The Computer Engineering/Computer Information System program at the Arkansas Tech University Career Center includes five major areas: diagnostics, operating systems, networking, on-the-job readiness and an introduction to programming.
In diagnostics, students learn the major parts of a computer (storage, CPU, memory, graphics cards, etc.) Computers are torn down and rebuilt. Students learn to properly install peripheral devices. After mastery of these prerequisites, a student moves on to troubleshooting, repair and upgrading computers. Once hardware is mastered, the student moves to operating systems. In the second year of the program students design, build and learn to administer networks using the latest network operating systems, switches and cables. Students will also get an introduction in programming using the newest version of HTML and Visual Basic.
With a basic certification, students have the potential to start working in positions paying $12 to $16 per hour right out of high school. Each additional certification and computer course increases starting salary. After certification the student is eligible for jobs in computer sales, repair and network administration. Students who complete this program of study offered at the Career Center may receive up to 15 hours of college credit and a Certificate of Proficiency in computer information technology.
Ereck Ladd
eladd@atu.edu
