Register Now For HCC Computer Science Associate Degree Program

BRIDGEPORT — Housatonic Community College’s Computer Information Systems two-year associate degree program is now open, offering students a blend of the practical and academic.

“No matter which path a student takes, he or she will have an edge on the competition,” computer science professor Paul Danzer said.

Students opting to continue with a four-year degree will position themselves for jobs in a booming field. The demand for network and computer systems administrators is expected to increase by 57.8 percent over the next six years. On the average, those jobs pay $64,011 per year.

The associate degree program allows students to concentrate in the areas that most interest them: computer hardware, programming, web page technology, networking, or applications. Each is a stepping-stone to either a career-entry position or continuation with a four-year degree.

While earning the associate degree, a student can also earn a certificate that will indicate proficiency in a specialty, a tool that helps many students obtain temporary or part-time jobs while they continue their education.

Computer-related courses can help students with academic courses. “Even if they decided on a degree in English,” said Professor Danzer, “knowledge of Microsoft Word and how to patch in photos, graphs, and charts could help them prepare professional-looking term papers.”

The Computer Information Systems degree’s success mirrors that of other HCC computer science courses, continued Professor Danzer. “Students completing other degree and certificate programs have experienced similar success,” he noted. “We’ve found that, based on the certificate they’ve received, many of our students have gone on to find a job or get a promotion, leading to their earning a better living.”

For more information about the program, contact Danzer at 203-332-5127 or at pdanzer@hcc.commnet.edu., Business Department Chair Joan Gallagher at 203-332-5118 or at jgallagher@hcc.commnet.edu, or Admissions at 203-332-5100.

Registration sessions will be held at the college Monday, August 30, from 2:30 to 6:30 pm; Tuesday, August 31, 10 am to 2 pm; Thursday, September 2, 2:30 to 6:30 pm, and Friday, September 3 from 10 am to noon. A special registration session for senior citizens and high school partnership students will be held September 3 from 1:30 to 3 pm. Classes start September 7.