PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. – According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth in the computer networking industry is projected to be twice the growth of the overall job market through 2020.
Central Arizona College is attempting to keep up with that accelerated pace of growth by partnering with the University of Arizona to offer a full-transferable associate of applied science degree in computer networking.
The degree, which would allow students to complete general education requirements and lower level computer networking courses at CAC, will give students the opportunity to seamlessly transition to the University of Arizona and pursue an applied science in networking bachelor’s degree. As part of the associate degree curriculum, new courses have been added, one in telecommunications and the other in wireless network security.
CAC’s computer networking course offerings are expanding onto multiple campuses as well as being offered online and through Interactive Television (iTV) options. Evening and weekend classes also are available. The iTV offerings will allow students the chance to pursue this exciting degree from numerous locations across Pinal County.
Currently, the college offers a networking certificate that consists of nine classes, ranging from computing fundamentals to networking, routing and server administration. The 27-credit program builds a foundation of computer skills and knowledge that prepares students for the A+ and Net+ certifications that are widely accepted in the computer industry. Students who earn or have earned the CAC networking certificate also can pursue the associate degree.
For more information regarding CAC’s computer networking program, please contact Barbara Bushelle, professor of computer networking, at 520-494-5025 or by email at barbara.bushelle@centralaz.edu.