Stephanie Dees, WCJC division chair for technology and business, explains that the program gained recognition for integrating the national, industry-defined Programming/Software Engineering Skill Standards. “As a result of this integration, students gain the work competencies that employers have agreed are required for success in computer programming positions and employers gain a more qualified workforce.”

The WCJC Computer Programming degree program prepares students for entry-level career opportunities in software development, web design and web application programming. The program incorporates various programming languages with an emphasis on Java. Classes are offered at the Wharton campus, Sugar Land campus, and the Richmond campus.

The TSSB, established by the Texas Legislature in 1995, develops statewide industry-defined and industry-recognized skill standards for major skilled, sub-baccalaureate occupations with strong employment and earnings opportunities. TSSB promotes the Texas skill standards by serving as a liaison between industry groups and community and technical colleges.

Dees along with computer science faculty Rebecca Brown, Connie Chong, Dariush Darayan, J.B. Groves, III, Amelia Maretka, Nora McCarthy, and Donna Schilling, led WCJC’s efforts to integrate the skill standards into the program. The WCJC Computer Science Industry Advisory Committee, chaired by Computer Programmer Consultant Brian Smith, endorsed the curriculum changes.

For additional information about WCJC’s computer programming degree program, contact Dees at stephanied@wcjc.edu, 979.532.6334 or 1.800.561.9252, ext. 6334.

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