Centralia College
Students interested in applying for Centralia College’s new bachelor’s degree in information technology will soon have the opportunity to apply.
The college will begin accepting applications on Monday, May 2.
The two-year degree yields a bachelor’s of applied science degree in information technology with an emphasis in application development, according to a press release from the college.
Classes will begin in September.
“This is a cohort program, which means students will start as a team and finish as a team,” Patrick Allison, program director, said in the release. “There’s a lot of support built into the cohort system and we’ve had great success with it in our other two bachelor’s degree programs.”
The program provides a strong technical foundation in application and software development. It’s a good fit for adults interested in careers in IT management, software documentation and as application designers.
Classes are held during fall, winter and spring quarters. Students take 15 credits per quarter with summers off.
Allison said the program was designed for working adults.
“We’re mindful that people have families and jobs, and responsibilities,” he said. “We try to be as flexible as possible and help students reach that next level in their education.”
For the college, the addition of a third bachelor’s degree program is a way to meet the changing needs of the workforce in Lewis and south Thurston counties, according to the release.
Interim President Jim Walton said the college’s mission is centered around lifelong learning — something the bachelor’s degrees facilitate.
“Having a third option, one that is based in technology and computer science, is a major asset for our college and community,” he said. “There are so many jobs in the IT field that go unfilled due to lack of a skilled workforce.”
He added the program will have a significant impact on the regional economy.
Students interested in the program must already have an associate’s degree in computer science or information technology with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
A full list of admission requirements and application materials are available on the college’s website at www.centralia.edu.
