Last updated on September 24, 2019
Did you know that computer information technology is one of the largest and fastest-growing job sectors across the globe? Did you know that you can get started in this exciting career at Dallas Community Colleges? Well, it’s all true! The demand for electronic access to information has made computers indispensable in offices, schools and homes. With that demand comes a need for skilled technicians to design, develop, carry out, keep up and support software and hardware systems.
Getting Started at Dallas Community Colleges
You can get started in Computer Information Technology (CIT) at any of the seven colleges of DCCCD: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland. The program consists of four different career paths, allowing you to specialize and sharpen your skills depending on your area of interest.
- Networking Security: Network technology specialists design, evaluate, test and maintain networks including LANs (local area networks), WANs (wide area networks), Internet-based networks, intranets and voice communication and wireless systems.
- PC Support: Personal computer support specialists install computer hardware and software, interpret and resolve problems for users and provide technical support for hardware, software and systems.
- Programming: Application development specialists (also called programmers) design, write and update computer programs or software using an alphabet soup of programming languages including C, C++, C#, Java and Visual Basic.NET. Database administrators maintain storage systems, run archival networks, monitor system performance and help maintain database security.
- Web/Internet Services: Web developers design, code, test and debug web-based programs to create, publish and maintain websites. They also apply analytical problem solving to multimedia/interactive solutions for Internet markets by drawing on the skills of the computer programmer and the visual artist to integrate graphics, text and digital audio/video.
You can earn one certificate or skills achievement award in a particular area or combine several to earn an associate degree. Be sure to check out all of your options in this field.
Heads up — not all CIT degrees and certificates are available at all of the colleges. Check with an academic advisor at the college you plan to attend to ensure that it offers the courses and degree that you are interested in.
What Can I Do With An Associate Degree in Computer Information Technology?
Computer Information Technology associate degrees and certificates prepare you for entry-level jobs such as computer programming, network design and management, technical support, information securities and application design.
What Is the Job Outlook for Computer Information Technology?
According to projections by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer technology services will grow at more than four times the rate of all industries through 2022. Some of the jobs that you may want to look into are:
- Web developer/designer
- Computer user support specialist
- Computer programmer
- Software developer
Interested in Learning More
- Read more about how to get started in the the Computer Information Technology program at the colleges of DCCCD.
- Check out the Computer Information Technology Guided Pathways.