News & Events

June 27, 2007

CONTACT:

Carl Young, Interim Director of Communications
425.352.8256
cyoung@cascadia.edu

Cascadia Community College Responds to Job Demand in Information Technology

Bothell, WA - In response to discussions with IT industry leaders, Cascadia Community College redesigned its IT degrees and announced three new certificates that will be offered this fall. In its June meeting, the Cascadia Board of Trustees approved the changes, which are designed to prepare students for the rapidly-evolving IT industry.

According to IT leaders consulted by the college, there has been a shift toward the need for workers with skills such as project management, business knowledge and soft skill expertise, beyond their knowledge of programming and the web environment. Feedback for the program was provided by a focus group of industry representatives and the college’s Professional/Technical Advisory Committee. The result was a thoughtful review of student learning and industry trends which became the basis for the degree changes.

Dr. Sharon Buck, Dean for Student Learning, expressed excitement about the new programs. "We're thrilled for both community employers and for our students. Our students may be recent graduates, career changers or current technology workers. They can join the program at multiple entry points, earn certificates and industry certifications along the way, and exit with options to continue toward a bachelor’s degree or go directly to work in high wage positions." Cascadia now offers a newly reconfigured AAS-T degree in Web Application Programming Technology with emphasis options in Programming or Web Design. Also new are short certificates in: PC Network Technician, Flash Design or Database Development.

Short Certificates focus on marketable skills and offer skill development while students are working toward transfer degrees or career placement. They can be taken as independent programs or as a cluster of classes within a standard 2-year transfer degree. Marketable skills will allow students to seek meaningful employment while working toward longer term educational goals. The new short options contribute to a pathway of programs in the IT and Business cluster including certificates in Office Skills integrated with Adult Basic Education, Network Specialist, Technical Support Specialist, and Web Specialist.

Cascadia Community College, located in Bothell, shares a campus with the University of Washington Bothell. Cascadia provides small classes and innovative instruction to more than 2,500 students each quarter. Students earn a variety of degrees, certificates, job training and basic skills. For more information, see: www.cascadia.edu.

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