Skip to content
Go to BCC Continuing Education Home Page Continuing Education Home
CE HomeAbout CECE ClassesCE ProgramsRegistrationResourcesContact Info
 

Career Paths

Applications Development/Programming

Applications developers or programmers typically write, test, and maintain detailed programs for implementation in desktop, network, and web environments. Successful programmers must be creative with good problem-solving techniques, have a keen sense of business needs, and an excellent understanding of customer requirements. They must also possess the technical and functional skills to analyze, design, develop, and implement object-oriented applications for a variety of increasingly distributed audiences. Programming classes at BCC range from the basics in programming to HTML, Visual Basic, Java, C, C++, and leading-edge programming in the Microsoft .NET framework. For those pursuing career objectives as programmers, application development and understanding of specific tools and technologies continues to be among the highest demand and fastest growth areas for employers in the technology sector.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of technology and PCs; completion of Windows Level 1 and 2, or equivalent; and strong file management skills. View classes

Business Applications

Business application professionals support mission-critical roles in the workplace, expertly using word processing tools, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, messaging software, Internet research skills, and project management and business accounting software to name a few of the skills and tools covered in business applications courses. In pursuing business applications at BCC you will gain hands-on experience and skills designed to make you a more productive and effective professional in a variety of office environments. By completing beginning through advanced classes in several of the Microsoft applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project) you will gain preparation to take one of the corresponding Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) examinations.

Prerequisites: Before getting started with business applications courses, you should possess basic computing and keyboarding skills (completing Getting Started with Computers and Quick Keyboarding will be sufficient). It is highly recommended that you start with Windows classes in order to gain a fundamental understanding of the operating system environment and basic file management. View classes

Database Development and Administration

In today's workplace, managers, programmers, and professionals need database skills. Without question, effective understanding, management, and analysis of data is key to success for business professionals at all levels. With the increased database requirements across industries, it is not surprising that database managers, developers, and administrators continue to be among the highest demand of all IT professionals. In BCC Computer Programs, you have a variety of options for study and hands-on experience with database methodologies, products, and technologies. Once you have gained basic skills in areas such as database design, Access, and SQL (Structured Query Language), you may wish to consider pursuing one of the leading vendor-authorized certifications such as the Cisco Certified Netword Administrator (CCNA) or the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA).

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of computers and interest in data gathering techniques and data analysis; completion of Windows Level 1 and 2, or equivalent knowledge and experience. View classes

Networking & System Administration

Individuals with skills and abilities to design, create, manage, maintain and support computer networks play a critical role in the success of businesses today. In addition, with increased telecommuting, home-based small businesses, and multi-computer households, the need for home and small business networking skills continues to increase. Certifications from leading network software and hardware equipment makers, including Microsoft and Cisco, provide valuable credentials and foundation skills for IT professionals. In addition, BCC offers a complete set of preparatory courses for those just entering the networking field.

Prerequisite: Basic understanding of computers and Windows; comfort in a hands-on high-tech environment. View classes

Security

Security is a critical piece of today's information technology landscape, and skills in IT security are in high demand. Everyone working in technology today needs to be aware of security to some degree, from senior administrators to system engineers. Develop your security awareness and skills with these courses.

Prerequisite: Familiarity and basic knowledge of computers; completion of PC Network Fundamentals or equivalent knowledge of networking basics. View classes

Software Testing & Quality Assurance

Finding qualified software testers is a challenge for many technology industry employers. Testers are typically creative, detail-oriented individuals who are motivated to solve problems. Learning to find, report, and test bugs in software are excellent skills to gain for today's technology industry, and qualified individuals often find software testing to be a logical entry point to the IT field. Course content is designed with input from area companies. Skills sought by employers in hiring testers include computer basics, knowledge of programming fundamentals, ability to communicate effectively and work in teams, test planning, and test automation experience which includes the ability to find software bugs and write logical, concise bug reports. BCC partners with a leading software testing consulting and training firm to offer a series of courses designed to give testers the skills needed for testing in a variety of environments.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with computers and completion of Windows Level 1 & 2, or equivalent knowledge and experience. View classes

Technical Support Specialization
(Hardware, Software)

Professionals who can upgrade, troubleshoot, and optimize PCs and computer systems for customers continue in demand across small, medium, and large-size companies. The roles of technician, help-desk professional and customer service representative are all excellent entry points for individuals seeking to enter the Information Technology (IT) workforce. Skills required include in-depth hardware understanding and hands-on experience, including component specification and assembly of PCs, general troubleshooting techniques, technical and networking aspects of operating system environments (e.g., Windows and Unix), and excellent communication and customer service skills. Ideal certifications to pursue include A+ and Network+ for starters; later, candidates may wish to pursue MCSA, MCSE or Cisco certification; or alternatively, after gaining experience with the "nuts-and-bolts" of computers, individuals may wish to transition to related career opportunities in software testing or programming.

Prerequisite: Working knowledge of computers, interest in problem-solving in a high-tech environment, and keen attention to detail; completion of Windows Level 1 or equivalent knowledge. View classes

Telecommunications

The Wired and Wireless Networking Technologies program responds to the growing industry need for cablers, installers, and telecommunications specialists with fundamental understanding of networking, voice and data. As the convergence of telecommunications and networking continues at a rapid pace, qualified professionals are sought among individuals with an aptitude for technology, but who may not wish to find themselves behind a keyboard and monitor on a daily basis. You will learn the basics of the telecommunication technician's world, including fundamentals of electricity and telephony. In addition, through the classes you will gain hands-on experience in constructing, running, terminating and repairing network cabling and fiber optics. The program focuses on construction techniques, tool use, troubleshooting, and characteristics of industry standards. You may also wish to pursue certification and studies of the growing world of wireless networking and communication. In the telecommunications classes, you will be learning at the physical layer of networking.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with technology; basic understanding of computers; and aptitude for working in a physical environment. View classes

Web Design and Development

Web designers play a critical role in any web development team, bringing web sites to life by creating effective interface and navigation through purposeful design and development. In today's on-line and on-demand business world, there isn't an industry or company that can avoid incorporating the Internet in its future. At BCC, you can gain fundamental web page development skills as well as intensive, hands-on experience in developing client-side and server-side processing for effective web design.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with Internet technology and Windows, and a fundamental understanding of computers. View classes.