ITIL
Orientation V3, ITIL Foundation, Quality Management, Risk Management, Schedule and Cost Control, Scope and
Requirements Development, PMP Exam Prep, CBAP Exam Prep, Project Management Skills for Non-Project Managers
Adobe
Key Courses: Adobe Acrobat Pro, ColdFusion MX 7, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Flash, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe
InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, HTML, Cascading Style Sheets
CompTIA
Key Courses: Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA A+ Certification, CompTIA A+ Essentials,
CompTIA A+ Practical Application
VMware
Key Courses: VMware ESX Server 3.5 – Deploy, Secure and Analyze, VMware ESX Server 3.5 – Install and Configure, VI3
to vSphere 4.0 Upgrade and New Technology, Advanced VMware Security
ITT Technical Institute
Information Technology
Data Communication Systems Technology (Bachelor of Science)
Program prepares students to design, deploy and manage data communication systems and infrastructures. Courses are
designed to address challenges in understanding and applying various solutions to help user organizations achieve their
business goals with effective use of chosen data communication technologies. (180 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Data and Network Communications, Modern Wireless Communications, Networking Security I/II/III,
Advanced Routing and Switching, Business Database Administration, Systems Analysis, Web Technology, Voice and Data
Integration
Information Systems and Cyber security (Bachelor of Science)
Program exposes students to fundamental knowledge and skills used in entry-level information systems and cyber
security. (180 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Risk Management in Information Technology Security, Network Communications Infrastructure,
Information Technology Infrastructure Security, Cybercrime Forensics, Security Auditing for Compliance
Network Systems Administration (Associate of Science)
Program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in network administration, information technology, LAN
and WAN work. (90 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Computer Structure and Logic, Client Server Networking, Physical Networking, Linux Networking,
Introduction to Information Security, IP Networking, Database Concepts, Introduction to Programming
Electronic Technology
Private Education Institutions Page | 71
Electrical Engineering and Communications Technology (Bachelor of Science)
Program prepares students for entry-level positions in electrical engineering and communications technology. (180
Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Networking and Communications, Automatic Industrial Control, Mobile Wireless Technology, Electrical
Machines and Energy Conversion, Fiber Optic Communications, C++ Programming, Green Energy Technology
Electrical Engineering Technology (Associate of Science)
Program designed to prepare students for a variety of entry-level electrical and electronics engineering technology
positions, such as electronics technician, service technician, telecommunications technician and engineering technician.
(90 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: DC-AC Electronics, Digital Fundamentals, Solid State Devices, Integrated Circuits, Electronic
Communications, Microprocessors and Microcontrollers
Drafting and Design
Drafting and Design Technology (Associate of Science)
Program exposes students to a variety of fundamental skills used in entry-level computer aided drafting (CAD) and
design positions. Students are exposed to CAD technologies and conventional drafting methods to produce various
designs, working drawing, charts, forms and records. (90 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Rapid Visualization Techniques, CAD Methods, Building Information Modeling, Sustainability in Design,
Materials Processes in Design, Parametric Modeling, 3D Civil Drafting, 3D Modeling and Visualization
Business
Project Management and Administration – Information Technology Option (Bachelor of Science)
Information Technology option for Project Management and Administration program helps students understand how to
apply principles of information technology, computer systems management and business operations. (180 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Introduction to Project Management, Systems Analysis, Project Communication and Documentation,
Project Management Tools and Techniques, Project Cost and Budget Management, Project Quality Management,
Management of Global Projects
Criminal Justice
Criminology and Forensic Technology (Associate of Science)
Program designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills used in the field of criminology and
forensics. (90 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Criminology, Criminalistics, Forensic Technology, Computer Forensics
Health Sciences
Private Education Institutions Page | 72
Health Information Technology (Associate of Science)
Program teaches students how to collect, analyze, maintain and report health data in accordance with established data
quality principles, legal and information security standards and professional best practice guidelines. (90 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Anatomy and Physiology I/II, Database Design and Applications, ICD-9-CM Coding, Healthcare Data Sets
and Specialized Registries
Devry University Anaheim
Business & Management
Technical Management (Bachelor of Science)
Program designed for students who have already attained qualifying prior college credits in areas such as criminal
justice, or health information technology. Program enhances business and computing skills to transition students into
management positions. (122 Credit Hours, 8 Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: Business Information Systems, Health Information Management, Project Management,
Security Management, Technical Communication
Accounting (Bachelor of Science)
Program designed to provide students with knowledge of financial tools, tax codes and U.S. laws needed to navigate a
wide range of business environments. (125 Semester Credit Hours)
Available Specializations: Accounting Information Systems
Information Systems Management (Graduate – Masters)
Program designed to equip students with a broad range of competencies to meet the business, management and
technical demands of this expanding field. In addition, program enables students to determine and implement a
company’s goals in computer-related technologies. (45 Credits)
Available Specializations: Information Security, Wireless, Data Administration and Management, Global Outsourcing
Management, Health Information Systems Management, Project Management, Electronic Commerce, Information
Systems Tools, Information Systems Applications
Network & Communications Management (Graduate – Masters)
Program designed to enhance careers in the growing field of network and communications management. Program
prepares students for employment positions in areas such as network security, developing e-commerce systems, and
technological strategy. (45 Credit Hours)
Available Specializations: Wireless, Information Security, Network Applications, Electronic Commerce, Technology
Applications, Project Management
Engineering & Information Sciences
Network Systems Administration (Associate)
Private Education Institutions Page | 73
Program prepares students to use tools and techniques embraced by leaders such as Cisco Systems while learning about
how to maintain existing network systems and launch new ones. (67 Credit Hours, 5 Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: Cisco Networking Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals
Biomedical Engineering Technology (Bachelor of Science)
Program enables students to work with physicians, therapists, and other technicians in the design, construction,
implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated healthcare equipment and lifesaving devices. (139 Credit Hours, 9
Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Computer Engineering Technology (Bachelor of Science)
Program designed to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to create advanced electronics like iPod, cell
phones, and defense-related equipment, and work in research, manufacturing, medical, communications, security, and
consumer products markets. (139 Credit Hours, 9 Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Computer Information Systems (Bachelor of Science)
Program designed to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary design, build, and implement software
solutions that are the driving force in every business, not-for-profit, and government agency. (124 Credit Hours, 8 Full-
Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: Computer Forensics, Database Management, Enterprise Computing, Health Information
Systems, Information Systems Security, Systems Analysis and Integration, Web Development and Administration, Web
Game Programming
Electronics Engineering Technology (Bachelor of Science)
Program enables students attain skills needed to build electronic circuits that drive in-demand technological devices
such as cell phones and iPods. (139 Credit Hours, 9 Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: Renewable Energy
Game and Simulation Programming (Bachelor of Science)
Program enables students to master the coding languages, visual design principles, and software methods used in the
development of video games, crime scene reconstruction, corporate training software, and more. (127 Credit Hours, 8
Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Network and Communications Management (Bachelor of Science)
Program enables students become skills in topics such as Ethernet-enabled voice-operated IP systems, security firewalls,
and next-generation network administration. (124 Credit Hours, 8 Full-Time Semesters)
Private Education Institutions Page | 74
Available Specializations: Cisco Networking Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals
Health Sciences
Health Information Technology (Associate of Applied Science)
Program prepares students for employment positions as medical records specialist and health information technicians.
(67 Credit Hours, 4 Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Neurodiagnostic Technology (Associate of Applied Science)
Program designed to provide the technical training needed to run and monitor typical diagnostic tests as well as the
communication skills to interact effectively, ethically and compassionately with patients, family members and staff. (65
Credit Hours, 5 Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Healthcare Administration (Bachelor of Science)
Program enables students to graduate with a knowledge of healthcare policy and the technological landscape, as well as
business skills that can be applied in the complex health services sector. (126 Credit Hours, 8 Full-Time Hours)
Available Specializations: Healthcare Informatics
Media Arts & Technology
Web Graphic Design (Associate of Applied Science)
Program designed to help students acquire knowledge and skills necessary to produce high-quality, web-enables
graphics and develop all types of graphic media including web pages, marketing collateral, advertising, instructional
material, and multimedia projects. (67 Credit Hours, 5 Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Multimedia Design and Development (Bachelor of Science)
Program allows students to learn how to design, illustrate, manage, and produce visual communications by mastering
key software applications, fundamental design principles, web content management, and graphics animation. (124
Credit Hours, 8 Full-Time Semesters)
Available Specializations: Graphic and Multimedia Design, Graphics and Multimedia Management, Web Design and
Development,
Web Game Programming, E-Commerce Management (Graduate – Certificate)
Program designed to enable students to gain a marketable understanding of the e-commerce technical strategies
necessary to develop impactful websites, strong marketing objectives and responsive target audiences. (24 Credit Hours)
Private Education Institutions Page | 75
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Information Security (Graduate – Certificate)
Program enables students to learn information security competencies in basic cryptography, intrusion detection and the
legal issues surrounding data protections, designed to be the foundation for a successful career in information security.
(18 Credit Hours)
Available Specializations: No specialization available
Information Systems Management (Graduate – Certificate)
Program provides a foundational background in databases, networking and information security to assist students in
advancing a career within the field. (21 Credit Hours)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Network & Communications Management (Graduate – Certificate)
Program prepares students for positions in networking, operations, systems, regulations and information security. (21
Credit Hours)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
Wireless Communication (Graduate – Certificate)
Program emphasizes the fundamentals of the wireless field, including methods of developing telecommunications
strategies, approving network designs, maintaining new technologies, and implementing network security. (18 Credit
Hours)
Available Specializations: No specializations available
University of Phoenix/ University of Phoenix South Coast Learning Center
Criminal Justice and Security
Criminal Justice Administration with a Concentration in Cybercrimes (Bachelor of Science)
Program concentration provides students with the basic skills needed to recognize relevant sources of electronic
evidence and determine how electronic evidence can be used in court proceedings and as part of an organizational
security plan. (120 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Information Systems Fundamentals, Contemporary Issues and Futures in Criminal Justice, Juvenile Justice
Systems and Processes, Criminal Procedure
Nursing and Health Care
Health Administration with a Concentration in Health Information Systems (Bachelor of Science)
Private Education Institutions Page | 76
Program designed to help students gain the skills to design, manage and secure health information systems and
electronic records. Concentration focuses on database concepts as well as information network and system design. (120
Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Health Care Delivery in the U.S., Introduction to Health and Disease, Health Care Information Systems,
Health Care Consumer – Trends and Marketing, Systems Analysis & Design, Database Concepts, Network and
Telecommunications Concepts
Technology
Information Technology with a Concentration in Cisco Networking (Associate of Arts)
Program, designed in conjunction with Cisco Systems, Inc., ensures that students are acquiring latest knowledge and
skills related to Cisco networking. Further, program ensures that students are prepared for CCNA certificate exam. (60
Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Information Systems Fundamentals, Wide Area Network Environment, IS Security Concepts, Local Area
Network Fundamentals, Routing and Switching Implementations, Routing and Switching Management
Information Technology with a Concentration in Web Administration (Associate of Arts)
Program focuses on tasks involved in various web technology job roles, and the skills and technologies to perform those
tasks. The concentration includes information system fundamentals, image editing and formatting, information systems
security, web site development, internet business concepts and network technology. (60 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: IS Security Concepts, Introduction to Image Editing and Formatting, Information Systems Fundamentals
Information Technology with Concentrations in: Database Development, Information
Technology Support, Networking, Web Design, Programming (Associate of Arts)
Program designed to provide students with a basic understanding of information technology concepts. Students can
choose a concentration of their liking based on their career aspirations. (60 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Information Systems Fundamentals, Office Software Support, Computer Systems Maintenance, Personal
Computer OS Support, Personal Computer Customer Support, Personal Computer Hardware Support
Information Technology with Concentration in: Networking and Telecommunications, Advanced
Networking, Business Systems Analysis, Information Management, Information Systems
Security, Software Engineering, Web Development (Bachelor of Science)
Program is focused on the acquisition of theory and application of technical competencies associated with the
information technology profession. Courses prepare students with fundamental knowledge in core technologies, such as
systems analysis and design, programming, database design, network architecture and administration, web technologies
and application development, implementation and maintenance. (120 Credit Hours)
Key Courses: Information Systems Fundamentals, Algorithms and Logic for Computer Programming, Web Design
Fundamentals, Introduction to Operating Systems, Fundamentals of Business Systems Development, Business Systems,
Project Planning and Implementation, Fundamentals of Networking
Private Education Institutions Page | 77
Master of Information Systems (Graduate – Masters)
Program provides students with the knowledge to successfully apply information systems theory and principles to
address real world business opportunities and challenges to meet the needs of today’s information economy. (42 Credit
Hours)
Key Courses: Programming Concepts, Information Systems Concepts, Business Systems I, Business Systems II, IT
Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies and Issues, Systems Analysis and Development, CIS Project Management,
A+ Fundamentals (Certificate)
Program provides students with skills necessary to better understand how to repair and troubleshoot computers. Topics
covered include networking, configuration, repair, file management, maintenance, recovery and security.
Key Courses: Personal Computer Hardware Support, Personal Computer OS Support
Cisco Networking Fundamentals (Certificate)
Program offers coursework designed to help students acquire the knowledge needed to install, configure and operate
local area networks, wide area networks, routing and switching implementations and management.
Key Courses: Local Area Networking Fundamentals, Wide Area Network Environment, Routing and Switching
Implementations, Routing and Switching Management
Information Systems Security (Certificate)
Program designed to provide students with skills and knowledge necessary to proficiently protect data systems used in
everything from government and corporations to small businesses.
Key Courses: Computer and Information Processing, Introduction to UNIX, Windows Server Networking, Introduction to
Cryptography, Introduction to Information Systems Security
Network Technologies (Certificate)
Program provides students with the opportunity to understand how computer networks are built, used, protected and
maintained.
Key Courses: Foundations of Local Area Networks, Wireless Networking Concepts, Wide Area Networking Concepts
Visual Communications (Certificate)
Program teaches students graphic design and technology tools to create visual communications that are relevant to
organizations. Students will develop a diverse portfolio of rick media that can be used in Web sites, advertising,
corporate reports, business presentation, instructional materials, animated movies and electronic publications.
Key Courses: Computers and Information Processing, Image Editing, Web Design, Electronic Publishing, Instructional
Design, Multimedia Development
Private Education Institutions Page | 78
Dale Carnegie Training
Dale Carnegie Training emphasizes practical principles and processes by designing programs that offer people the
knowledge, skills and practices they need to add value to the business. Center offers several events, seminars, and
courses aimed to fill employee skill gaps in areas such as communication, business presentation, leadership training,
sales, critical thinking, customer service, business strategy, business professionalism, and more. This unique institute can
be advantageous to IT businesses that seek to develop employee skills beyond the necessary technical knowledge.
List of Courses, Seminars, and Events:
Effective Communications & Human Relations/Skills for Success Leadership Training for Managers Sales Advantage High School Leadership and Communication Course How to Sell Like a Pro Sales Success The Leadership Advantage Confident, Assertive, In Charge: Developing Attitudes of Leadership High Impact Presentations How to Communicate with Diplomacy and Tact Critical Thinking How to Handle Competing Priorities and Tight Deadlines Interpersonal Skills for Technical Professionals Business Professionalism 101 Customer Service Phone Skills Customer Service: Cross Selling and Up Selling Goal Setting and Accountability Time Management
American Career College
Health Information Technology (Associate of Occupational Science)
Program designed to teach students how to use technology to collect, analyze, monitor, maintain and report health
data. These functions include processing requests for the release of personal health information, the coding of clinical
information, and processing/using health data for clinical quality management.
Key Courses: Healthcare Delivery Systems, Electronic Health Records, Pharmacology Principles, Health Care Data Sets,
Compliance and Reimbursement Methodologies, Health Information Systems
Southern California Institute of Technology
General Electrician (Diploma)
Program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to install and maintain residential, commercial and
industrial electrical systems based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Information Technology (Diploma)
Private Education Institutions Page | 79
Program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure and administer industry
simulating computer networks using Cisco equipment and Microsoft Software. Courses are structured around IT industry
certifications such as Cisco’s CCNA and Microsoft’s MCITP certifications.
Biomedical Technology (Diploma)
Program prepares students on how to troubleshoot and repair electronic-based medical devices. Program prepares
students for entry-level employment as biomedical technicians or other professions involving medical device repair.
Accounting Specialist (Diploma)
Program enables students to study both manual and computerized accounting principles based on GAAP to provide a
comprehensive overview of the accounting cycle and how accounting is practiced in business.
Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
Program emphasizes utility and industrial aspects of the electrical field such as electrical energy generation and
transmission, factory automation systems and robotics. Courses offer a balanced mix of engineering principles and
practice involving hands-on labs.
Electronic Engineering (B.S.)
Program introduces students to applications of electronic systems used in various industries such as healthcare,
telecommunications, and consumer products.
Computer Science (B.S.)
Program emphasizes the challenges and practical issues of building and maintaining computer data systems. Students
apply concepts learned in courses to projects based on IT scenarios found in practice.
Biomedical Engineering (B.S.)
Program introduces students to various medical applications of electronic based devices by bridging topics between
electronics engineering and the physiological sciences.
United Education Institute (UEI College)
Computer Technician (Diploma)
Program designed to make students career-ready by covering a wide range of topics such as networking technology,
computer support, computer maintenance, computer sales and marketing, and quality assurance.
QBICS Career College
Computer Electronic Technician (Certificate)
Program prepares students to sit for the CompTIA A+ Exam.
Phlebotomy Technician Training (Certificate)
Private Education Institutions Page | 80
Program prepares students to apply for State License from the California Department of Public Health.
Nurse Technician Aide (Certificate)
Program prepares students for a combination of various state and national certifications including: Nurse Assistant,
Home Health Aide, Restorative Nurse Assistant, Mental Health Worker Technician and Electronic Health Medical
Recorder.
QPE Technical Institute
CAD/CAM Technician (Certificate)
Program prepares students for opportunities in areas of manufacturing such as mills, lathes, grinding, punches, high
pressure water, and laser technology.
CNC Machinist (Certificate)
Program prepares students for a career as a CNC machinist.
CleanTech Institute, Inc.
Certified Nanotech and CleanTech Pro (Training Program)
Program designed for engineers, scientists, technical and business managers to prepare for senior level of
responsibilities in technology and business development in the emerging field of nanotechnology and applications in
clean energy.
Healthstaff Training Institute
Computerized Office and Accounting (Certificate)
Program prepares students for entry-level employment in administrative positions and office environments. These skills
can be used in general office settings.
Integrated Digital Technologies Corp
List of available Certificates:
Software Development/Programmer (Certificate)
Hardware Specialist (A+ Certification) (Certificate)
Internet Specialist/Web Master (Certificate)
Database Technology Specialist (Certificate)
Database Admin Enterprise Professional (Certificate)
Dot-Net Web Application Developer (Certificate)
IT Security Administrator (Certificate)
IT Security Professional (Certificate)
Network Specialist (Certificate)
Project Server Manager (Certificate)
Private Education Institutions Page | 81
Telecommunication Specialist (Certificate)
Computerized Office Specialist (Certificate)
Stanbridge College
Information Technology (Diploma)
Program designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary to transition to associate’s degree programs.
Adcon Technical Institute
Ethnocardiography (Certificate)
Program is a specialized concentration within the field of diagnostic medical ultrasound. Program coordinates academic
study with clinical laboratory experience at a hospital or clinic.
Ultrasound Technology (Certificate)
Program provides students with the knowledge, technical skills, and work habits required for an entry-level position in
the medical field utilizing ultrasound.
Medical Assisting/Billing (Certificate)
No description available.
RWM Fiber Optics
Communications Technician (Certificate)
Program is designed for the individual who wants to work in the home audio/video and automation installation industry.
Fiber Optics Broadband Technician (Certificate)
Program consists of theory and extensive hands on lab to cement course work together to prepare the student for
certification exams and job market. Successful graduates will qualify as entry level fiber optic cable installers, splicing
technicians, data cable technicians, network cable installers, cable assembly manufacturing, and repair, test and
inspection of network cabling systems.
College of Instrument Technology
Word Processing/ Computer Graphics (Certificate)
Program combines basic skills with hands-on experience offering students training in word processing, computer
graphics, desktop publishing, and DV digital nonlinear video editing.
Appendix Page | 82
Appendix
Orange County’s Prominent IT Companies Internship Programs
Blizzard Entertainment Inc.
Headquarters Location Irvine, CA
Parent Company Activision/Blizzard
Local Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 1,700 (N/A)
Companywide Employees, 2012, (YoY
Change) 4,100 (N/A)
Company Website http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/
“A unit of Activision Blizzard, the company is the leading video game maker in the massively multiplayer online role-
playing games (MMORPG) niche. It develops and publishes software titles such as the genre-dominating World of
Warcraft (about 10 million subscribers), Starcraft, and Diablo series available for play on PCs. Blizzard offers its Battle.net
online gaming service that enables the worldwide social gaming experience for its titles. The games are sold through
retailers and online download. The company has also leveraged its popular games into related products such as action
figures, board games, graphic novels, and comic books.” – Hoovers.com
Blizzard Entertainment is one of Orange County’s greatest examples of IT companies that are in-tune with fostering a
lasting university relationship and supporting a steady pipeline of student talent. As one of the most highly-regarded
high-end American game developers, Blizzard is already poised as an attractive work destination for many young IT
graduates and professionals. Blizzard recognizes this, and offers several pathways for students to follow as
demonstrated on their university relations page.
Blizzard’s internship offerings range across three categories: game development, business operations, and other
development. The beauty of the Blizzard internship program is in its established, structured implementation and
learning outcomes for students. Internships are offered every summer in each category, and Blizzard is active in
promoting its opportunities, such as through online Q&A sessions hosted by Blizzard hiring managers.
Additionally, Blizzard uses multiple outreach events to promote opportunities that lead to full-time hires. Their most
famous example is the annual Blizzard Student Art Contest, established in 2011 as a device to challenge graphics design
students to create professional-quality character and environment art. Contests are a teaching tool for students and an
excellent talent-farming preview process for Blizzard.
Appendix Page | 83
Quest Software Inc.
Headquarters Location Aliso Viejo, CA
Parent Company Dell Corporation
Local Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 600 (0%)
Companywide Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 3,900 (N/A)
Company Website quest.com
“Quest’s software is designed to improve application performance, manage transitions to new software platforms, and
monitor the delivery of data over corporate networks and the Internet. Its applications, which are compatible
with Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM database systems, are used for diagnostics, network monitoring, application
deployment, and data replication in the event of system failures. Quest also offers virtualization software and provides a
range of application, database, and other IT services. Customers come from the telecom, manufacturing, energy, and
public sectors. Quest was acquired by Dell for $2.4 billion in 2012.” – Hoovers.com
As Quest Software has transitioned into a Dell Corporation acquisition, many of the recruitment tools utilized by Quest
have adapted to match Dell’s existing programs – namely, the university relations program. Found within this program
are on-campus recruitment events, INROADS internships for underprivileged students, and rotational programs
designed to allow semi-annual or annual projects in defined segments of the company. Rotational programs include the
Human Resources Rotational Program (HRRP) through Dell, where students occupy three positions over the course of
two years in Human Resources – HR field work, business management, and assorted duties at the Dell Center of
Excellence. Dell’s Finance Development Program (FDP) operates similarly, with four rotating positions for recent
graduates pursuing advanced degrees. These programs incorporate finance and business coursework, seminar series,
and career development planning into normal job duties. INROADS for underserved business student populations is a
staple of Dell/Quest’s internship offerings, targeted at current undergraduates studying computer science, finance,
marketing, or many other fields. While Quest itself is a software-oriented tool-building company, many of its
recruitment programs center on business management, finance, and other non-technical offerings.
As a driver for Orange County IT recruitment, Quest is recognized as a leader in data management solutions and a
standout in the field for the region. Improvements to Dell’s outreach program can help channel talent into the Quest
division of Dell, leading to a stronger, more visible IT employer in the space for talent outside of the County.
Appendix Page | 84
Kofax Inc.
Headquarters Location Irvine, CA
Local Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 281 (-19%)
Companywide Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 1,177 (N/A)
Company Website kofax.com
“Kofax is the leading provider of capture enabled business process management (BPM) solutions. Kofax automates
information-intensive processes to help enterprises streamline operations, increase productivity & better engage with
their customers for a competitive advantage & growth. Kofax solutions make information processing more productive
and consistent than stand-alone Capture or BPM products. Users can engage constituents more effectively, gain
competitive advantage and grow their organizations while reducing costs and improving regulatory compliance. Kofax is
listed on the London Stock Exchange” – Kofax company information page
Kofax’s most notable contribution to university relations is in its education reimbursement program for its existing
employees. For employees with over three months of employment, Kofax can provide funding for retraining or career
advancement in courses taken for academic credit. Communicating benefits such as these to prospective hires are
essential for Orange County as a growing tech center – students will work where the options for upward mobility are
made achievable.
Western Digital Corp.
Headquarters Location Irvine, CA
Local Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 1,600 (14%)
Companywide Employees, 2012, (YoY
Change) 68,000 (N/A)
Company Website http://www.wdc.com/en/
Appendix Page | 85
“Western Digital is one of the largest independent makers of hard-disk drives, which record, store, and recall volumes of
data. Drives for PCs account for most of Western Digital's sales, although the company also makes devices used in
servers, cloud computing data centers, and home entertainment products such as set-top boxes and video game
consoles. The company sells to manufacturers and through retailers and distributors. More than 60 percent of its sales
are to OEMs such as Hewlett-Packard, which is Western Digital's largest customer. The company gets more than half of
its sales from the Asia/Pacific region.” – Hoovers.com
Western Digital is an engineering-focused organization, and its campus recruitment program is designed to target
software designers, validation engineers, and application compatibility engineers. Catering to entry-level engineers is
the “FIT-U” internal education program, a 9-12 month course in software engineering topics and skill development
available exclusively to employees at Western Digital’s Irvine, CA headquarters. There are also multiple summer
internship programs available for students in both technical and non-technical disciplines. These internships can grow
into part-time positions in many circumstances based on project types. While Western Digital is geared primarily toward
engineering majors, there are MBA and undergraduate internships in areas such as:
Engineering – Multiple Disciplines
Advanced Manufacturing
Branded Products
Finance/Accounting
Business
Human Resources
Qlogic Corp.
Headquarters Location Aliso Viejo, CA
Local Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 499 (9%)
Companywide Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 1,110 (N/A)
Company Website http://qlogic.com
“QLogic designs server and storage system networking products, including switches, adapters, and storage routers. It
outsources manufacturing. QLogic's products are primarily Fiber Channel and Ethernet-based, but can also operate as
iSCSI products or as a combination of these technologies. The company also provides controllers for embedded
applications. QLogic sells its products directly to server and workstation manufacturers and through distributors.
Appendix Page | 86
Customers include Hewlett-Packard (more than a quarter of sales), IBM (nearly 20 percent), and Dell (more than 10
percent). The company gets more than half of its sales from internationally-based customers.” – Hoovers.com
QLogic’s own university relations efforts include a New Graduate program and summer internship, focused heavily on
software engineering solutions. Giving students the opportunity to expand their knowledge outside of the classroom
and gain on-the-job experience working in a focused technology company, the internship program includes mentor
partnership as well as extracurricular activities such as field trips and corporate seminars. One such example is the
program manager internship, which supports technical product management. This position helps to develop, track, and
update the status of new products developed by QLogic, ensuring their compliance with risk management through the
product testing process. Project management tools and insight into computer component manufacturing are essential
for the 12-week program.
Broadcom Corp.
Headquarters Location Irvine, CA
Local Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 2,400 (4.3%)
Companywide Employees, 2012, (YoY
Change) 11,200 (15.6%)
Company Website http://www.broadcom.com
“As a semiconductor supplier for the global wired and wireless communications industry, Broadcom's reach is far and
wide. With sales and marketing offices and R&D centers around the globe, Broadcom manufactures about two billion
chips annually and is one of the top 10 semiconductor companies by revenue. Its System-on-a-Chip (SoC) technologies
and software products deliver voice, video, data, and multimedia in several major market segments: home and office
(cable modems, DSL, and set-top boxes), mobile (Bluetooth and GPS), and infrastructure (controllers, embedded
processors, and security). Broadcom's customer roster includes such elite technology names as Apple, Cisco,
Dell, Samsung, and ZTE.” – Hoovers.com
Broadcom as a large-scale international company is filled with technical internships designed for university students at
the undergraduate or graduate level. Broadcom’s co-op programs are designed to be worked during the academic year,
as an extension to apply classroom knowledge through the course of degree attainment.
One unique standout program hosted by Broadcom is the Broadcom MASTERS middle school STEM competition.
Broadcom provides scholarship funding and school supplies to participants and winners for projects nationwide. This is
enacted through nonprofit The Broadcom Foundation’s partnership with the Society for Science and the Public. The
Broadcom Foundation also provides funding for prominent STEM-focused teaching programs for K-12 students through
a grant application process.
Appendix Page | 87
Kingston Technology Co.
Headquarters Location Fountain Valley, CA
Local Employees, 2012, (YoY Change) 825 (0%)
Companywide Employees, 2012, (YoY
Change) 4,400 (N/A)
Company Website kingston.com
“Kingston Technology is one of the top makers of memory modules – printed circuit boards loaded with DRAM or other
memory chips that increase the capacity and speed of printers and computers. Kingston also makes flash memory cards
used in portable electronic devices, such as digital cameras, MP3 players, and wireless phones. Kingston takes on some
manufacturing chores for customers through sister company Payton Technology, which runs a specialized factory in
China that tests and packages memory chips before assembling them into customized memory modules.” –
Hoovers.com
Kingston is a dedicated manufacturer that, while not managing a full-service university relations effort, offers various
internships in software development for ongoing computer science students. These internships give students an
opportunity to write code, assist with product testing, manage SQL databases, maintain documentation, and
participating in the Scrum project management process – all essential skills for software developers operating within
large-scale corporations. The position allows students to work part-time for three months and develop transferrable
skills from a prominent hardware manufacturer.
Overall, the quality of IT-tailored pipeline support efforts by companies in Orange County significantly outweigh their
quantity, as evidenced by the major undertaking performed by Blizzard, Broadcom, Quest, and Western Digital. Many of
the smaller IT firms that are significant contributors to the field are underrepresented at university recruiting events, as
well as in their outreach in support of education programs and community partnerships. By improving this interaction
between smaller IT firms and a centralized career destination for internship programs, these connections between
educators and recruiters can be refined to produce student opportunities that will improve learning outcomes in a
universal format compatible with all participating universities.
Appendix Page | 88
Alumni Networks and Internship Resources in Orange County
Academic programs look to maintain ongoing support for recent graduates in all disciplines through alumni relations.
Many of these groups feature student representatives working in conjunction with university administrators to produce
chapters organized by region and area of study. Alumni networks are designed to get former students reconnected with
classmates, obtain career counseling, and take advantage of ongoing education resources.
Alumni associations are a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with students in IT-related professions, and find
local talent pools that represent active individuals engaged in their distinctive field. While the three most prominent
Orange County universities support healthy alumni networks, opportunities abound for improved representation of IT
alumni in available events and career advancement programs. Should a centralized online compendium of Orange
County’s IT employment and internship resources emerge, alumni networks are extremely valuable to include for their
contributions to localized community-building in the IT space.
Robust internship programs are one of the most powerful bridges between education and employment, and education
institutions support alumni with career resources designed to help create the right connections for the dual benefits of
internships. Some institutions are more proactive than others in terms of providing IT-related opportunities, and all
players can stand to gain from expansions in IT internship availability and streamlined services that help both students
to discover opportunities and employers to advertise them.
The following overviews summarize the IT-related events and employment services offered by each institution’s alumni
network, and in what ways an expanded IT-oriented component could take shape to fortify currently offered services.
UC Irvine
Internships
For students looking to integrate work-based learning, UCI offers both their general career center and their M.B.A.
specific career centers. In addition to career fairs, company information sessions and networking events, one of the
greatest resources available to students looking for internships is via official associations. Significant associations for IT
offered at UCI include Women in Information and Computer Sciences, the Undergraduate Business Association, and IS
resources from Beta-Alpha-Phi’s UCI Chapter, all opportunities for finding internships in IT-related areas. Featured
recruiters in partnership with UCI that may interest IT students include Experian, Wells Fargo, EMC Corporation and AXA
Equitable.
UCI Alumni Association
A standout characteristic of UC Irvine’s career seminars is their adoption of online webinars as their primary vehicle for
presentations. Career advancement webinars are available to download from the career archives section, and include
topics on interviewing techniques, projecting an employee brand, and writing effective resumes. Regarding individual
chapters, UCI’s alumni network supports nine chapters of alumni, including the Information and Computer Science
Alumni Chapter. However, the chapter pages contain little information on ongoing activities and participants. UC Irvine
could greatly benefit from a webinar series covering hiring needs in information technology, along with providing
greater detail for its existing ICS chapter.
Career Center
Appendix Page | 89
UCI’s own career center hosts four career fairs each academic year. The Internship and Career Fair held annually in
January is a dedicated internship showcase for many companies – the January 2013 event hosted 92 companies, 56 of
which were actively seeking internships, and 20 percent of the students in attendance were pursuing computer science
majors. UCI also hosts the Engineering, Science and Technology Fair every October, a platform for science students to
seek out job opportunities – 29 percent of October 2013’s attendees were students in computer science. Companies are
also invited to host individual information sessions on campus, and post internship listing on UCI’s job search tool
ZotLink. UCI’s efforts in supporting IT job development are the standard to beat for local universities.
Cal State Fullerton
Internships
At CSUF, finding an internship is an entirely student-led process. However, students can receive guidance from an
assigned career advisor, and CSUF’s Career Services office provides Fullerton students with a variety of resources to help
kick-start their careers. Undergraduates in IT-related areas of study can use both the business school Career Services
Center and the general CSUF Career Center as platforms to find student-exclusive postings for paid and unpaid
opportunities. Several undergraduate positions exist for the beginning IT/business specialist, including placements in
quality control and marketing strategy.
Alumni Association
Events for the Cal State University Fullerton campus include networking receptions and fundraisers across its 19
chapters, designed to help young professionals interact with the university, affiliate companies, and peers. While CSUF
does not currently have an IT-related alumni chapter, existing chapters that may be receptive to integrating IT elements
include Business Titans, Nonprofit Professionals, and Hispanic/Latino Alumni. With its increasing availability of joint
business/IT degrees, CSUF has great growth potential for increasing formalized alumni activities in the IT space.
CSUF Career Center
Cal State University Fullerton is also on top of providing effective IT career events – CSUF’s career center hosted four
career events from February through April, including the Business Career Expo, the Engineering & Computer Science
Fair, and the Internship & Career Expo. They also offer pronounced sponsorship opportunities for events, including
benefits that give premium placement at events and on student-facing material. Students are encouraged to attend
career events frequently, and are offered workshops such as the “Make Your Best Impression” workshop in preparation
for job fair attendance. The notable support for students considering internships and the guidance offered throughout
the process helps make CSUF students stand out as better-prepared for employers.
Chapman University
CU Alumni
Chapman’s most active networking event is a monthly happy hour, hosted simultaneously in eight different regions.
There are no defined chapters for Chapman University alumni by area of study, which could be an opportunity for an IT-
related group to eventually be formed. In particular, integrating a support network for Chapman’s unique areas of study
such as game design and economic systems could provide a significant advantage to alumni looking for support in
specific fields.
Career Development Center
Appendix Page | 90
Chapman’s career center features regular career events for all students, as well as “Career Excursions”, off-campus day
trips to companies throughout Orange County and Los Angeles. Chapman’s focus is on expanded networking events that
give professionals and students exciting mingling opportunities, such as the “Courses of Excellence” fine dining
experience. While no specific STEM-related career events are publicly broadcast, this presents a chance for growth in
the career center for IT-focused introductory experiences.
Orange County Community Colleges
Numerous community colleges feature dedicated job placement centers, fleshed out with counselors and seminars for
giving students the edge in resume writing, interviewing technique, and access to job postings on unique pages for
CollegeCentral.com. While schools such as Coastline Community College highlight their coursework in IT-related class
clusters, many of the prominent community colleges in Orange Country do not feature IT-specific career services beyond
the standard career center.
As demonstrated by the above program offerings, internship placement services and networking opportunities for IT are
fragmented, difficult to find, and occasionally not even provided. Developing a platform to compile all of the university-
hosted career events in Orange County can help students explore all of their available options, help institutions increase
their foot traffic at career events, and help employers streamline their application process and materials for presenting
themselves at these events. It may also encourage smaller institutions such as community colleges and private
education companies, underrepresented in the IT job fair space, to develop and promote similar events due to the
increased visibility of a central online location for Orange County. Targeting education-employer relationship-building
events maintains the spirit of the business/IT collaboration process, and contributes meaningfully to the overarching
goal of improving IT education and how it relates to ever-changing hiring needs.
Appendix Page | 91
Case Studies
Veterans Programs
Hiring Our Heroes
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched the Hiring Our Heroes program in March 2011 to help military personnel and
their spouses find meaningful employment, targeting recent returning veterans of the Iraq War. As of January 1st 2013,
Hiring Our Heroes:
Hosted 430 career fairs for veteran employment across Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and all 50 of the
United States.
Connected 18,400 veterans and military spouses to new jobs through connections established at Hiring Our
Heroes’ career fairs, 4,300 of which were hired within the last three months.
Brought over 750 companies into contact with veterans and filled their employment needs.
In March 2012, through a partnership with Capital One, Hiring Our Heroes launched a nationwide initiative called Hiring
500,000 Heroes, designed with the goal of achieving a half-million veteran hires by the end of 2014 in every sector of the
U.S. economy. Utilizing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s federation of 1,600 local chambers, Hiring Our Heroes is
“enlisting the support of thousands of small companies across America to achieve this goal”. According to the latest
quarterly status report provided by the organization, more than 800 companies and organizations have made
commitments as part of the Hiring 500,000 Heroes campaign. Thus far, companies have committed to hiring over
182,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. More than 85,000 veterans have been hired by these
employers between March 2012 and September 2012 alone.
Hiring Our Heroes launched a standalone program for military spouses on January 13, 2012 in Washington, D.C, also
sponsored by Capital One. The Military Spouse Business Alliance (MSBA) is a coalition of 10 leading military family
nonprofits nationwide, and the MSBA has held 20 hiring fairs to date with built-in career forums for spouses. More
recently, Hiring Our Heroes has offered workshops at other hiring fairs in conjunction with GE. As of September 2012,
Hiring Our Heroes has helped 2,300 veterans improve interview techniques and resume writing at 33 job fairs. Hiring our
Heroes has held an average of four job fairs per month in California, half of which are located in either Los Angeles
County or Orange County.
Joining Forces
Joining Forces is a national initiative by the federal government that aims to motivate businesses, nonprofits,
government bodies, and philanthropic organizations to become informed of the struggles faced by military families and
offer support for veterans and their spouses.
The initial challenge mandated by the federal government was for private sector companies to hire 100,000 veterans by
August 2013. By August 2012, 200 American companies had hired a combined 125,000, achieving the original goal over a
full year in advance. As part of the Joining Forces initiative, some high-profile technology companies that contributed to
the effort included:
LinkedIn: “Committed to adopting the job posting schema and developing an easy to use tagging method to help
facilitate the identification of veteran hiring commitments posted on their web site. Additionally, LinkedIn is
Appendix Page | 92
developing innovative applications to support veteran employment and developing a microsite to help veterans
find jobs.”
Microsoft: “Committed to offer 10,000 technology training and certification packages to U.S. military veterans
over a two year period, through a partnership with the Department of Labor. The technology training and
certification will be available at intermediate and advanced levels and will be delivered through e-learning, with
additional in person support. This partnership is an extension of the overall Microsoft Elevate America veteran's
initiative, which demonstrates a total investment of $12 million cash, product and related support for U.S.
veterans.”
AT&T: “Committed to launch two new online resources: a custom military skills translator, which will enable
servicemen and women to use their current Military Occupation Code or Military Occupation Specialty to find
corresponding civilian career opportunities at AT&T, and the Careers4Vets program which connects interested
veterans with mentors within AT&T. These new platforms will support AT&T’s ongoing veteran initiatives,
including supplier diversity initiatives like Operation Hand Salute, a mentoring program that is designed to help
disabled veteran businesses develop the tools and expertise to win large corporate contracts.”
Hewlett Packard: “Plans to expand on its original $50,000 commitment to the American Corporate Partners
(ACP), a nationwide mentoring program dedicated to helping veterans transition from the armed services to the
civilian workforce through mentoring, career counseling, and networking during a yearlong mentorship. As a
participating institution, HP has helped recruit executives, employees and retirees to be mentors in this program
and is now expanding its mentoring program to California.”
CompTIA: “Committed to train and certify 35,000 veterans and military spouses by 2013 with an IT-certification
through their Troops to Tech Careers (T2TC) Program. This goal is part of CompTIA’s long-term plan to provide
92,000 veterans and military spouses with valued-added IT-credentials by the end of 2016. To help reach this
goal, CompTIA has launched troopstotechcareers.org, a national aggregator of information and resources for
veterans and their families. The site connects veterans and families to benefits information, helps locate
education institutions to prepare for CompTIA or other certifications, and includes a corporate registry which
will link to companies that want to hire veterans and families.”
The IT Training and Certification Partnership debuted in April 2013, a new private-public partnership designed to address
the need for IT credential training provided for military veterans. The fact sheet cites this new effort as an extension of
June 2012’s Military Credentialing and Licensing Task Force, designed to provide training opportunities for veterans
“…focused on industries that have an identified need for more skilled workers and stand to benefit from military
expertise and training, including manufacturing, first responders, healthcare, information technology, and
transportation and logistics”.
The partnership is directed at service members who are phasing out of the military and into the civilian workforce, as
well as at current military service agents in their early career stages. The end outcome of the partnership is to assist
161,000 eligible participants to gain industry-approved certification in 12 high-tech fields, including healthcare IT and IT
security. “The IT Training and Certification Partnership can be used to leverage additional training opportunities that can
directly contribute towards service members attaining civilian IT-related certifications beyond those that are provided
in-service”.
Many prominent IT companies are at the forefront of the initiative, donating resources and instruction services for the
improvement of military careers in IT fields. Some of the highlights available from the fact sheet are listed below:
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Cisco Systems: “Developed the IT Training and Certification Program that will match Military Occupation Codes
(MOCs) with private sector core technology career paths. Cisco also worked with its partners, Global Knowledge
and Pearson VUE, to provide ANSI-accredited Cisco training courses that will allow transitioning military
personnel to prepare for Cisco CCNA certification exams and other globally recognized industry certifications at
no cost to participants.”
Microsoft Corporation: “Will donate 500 exam vouchers and partially underwrite the cost of training for service
members to receive Microsoft official skills training.”
CompTIA: “Will donate vouchers for certification exams, such as CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Security+, to
program participants. CompTIA has previously committed to train and certify 35,000 veterans and military
spouses by the end of 2013, and 92,000 by 2016, with an IT certification through its Troops to Tech Careers
initiative.”
Futures Inc.: “Will provide the IT Pipeline platform that will be the centralized hub for matching and connecting
transitioning and Reserve Component personnel with civilian training, certification, and employment
opportunities”
Through these and other pipeline efforts, employers can look forward to an increased pool of IT talent returning from
military service provided with guidance from retraining institutions in collaboration with high-profile IT specialists,
helping veterans to ultimately leave a lasting impact on their chosen technical fields.
PG&E: PowerPathway
PG&E’s “PowerPathway” trade skill program collaborates with community colleges and public workforce development
systems to allow accessible coursework for workers interested in utility or energy occupations. The program begins with
the Workforce Investment Board who screens, tests, advises and supports potential applicants. Successful applicants are
turned over to education partners who provide training courses to advance student careers in the energy and utility
industries. PG&E's role varies from partner to partner with duties including curriculum design, technical assistance, co-
delivery of classroom instruction, program funding, employment, and enlistment of additional participating employers.
In PowerPathway’s case, job skills learned in the workplace can be taken in the fields of Utility Worker, Pre-Apprentice
Lineman, Electrician, Telecommunications Technician, and Welder.
Many of the key features of PowerPathway could be very transferrable to a similar IT-oriented program. PowerPathway
works to collaborate with community colleges for specialty certificate programs – for instance, The PowerPathway
Certificate in Electrical and Power Systems at the College of San Mateo was designed to source hard-to-fill apprentice
electrical technician positions. By precisely defining the skills needed in a given position and combining technical
requirements with soft skills instruction, IT could also capitalize on specialized training should the proper business
partner make the connection with educators. PowerPathway also has a significant veteran’s retraining component –
PG&E has hired 1,200 veterans to date of their 20,000 employees. More than 100 military veterans to date have
graduated from the PowerPathway “Bridge to Utility Worker” and “Bridge to Utility Equipment Mechanic” programs at
Fresno City College and American River College in Sacramento. 60 percent of successful graduates have been hired by
PG&E, a PG&E contractor, or an industry-related employer. Finally, PowerPathway centralizes its course listings, training
locations, and job openings on an accessible, easily-searchable page. Giving prospective students complete and easy-to-
find information on programs and the steps to follow helps enrollment and ultimately graduation in the program best
suited for each student.
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STEM Academic Programs
The following institutions are recognized as resources that support K-12 or post-collegiate learning through various
methods and strong education goals. Some of these groups are within the IT realm, while others may concentrate in
different fields but serve as examples of successful education plans that could be applied to an IT education setting for
Orange County.
Early College Program
Early College Designs is an organization that supports creating combined high school and community college
coursework, enabling students to obtain up to two years of college credit while completing their high school degree.
Unlike advanced placement, “Early Colleges” benefit from a more specific design that seamlessly blends college-level
and high school-level material and targets at-risk student demographics such as English language learners and low-
income families. Participating Southern California locations include Middle College High School in Santa Ana, Newport-
Mesa Early College High School in Costa Mesa and Nova Academy in Santa Ana.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
PLTW provides challenging and innovating STEM education curriculum to middle and high schools across the United
States. PLTW’s comprehensive curricula are collaboratively developed by teachers, university educators, engineers,
biomedical professionals and school administrators to promote critical thinking, analytical reasoning and real-world
problem solving skills in students. The curriculum is delivered through PLTW’s Virtual Academy, free of charge, to
schools that register with PLTW. Overall, the program aims to expose students to courses and various pathways that
they would otherwise not pursue, in the hopes of providing students with a wide perspective on potential career paths
in the STEM fields. Currently, there are more than 42,000 schools nationwide that participate in Project Lead the Way.
Linked Learning
Linked Learning is an attempt to revolutionize and evolve the average high school experience by integrating core
academic principles with technical skills and real world experiences. Under this program, students follow industry-
themed pathways in popular trades such as engineering, arts and media, biomedicine and health. These pathways are
intended to prepare high school students for careers and a full range of higher education options including attending a
2- or 4-year college or university, apprenticeships, military service and formal employment training.
Overall, the program is designed to solidify and bring relevance to abstract high school courses by reinforcing theoretical
academic principles through work-based learning, i.e., internships, job shadowing, and real-world applications.
Consequently, the program relies heavily on teachers to blend academic and technical curriculum in ways that connect
theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Pathways are intentionally left undefined to allow flexibility and individualization based on the educational setting and
chosen implementation model. However, Linked Learning requires the following four components for a well-designed
pathway:
1. An academic component – Core subjects such as mathematics, English, history, foreign language and science
courses must be integrated to the curriculum so that students will be ready to transition to the state’s
community colleges and universities, as well as to career training programs such as apprenticeships.
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2. A technical component – Three or more courses must be designed in a manner that helps students gain the
necessary knowledge and skills to be successful and gain a head start in a career.
3. A series of work-based learning opportunities – These can begin with mentoring and job shadowing, and later
evolve into intensive internships or apprenticeships.
4. Support services – Counseling and supplemental services such as tutoring must be provided for students to help
them master academic and technical concepts necessary to be successful in higher education.
In 2011, passing of legislation AB 790 by former Assembly Member Warren Furutani called for the establishment of 20
pilot Linked Learning programs. Participants selected by the Department of Education include school districts, county-
level offices of education, and several regional groups of educational agencies. Together, the initial program is estimated
to reach approximately 600,000 high school students, about 30 percent of the state’s public high school population.
These pilot programs, scheduled to take effect in fall 2013, will be used to assess how Linked Learning can be expanded
to schools across the state. Currently, participating districts and county-level offices are not receiving additional funding
from the state for participating in the program, despite potential higher costs.
Each pilot project has varying emphases based on the district/area job market, prominent industries, other relevant
workforce indicators, and/or interests of members within the group. Evaluation of the program will be primarily based
on outcome data that include: student dropout rates, number of students who meet admissions requirements to
California public universities (A-G requirements), and relevant student workforce data.
Global Information Technology Academy: Brea Olinda High School (Brea, California)
In 2005, Orange County’s Brea Olinda High School introduced the Global Information Technology Academy (GITA), which
allows eligible students to gain college-level instruction specifically in IT while still in high school. GITA endeavors to
combine practical problem-solving skills and customer requirements with the essential job features incorporated in IT
work, and is a great foundational model for other Orange County institutions to base projected programs off of.
GITA is laid out as a four-year program for incoming high school students, with two GITA-related courses assigned each
year. Courses focus particularly on software and web development, with course content including Javascript, visual
BASIC, web design, and culminating in advanced placement courses for computer science. GITA is a partner with the
Informatics department of UCI, helping to develop curriculum and host seminars. While GITA is a great example of
program structure and pipeline management, content for emerging programs must move to include both foundational
computer science and introductions to business-favored alternative areas of IT, such as network management and
hardware setup.
Troy Tech Program: Troy High School (Fullerton, California)
Ranked second in 2012’s assessment of top STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) high schools in the nation by
U.S. News, Troy High School provides a unique technology-oriented program titled Troy Tech for students interested in
acquiring technological skills while learning about career paths in the field. The program is designed to provide
postsecondary students with a hands-on education about technology and related concepts through required courses on
the fundamentals of programming, computer logic and algorithms. Additionally, students are asked to follow one out of
five available specializations: Media, Business, CSIS, Engineering/Architecture and Governmental Leadership. Using
required courses and student-selected specialization pathways, the Troy Tech program endeavors to provide a balanced
education that encompasses a variety of skill-sets above and beyond traditional technological concepts. Further, during
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the senior year of high school, students are mandated to participate in an internship in a company of their choosing; this
component enables students to apply their acquired skills to solving real-world problems in a professional setting.
K-12 STEM Youth Events
Youth-focused events have the potential to be one of the greatest contributors to IT career experiences for young
students, and are a key linkage between business and education in terms of supporting practical, workplace-ready IT
skills. Many examples of events exist throughout the United States, and can be categorized into three main types. In the
following section, community displays, individual skill-building opportunities, and competitions are compared to
highlight their unique traits in engaging different student dispositions and learning inclinations. Several examples of
high-profile events in each category are shown as exemplary models for event types to consider fostering in Orange
County.
Community Displays: Fairs and Expos
Community displays are powerful tools for popularizing IT engagement with a two-tiered effect – encouraging existing IT
students to proudly show their skills, and inspiring attendees who view their efforts as both fascinating and wholly
attainable. Talented students often serve as the best inspiration for prospective students because they help prospective
students feel that with proper instruction and determination, they can also learn the techniques and knowledge of their
peers on display. While fairs and expos can contain a competitive element for groups presenting themselves, they are
typically positioned as celebrations of their subject matter, vehicles that deliver the wonders and possibilities of IT in a
constructive environment, and thus are distinguished from traditional competitions.
Kent School District (KSD): 2013 Tech Expo
The ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington recently played host to the seventh annual KSD and Boeing Tech Expo for
students, entitled “Classroom, College & Career Skills”. Designed especially for students interested in exciting new
careers in IT, the event’s overarching theme is to bring “21st-century skills” to the front of classrooms, where students in
every age group can be adequately prepared for tomorrow’s tech challenges. Schools within the district are the primary
booth owners, with presentations for teachers and students on using technology in the classroom to greater effect. The
KSD expo is an exemplary model for a region-specific tech fair, targeting schools and students with regional strengths
and relevancies in mind. The consistent message of how every booth applies to job readiness is well-constructed and
disseminated, giving the event strong differentiation and articulating tangible learning goals for students and parents to
absorb from the experience.
Milford 2nd Annual Career Expo
The city of Milford, Connecticut features its own online news resource titled Milford Patch, which features region-
specific news, announcements, and business listings. The recently-held career expo announced here was formatted
similarly to a college-level career fair, but designed for K-12 students as an information session to talk with actual career
professionals about their work, and offer advice on post-secondary education programs to follow, as well as
extracurricular activities to further grow skills in that particular occupation.
The career expo’s target audience of K-12 students stands out as a valuable way for young students to get a preview of
what career exploration is like in college. The expo offered fun sessions on dress code, handshaking, and writing mock
applications in addition to traditional career informational booths. Applying a similar model to an IT-centric career fair
for K-12 students exposes them to IT-related opportunities while simultaneously demonstrating the concept of job fairs.
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Partnering with a region-specific news resource like Milford Patch could be a reality through a proposed centralized IT
resource website for Orange County.
Individual Skill-Building: Seminars, Camps, and Workshops
Seminars, camps, and workshops all share a common purpose as an event – how to improve. For this reason, events
designed around skill-building for individuals are ideal events for aspiring IT talent, fresh and eager to learn after their
exposure at community display events. These events are also closely linked to universities, often hosted or sponsored by
prominent schools looking for branding opportunities. They are great venues for IT faculty members as well as special
guest speakers to contribute to the community. Allowing students to explore, particularly in collaborative feedback-
driven environments like camps and workshops, helps them to adopt findings as their own and further drive the natural
curiosity that can evolve into a passion. Providing these platforms, particularly to those unable to procure self-
education, is a critical step in elevating the IT literacy field.
R.I.T. Kids on Campus
Hosted at the Rochester, New York campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology, Kids on Campus is a two-week
summer program for Students from grades 5 through 12 to participate in academically-rigorous workshops in computer
science. Visual programming is the primary subject matter for the majority of workshops offered, ranging from 3D
modeling in Unity and Maya to integrating graphic design software into video editing. Particularly noteworthy is the
Women in Technology workshop, a coding and game design series designed and taught for young women in 10th
through 12th grades. Program instructors are a mix of R.I.T. faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and local
professionals. Where Kids on Campus shines is in providing a collaborative group setting designed to engage talented
students and enable new learners to draw insight from their classmates. It also merges creativity with technical
expertise in a compelling package for students of all backgrounds to follow.
Summer Computer Animation Camp
Hosted by PVNET, a Palos Verdes based program with over 3,000 students, Summer Computer Animation Camp is
described as a unique opportunity for students to learn about the mechanics of creating high-quality animated films.
Through several intensive classes students are taught advanced basics in 3-D modeling, character design, rigging,
animation, and rendering. At the end of each session students are able to have a completed product suitable for a demo
reel – a potential “selling device” for prospective employers. Currently, there are several animation camp graduates at
major animation studies worldwide, such as Pixar.
Mathobotix – Orange CA
Mathobotix, located in Irvine and Los Alamitos, is a privately-held California corporation offering STEM education
activities and classes to K-12 students. Mathobotix unites the rigor of logic programming and the creativity of kids’
construction toys into a fun, engaging series of summer programs hosted locally in Orange County. Mathobotix features
scalable K-12 classes on programming and engineering utilizing Lego Mindstorms NXT software; students build by
following the structure of real robotic systems development lifecycles and showcase their creations as a capstone
project. Building-block robotics is a natural way to incentivize students of all ages to “learn through play” – and as a field,
Robotics integrates academic subjects, real life applications and workplace competencies in a complete package.
Competitions
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IT students need motivators to continue pursuing their IT skills beyond a hobbyist level if they want to succeed
professionally, and competitive environments can be the best setting to encourage advanced students to grow.
Competitions can also inspire students similarly to expos and fairs, by giving students hope that they also can attain the
technical heights of their peers. Competitive events are a long-term investment for students, and require the support of
both family and education institutions to succeed. Fostering great competitions can bring prestige to a team, a school,
and the County, and can double as a compelling promotional tool solidifying a region or school’s IT prowess.
Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
ExploraVision is the largest science competition in the United States, boasting over 300,000 student participants since its
introduction in 1992. Administered by the National Science Teachers Association and open to K-12 students throughout
the country, the crux of ExploraVision is to challenge student teams of 2-4 to identify what they anticipate will be new
inventions 20 years in the future. The competition is structured to treat student teams like professional scientists in
research and development, and involves the production of research abstracts, a formal bibliography, and sample web
pages. Project submissions are due at the end of January each year, with regional and national winners announced from
March through May of the same year. Students are encouraged to partner with a guiding teacher to integrate the
project with course curriculum, but the primary driver for project completion grows organically from the student team.
Projects are judged on creativity, scientific accuracy, communication and feasibility of vision.
The most successful competitions highly regard creativity as a driver for student motivation, and ExploraVision utilizes
creativity and multidisciplinary applications to the fullest extent. Such competitions break down the barriers to science
as a nebulous, difficult-to-grasp area of study for young students, and reinforce the fact that technical solutions come
from addressing practical problems.
K-12 Student and Youth Engagement
“Youth Expo: STEM and the Arts Career Showcase” was a special event within the annual Youth Expo, hosted at the
Orange County Fairgrounds last April. Over 45 exhibitors offered hands-on interactive booths for students to learn about
STEM careers through mobile labs and live demonstrations. One major goal of events targeted at K-12 students is to
promote discussion with their families. Another is to appeal to a broad range of students, fostering interest in potential
career areas that students had never considered. The Youth Expo event also featured individual and group student
projects in robotics and alternative fuel vehicles, which is a massive inspiration-builder for younger students – seeing a
senior student achieving in creative uses of technology makes a future in that field seem that much closer within reach.
As this has only been the second year of the Youth Expo’s STEM event, supporting a successful third year with expansive
marketing, high-profile exhibitors, and exciting booths aimed at inspiring all ages should be a high priority for enabling
families to bridge the digital divide.
On the subject of inspiring the younger generation, a proposed “IT Big Brother/Sister” organization could match young
students to role models within the IT industry that can provide insight on tools, subjects, and philosophies in learning IT
skills. Role models could be college-level IT students, career professionals, or teachers. Exemplary IT professionals could
also be invited to give presentations at schools and field questions from students following some preparation from
teachers.
Challenges for university-level students such as hackathons are great venues not only for students to test their prowess
in real-world settings, but they can also serve as great showcases for interested companies eyeing soon-to-be graduates.
Hosted by universities or even by companies themselves, getting students engaged in tackling technical challenges
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benefits students by indirectly teaching soft skills essential to success – creative problem-solving, team coordination,
communication skills and project management. IT-oriented competitions could be devised for any number of
subsections in IT: digital media in visual design contests, network solutions, programming, game design, data
manipulation, and more could be considered for a competitive setting. Such competitions could even leverage a
multidisciplinary approach, comprising teams of students with non-IT expertise to contribute appropriately to a finished
product.
Vital Link
Initiated by the American Business Conference, Vital Link Orange County invites high school students to explore career
paths by experiencing them first-hand. Vital Link One Day Programs let students essentially try a career for a day
through a career exploration program event hosted on site at their schools, where professionals walk students through
real tasks that they would find on-the-job in the event’s featured careers. As highlighted on the Vital Link website,
students can try their hand at a number of IT-related projects, including:
Designing a product and print it in 3D
Watching a reenactment of a surgery
Utilizing surgical programs and tools to simulate a laparoscopy operation
Designing a robot and compete for prizes
Learning about career options in green technology
Meeting animators, video producers and video game designers
Creating personal avatars and web pages
Using medical robotics equipment
In addition to traveling one-day events, Vial Link also plays host to several major job expositions, many of which feature
STEM-related careers prominently. The previously-mentioned STEM and the Arts Career Showcase was a Vital Link
initiative, Featuring industry and education displays, exhibits, and workshop presentations emphasizing middle and high
school students, encouraging them to “Explore, Discover, and Connect” to their future careers.
Also hosted annually by Vital Link, Kid 2.0 is a great example of career-related events targeted for grade-school students
familiar with science and technology to take steps toward further curiosity in the field. For parents, the event held in
March 2013 at the UCI campus was a great introduction to careers in STEM areas – giving parents guidance on how to
assist their children in pursuing a STEM-related profession. Children in attendance could enjoy fun interactive exhibits,
while parents could learn about math and science resource centers in the vicinity, talking to engineers and scientists that
share their work experiences and give advice on entering their fields.
Beyond events, Vital Link also works closely with educators themselves to become better prepared in fostering the
growth of essential employment skills in the classroom. “Industry Externships” connect educators with local businesses
by providing company tours and information sessions, giving teachers concrete information on how industries are
changing over time and obtaining information on essential job skills directly from the source. Vital Link is also deeply
invested in providing curriculum supplements and guidance to existing schools, in order to help students carve out a
career plan. Vital Link’s soft skills curriculum is designed to accompany a technical education program, and through Vital
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Link’s Personal Portfolio study guides, provide high school students with a custom-tailored assessment of their
education and experience needs in order to be prepared for the career of their choice.
By supporting two critical audiences – student career exposure, and educator preparation skills – Vital Link aims to
accomplish its mission of creating the link between business and education, transitioning hardworking students into
meaningful employment. Vital Link is committed to making high school meaningful during the formative stages of the
career development process.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA) of Southern California is a prime example of an education pipeline initiative for underserved
communities that supports relevant life-skill learning at all stages, and feature a model for planning similar practices for
IT-oriented activities. JA provides supplemental volunteer-led learning opportunities for K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grade levels,
and ranks elements within all three according to their three pillars of student success: entrepreneurship, financial
literacy, and work readiness. Programs can be implemented within the classroom, during after-school hours, or as a
capstone program comparable to a field trip.
Elementary-level programs relevant to IT include JA BizTown, a simulated community experience for 5th-graders where
students participate with different worker and consumer assigned roles. Understanding the role particular jobs play in
the economy and potential career pathways at a very young age can help set the stage for IT interest if properly
implemented. At the Middle School level, programs focus on teaching students personal finance, understanding the
global economy, and for the JA “It’s My Business!” Program, which is designed to equip pre-secondary students with
entrepreneurship concepts laced within social studies, reading and writing. High school programs emphasize business
ethics, purposeful career choices and a firm grasp of micro- and macroeconomics. Also notable is the JA Job Shadow
program, designed to allow students to acquire valuable job skills direct from the source.
One of the greatest benefits of the JA program spectrum is exposure. Getting students informed and enabling them to
actively participate in activities can let students learn by doing. By shadowing workers and understanding financial
management best practices before graduation, students can be more powerfully equipped to succeed at the university,
the workplace, and beyond.
Latino Educational Attainment (LEA)
LEA is a revolutionary initiative composed of a coalition of business, non-profit, and academia, designed to increase
parent engagement and awareness of Orange County’s education system in order to improve student performance in
Orange County’s 100 lowest performing school districts. To increase parent participation LEA provides parents with
specialized tools and resources to ensure student success. On average, students of LEA trained parents have a higher
Grade Point Average (GPA) than non-LEA parents. Currently, this successful initiative has approximately 8,000 parents
that have completed the formal training, 115 organizations actively participating in LEA, 500 LEA trainers, 26 coalition
partners, 10 participating school districts, and 140 participating schools.
LEA’s success can largely be attributed to the unique forms of information dissemination that the initiative adopts.
Specifically, recognizing that many low-income minority groups largely relay information through each other, LEA
developed the concept of “Good Gossip”. This method trains and educates well-respected members of the community
to inform parents of the benefits of LEA in well-traveled public locations such as the soccer field, community center, or
other popular neighborhood destinations. The continued growth of the LEA coalition can largely be attributed to the
“Good Gossip” concept.
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Additionally, LEA trains parents using the 10 Education Commandments guide. These 10 Education Commandments are
designed to inform parents on Orange County’s education process, as well as means for ensuring that their children are
college ready. The 10 Education Commandments of LEA for parents are:
1. Commit as a family to be involved in school
2. Do my part in helping my child study
3. Understand how grades work ( A, B, C, D, F)
4. Learn how the schools are structured
5. Learn what my child needs to graduate successfully from high school
6. Help my child prepare for college early
7. Realize college is affordable
8. Support the learning of mathematics, science, and English
9. Encourage my child to take honors and advanced courses
10. Teach my child to hope and visualize his/her future
Beyond increasing parent awareness of Orange County’s education system, LEA further strives to retain students from
ethnic communities by encouraging them to join the workforce in Orange County and surrounding regions. This creates
the opportunity for students to give back to the communities they grew up in while contributing to Orange County’s
economy.
Today, LEA has grown into a small group of dedicated volunteers and organizations with an incredibly diverse
partnership of parent, corporate, educational and non-profit volunteers and sponsors. Along with the much needed
support of many civic leaders and investors the LEA coalition has established an innovative system to support the future
of our youth and usher them into the workplace in Orange County.
Girl Game Company
Primarily designed for middle-school aged participants, Girl Game Company is a Santa Cruz, California based program
which aims to increase interest, knowledge and desire for young women to pursue courses and careers in IT.
Participants in the initiative engage in activities such as designing and programming computer games, publishing and
receiving feedback in a virtual community, and participating in field trips to technology-oriented companies. In terms of
the program structure, students meet twice a week after school – during the academic year and two to three weeks
during the summer. The program has the following overall goals:
Short-term:
Increasing IT fluency
Increasing the appeal of educational pathways to IT careers
Building a network of friends and educators that support the pursuit of computing
Long-term:
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Increase the diversity in the STEM workforce with a focus on young women, particularly those from Latino
families
Currently, 276 young women and their families (80 percent of which are Latino families) have been involved in the
program. According to an independent evaluation survey conducted using 59 participants, significant improvements
have been found in the areas of computer literacy, attitude towards computing and computing careers and perception
of women as computer scientists in IT.
Stanford University Mobisocial Lab: Imagine Mobile Competition
The MobiSocial Lab provides the opportunity for corporations and other organizations to conduct research and attend
workshops with Stanford experts in mobile and social computing research. In 2012, the Lab hosted a summer workshop
series on programming for high school students, culminating in a discussion on why high school students may be averse
to computer science as an area of study. The students cited their preconceptions about computer science prior to
engaging in the workshop process, stating that computer science is considered solitary, tedious, uncreative, and
insignificant in individual impact. Thus, the MobiSocial Lab developed new opportunities for attracting students to the
positive aspects of IT work by focusing on areas many high school students know well – mobile devices and social
networking.
The Imagine Mobile Competition is a concept competition for middle school and high school students, emphasizing the
creativity in devising new IT tools for everyday life. Students as individuals or as a group can submit a concept video up
to three minutes in length, describing an idea for a useful mobile application. No programming knowledge is required for
participation – the competition is idea-driven. Multiple cash prizes are available, as well as opportunities to learn how to
create the winning concept apps. This approach is designed to strip away the elements of IT that are intimidating for
demographic groups distant from IT, and reward a problem-solving process that maintains the human element of IT.
Winning students will be naturally motivated to see their concepts come to fruition, which in turn can motivate them to
learn the skills necessary to design their winning apps.
Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS)
Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) is the leading non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting
engineering and technology careers to America’s youth. Currently, JETS has a national audience of more than 40,000
students and 10,000 educators in 6,000 high schools each year. Through the launch of their free electronics newsletter
and career exploration material, JETS has been able to extend its outreach to more than 200,000 students. Additionally,
JETS has a diverse group of participants, with more than 50 percent coming from groups that are traditionally
underrepresented in the technology and engineering fields – including over 33 percent female participation.
In order to spark student interest in engineering and technology fields, the JETS program adopts the Explore, Assess and
Experience model, detailed below:
Explore
The Pre-Engineering Times, a free monthly e-newsletter highlighting exciting, real-world experiences and people
in engineering;
Explore magazine, JETS’ newest publication that helps students discover engineering;
Jets.org/explore, the ultimate online resource covering more than 20 careers in engineering;
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Assess
PathAssess: an online tool showing students how their unique interests and skills can align with certain majors
and careers in engineering;
Experience
TEAMS, a written competition for students highlighting the “Grand Challenges” identified by the National
Academy of Engineering;
National Engineering Design Challenge (NEDC), a hands-on design challenge in which students make a direct
impact in their community by improving the lives of people with disabilities; and,
UNITE, a summer program designed to prepare and motivate minority students for success in engineering
through advanced academic classes.
Using unique and innovative teaching and assessment tools, JETS is able to provide students with a multi-dimensional
understanding of the engineering discipline. Additionally, JETS has been very successful in helping students re-frame any
negative perceptions about the engineering and technological fields.
Seattle Science Festival
Every summer, the Seattle Science Festival brings together a broad mix of students, leading scientists, and a sprawling
collection of universities, companies, and individual event coordinators for an 11-day celebration of all aspects of
science in the Puget Sound area. Events are tailored for various age groups and familiarity with STEM-related studies.
This year’s iteration ran from June 6-16, 2013. The Festival is uniquely structured to create opportunities for community
participation and provide access to community-driven content throughout the Festival. The highlight of the celebration
is Science EXPO Day, a 150-booth gallery of hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, and performances in all STEM-related
areas, hosted at the Seattle Center.
The key differentiator for the Seattle Science Festival is the extensive offerings for “Signature Programs” hosted
throughout the festival’s duration. Community members throughout the region can volunteer to host behind-the-scenes
tours, science adventures, field trip opportunities for classrooms, workshops, screenings of science-themed films, or
many other events – promoted through the Seattle Science Festival website and documented on the Festival’s calendar.
The 2013 Festival is hosting an average of six Signature Programs daily. There are no organizational fees involved with
the hosting of a Signature Program through the Festival, making it a unique opportunity for organizations of all sizes to
bring creative learning experiences to the table for public access. A filtered application process ensures that hosted
Signature Programs are of the highest quality and bring the best in family-friendly experiential learning to Seattle.
In regards to addressing the digital divide, adopting a festival model similar to the Seattle Science Festival can help bring
smaller, focused initiatives on gender and ethnic groups into the public view – giving them visibility and access during an
extended showcase for IT opportunities. Furthermore, the sheer variety of Signature Programs offered has the
advantage of attracting a broad range of potential students into IT.
University of California Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
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Offered at the nine UC Campuses statewide, LSAMP programs seek to significantly increase the number of baccalaureate
degrees granted to underrepresented students in the STEM fields. Overall, LSAMP adopts the following fundamental
goals:
Steadily increase minority STEM enrollment and B.S. degree production;
Expand undergraduate research opportunities, domestically and internationally;
Increase enrollment in and provide support for STEM graduate education;
Document effectiveness through evaluation and assessment.
Additionally, if students wish, LSAMP supports the continued education of minority students through graduate and
doctoral studies. Through this program, underrepresented groups gain many significant advantages through academic
and professional development opportunities, and hands-on experiences that support and reinforce retention and
degree completion.
CT Workshop
Children’s Technology Workshop is an established franchise in the field of primary student after-school activity centers.
Its signature program, iCamp, is a summer program for students in grades 2 through 8 that incorporates Lego
Mindstorms, video game design, digital art, and audio editing software into a comprehensive summer technology
experience. Workshop Club is a weekly after-school year-round program that gives students practical application
opportunities for technology learning both at the CTW and in the outside world. While bearing some similarities to
Orange County’s Mathobotix, CTW denotes that all of its games, robotics, and art design activities are strictly nonviolent.
This policy could be considered an asset for appealing to specific demographics that culturally are against the emphasis
on violence commonly associated with video games and computer software. Violence and tolerance for its depictions is
a significantly divisive issue by gender, and a controlled environment can potentially be more effective in reaching out to
young women for interest in IT.
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The Role of Private Post-Secondary Education and Training Providers in IT Training:
New Horizons Case Study
New Horizons (NH) is a private post-secondary education and training provider with a significant presence in Orange
County and provides a valuable case study regarding the future of distance learning, IT certification training, and the
value of private technical institutions compared to traditional education institutions. The following section is a
representative perspective of the role of private post-secondary providers in supplying an educated IT workforce. NH
gives insight into a model of how private post-secondary providers have demonstrated how efficiently and effectively
institutions like New Horizons can fill employer’s IT job training needs.
NH is a preferred partner for Microsoft, Cisco and Vmware curriculum, offering first-party certified instructors and
courses. A large portion of NH’s US offices are in California. Red Hat enterprise software for Linux is a key focus area, as
NH is the only Red Hat preferred instructing partner in the state. NH provides classes for gaining trade certifications in
four main IT divisions:
System Administration
Software Development
Network Administration
Database Administration
CompTIA is a non-profit provider of certifications and the standard for many other vendors. CompTIA’s “A+” and
“Network+” are considered the foundation for basic computer knowledge, and students can branch into specialized
sectors from there. Typically, receiving all baseline certifications is a seven-month process.
All NH teachers are officially certified by the product vendors and their training programs – Microsoft, Cisco, etc.
Teachers typically need to recertify annually, to keep up with software revisions and updates. The ongoing education
instructors receive from vendors is key to keeping the skills taught relevant.
Microsoft is known to change its course materials as often as every three months. Likewise, professionals who earn
their certification will need to re-certify with the same or new certification every three years. Since certifications are
narrowly defined, professionals will have to adapt. For example, certification in Windows Server 2008 is irrelevant if a
company is running the 2012 edition.
Most courses are intensive and concentrated, some in as small as a week’s full-time 40 hours commitment.
NH classrooms adopt a “Mentored Learning” model. There are computer lab rooms at NH where students can take
classes, consult lectures, complete assignments and review digital textbooks. A Microsoft-certified technician is in-
person to take any questions or solve any IT issues students have. Test rooms are where students can take officially
proctored exams to gain certification.
Lab assignments usually consist of 1.5 hours of study and hands-on assignments followed by 4-10 follow-up questions to
reinforce learning. There are specialized classrooms for Excel, Adobe Acrobat. Classrooms are “remote-in” friendly,
meaning many classes allow students to telecommute, ask questions via chat boxes or video. The teacher is live-
recorded, and students can tune in to the feed or an archived class session later.
Some classes are 100 percent online with the teacher broadcasting exclusively to distance students. Class content
determines if a class is suitable for online-only or if in-person coursework and instant help is more supportive for the
Appendix Page | 106
class. NH has doubled its number of classrooms since last year, and hosting distance learning courses at very high
frequencies is the key to letting them offer more classes at a lower organizational cost.
In terms of NH student demographics, the educational background of their incoming students is diverse – some are
Bachelor’s degree holders in computer science or completely unrelated fields, some are PhDs looking to get practical
assistance, and some are tradesman over 30 looking for career changes. 80 percent of NH students are funded by their
parent companies to retrain. About 10% are on grants from the Workforce Investment Act, and less than 2 percent are
attending out-of-pocket. The majority of NH’s business comes from successfully-placed students who later convince
their entire organization to retrain at NH.
When advising students at NH, the student’s background is implemented first, before determining which sect of IT
would best enhance the student’s career. For example: A former carpenter wanted to become a medical coder, but NH
steered him into business intelligence at Home Depot through classes and certifications in databases. Counseling is
concerned about outcomes, and keeping students moving forward with practical training in a way that fits their
backgrounds. Addressing the age-technology generational gap is key to the success of IT retraining.
Key Takeaways:
A primary issue confronting IT education and training in general is that for many institutions is that educators, and
therefore the classes they teach, become outdated quickly without continual re-education and professional
development by instructors. Often, “gray material” is taught, coursework created by the instructor who often lacks
official teaching certifications from vendors such as Microsoft and Cisco. Many courses focus too much on irrelevant
course information – students don’t need to know the history of binary code, they just need to know how to apply it.
Cost is perhaps the biggest underlying issue in highlighting how difficult many lower-cost training providers such as
community colleges struggle to meet employer’s IT education and training needs. A single class ranges from $2,500-
$4,000 from New Horizons – and most entry-level certifications require at least three classes. These prices are largely
determined by the vendors, which is why community colleges need to use “gray material” because affording official
certified Microsoft, Cisco, etc. instructors is not feasible. The well-publicized lack of state funding for community colleges
exacerbates the problem.
Many lower-income students attend lower-cost institutions such as community colleges to get technical training in a
specific area. NH’s prices and intensive class structure are unusable for low-income workers, the type of workers the
County would like to transform the most into an IT workforce. With community colleges needing to maintain multiple
facets of education – university training, trades outside of tech, language learning, remedial courses – it’s difficult to
expect them to be able to shift to a model similar to NH that does IT training justice at the neglect of other areas.
Another overarching problem is the near-monopoly Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, etc. hold on training requirements. Most
vendors release revised content every two years or even faster – and with the difficulty of adjusting curriculum colleges
already have, it becomes expensive for instructors, institutions, and students alike to keep up with necessary updates.
NH is an excellent program that’s adapting in all the right ways to using distance learning, digital textbooks and
integrated career counseling, ways that community colleges can definitely make short-term changes in. Teachers at
community college also need to become more receptive to change and adapting to updates. If businesses want
community colleges to improve their quality, community colleges should look into getting company-sanctioned
instructors and certification for their current IT teachers – a state subsidy to the companies involved could help the
community colleges keep costs down for everyone and maintain the official content and certifications businesses need.