The computer industry grows daily, and along with that is the need for trained computer professionals. COMPUTER INFORMATION SCIENCE at Franklin Tech is designed to teach computer repair, networking, programming, and game-design techniques to be successful in the computer field and related work areas. The program is a two-year, one-half day program, and one-hour classes are also available. Computer Information Science is for students that want to go to work after high school and for those that choose to further their education in college.
What will I learn?
• System installation, configuration & repair
• CPU, motherboard, processor & printer repair
• Portable systems repair
• Safety and preventative maintenance
• Local and wide area networks
• Routers, cabling, hubs, and switches
• Networking topologies
• Internet provider addressing
• Computer security
• Programming
• App development
• Game design
Employment Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the job outlook for the computer field should grow by 12%, a faster than average growth. The 2015 average national pay was an annual salary of $51,470 for computer support specialists with many different career areas available for the computer field.
Certifications
Students completing the Computer Information Systems program may earn the PC Pro, PC Networking, APCSP College Board Test, and PC Security certifications. Students are trained in a Comptia certified academy. Successful students are prepared for the Strata exam (Comptia entry level help desk certification).
Student Benefits
FREE Training
High School students completing a program at FTC receive FREE tuition and training materials. Students also take their program certification test at no cost to them.
Embedded Credit
Students completing a program at FTC have the opportunity to earn academic credits along with their program training. Students in Joplin High School and Sarcoxie High School participate in the embedded credit option. In Computer Information Systems you can earn a full credit for Technical Math and Applied Communications upon completion of the two-year program and successful completion of assignments for the embedded credit courses. Students earn a grade in the courses and they are transcripted.
Membership in a Student Organization
Going a step further in rounding out their education, FTC students are encouraged to join a national student organization, SkillsUSA. The members of this organization practice teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. Members have an opportunity to hold office and participate in local, district, state, and national contests.
Internships
In their last semester of the program, successful students have the option to participate in an on-the-job training experience. Students may seek a computer internship with a local employer. An agreement is signed by FTC, the employer, the student, and the parents. Students work up to four days a week and attend Franklin Tech during the assigned time. This is a great way for students to gain actual experience, and in many cases the internship is a paid internship. The internship can possibly lead to a full-time job or job references for future positions.