Career-Launching Degrees: Computer Information Technology Published December 17, 2019

When you consider the fact that computers are now involved in countless aspects of our daily lives, it makes sense that the area of computer and information technology (CIT) contains an expansive job field that is one of the fastest-growing in the country — including Oklahoma. 

Pursuing a CIT-related degree can equip you with the skills to obtain a number of lucrative and rewarding occupations across a wide variety of fields and industries. Rose State College offers two different Associate in Applied Science degree and certificate programs within our Computer and Information Technology department.

What is Computer and Information Technology?

Although CIT is a broad and highly technical field, a general definition refers to the utilization and study of computers, networks, computer languages, and databases within an organization to solve real problems. Focus areas within CIT include computer programming, networking, systems administration, and internet development. 

Rose State offers two particular CIT degree/certificate options: Database and Programming.

Database

Database administrators (DBAs) often work within office settings and make use of certain programs and software in order to store and organize important data for businesses and organizations, while also keeping it secure from outside threats. Another aspect of their job typically involves keeping data readily available and coherent for analysts and those in high positions within a company. 

Within the field of database management, there are traditionally two types of DBAs: system DBAs and application DBAs. System DBAs often oversee the more physical and technical aspects of managing a company’s databases. They typically have a background in system architecture that equips them to install upgrades and debug faulty code. Application DBAs on the other hand focus on managing databases that have been designed for a specific application or function, such as customer-service or financial software. These DBAs may use programming languages to write or debug programs and must be able to manage the applications that work with databases.

Programming

Computer programmers can work in numerous industries and usually spend their time in an office writing and testing code that enables computer applications and software programs to perform as they should. They translate program designs created by software developers and engineers into language a computer can follow in order to perform a specific task command. They also test new applications and programs to ensure they produce the expected results and fix code errors as they are discovered. 

When working as a computer programmer, Oracle, HTML, C++, C#, Python, Visual Basic, .Net, and Java are used on a regular basis to write the codes needed for these programs and applications. Computer programming is a very remote-friendly job, which allows many programmers to work for companies all over the world while remaining in the location of their choice.

Job Outlook for Computer and Information Technology in Oklahoma

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CIT occupations are projected to grow 13% (equivalent to 557,000 new jobs) by 2026 — the most aggressive growth of any occupation. There are several factors driving this growth, with the most notable examples involving the more widespread use of cloud computing, data storage and management, and information security. 

The median wage for all computer and information technology occupations in 2018 was $86,320 — much higher than the median annual wage of $38,640. Within Oklahoma, database managers can expect to earn $74,410 annually, with a mean average of $92,030 nationally. Computer programmers earn an average of $83,090 in Oklahoma, compared to an average of $89,580 on a national level.

Computer Information Technology Program at Rose State

Rose State’s CIT program offers a well-rounded structure that includes a mixture of business courses and crucial programming languages. Other course offerings include computer hardware and operating systems, networking, database, Oracle, Access®, and micro applications.

Database Option

After completing the database option for their Associate in Applicated Science degree, students will have taken courses in database theory and design, Access®, advanced database design, and structured query language (SLQ™), and exhibit proficiency in the following: 

• Designing, creating, and administering databases using database management systems and programming languages
• Network administration (entry-level)
• Information technology security skills
• Analytical expertise to perform system analysis 

After earning their associate’s degree, many database administration students go on to earn their bachelor’s degree from a four-year university in either computer science, information systems, or information technology. You do not need to be licensed to be employed as a database administrator, but companies may require their DBAs to be certified in the products they use, such as specific software.

Programming Option

Upon completing the programming option for their Associate in Applicated Science degree, students will have taken courses in C++® Language, Script Programming, C#® (C Sharp), and Advanced Java® Programming, and show proficiency in the following: 

• Programming expertise in the creation of business computer programs using procedural and object-oriented languages
• Expertise in designing, creating, and administering databases using database management systems and programming languages
• Entry-level network administration and information technology security skills
• Analytical expertise to perform entry-level system analysis 

After completing their associate’s degree, computer programming students may either enter the computer information technology field or go on to earn a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university. Like database administrators, computer programmers do not need a license in order to enter the workforce but many employers require their employees to be certified in specific programming languages or vendor-specific programming products. 

If you’ve always had an interest in computer-related occupations, now is the time to take advantage of the most favorable employment opportunities in any vocation. For more information about the computer and information technology program at Rose State, contact Jeffrey Thompson at (405) 733-7465 or jgthompson@rose.edu. Ready to get started at Rose? Apply today!