BBCC revives computer science

MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College will reopen a completely revamped computer science program to students when classes begin Sept. 24.

The new program will emphasize careers such as computer network administrators, IT specialists, IT managers, software engineers, systems administrators, systems security, computer programmers and web developers. Program offerings were designed using recommendations from an advisory board formed after the program was closed in 2010.

One of the program's two instructors retired and the other resigned, said BBCC public information officer Doug Sly. Due to budget cuts the positions were not filled and the program closed, Sly said.

College administrators brought in computer education experts from Bellevue College to review the program and make recommendations on restructuring the class offerings to fit the needs of local employers. In addition, the college started an advisory board of information technology specialists, people who had knowledge of the local market and its training needs.

Gigi Lowry, the advisory board chair, said demand in Grant County for computer science skills will increase. "It's not just the technology companies that are here now, it's also the companies that are coming to Grant County in the future."

Data centers need people with IT skills; so do manufacturers and food processing facilities, retail and wholesale businesses, health care providers, schools and government agencies, said Mary Shannon, instructional designer for the college's Title V grant.

"They (employers) share a common challenge, to address an urgent need for skilled workers," Shannon said, "including those with baccalaureate or associate degrees in computer science or computer engineering."

Computer science students will have the option of a short-term certificate, an associate degree or transfer courses, Shannon said. The transfer program is acceptable at Central Washington University and Heritage University, both of which have programs on campus, Western Governor's University and other universities in the state, Sly said.

To date the program has attracted 46 students. "Despite our rural location, computer technology jobs are plentiful," Shannon said. The county's industrial sector is growing, she said, even during turbulent economic times. "With Grant County becoming so technology-driven, the new program at Big Bend is essential," Lowry said.