Minneapolis Business College

 
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Computer Programming and Applications
Program Length: Our Computer Programming program is designed to be completed by full-time students in 16 months
Program Options: 16-month Associate Degree
Program Highlights

Computer programmers are responsible for translating an idea for a software program into a set of instructions that a computer can follow using a process called programming or coding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “as software design has continued to advance, and some programming functions have become automated, programmers have begun to assume some of the responsibilities that were once performed only by software engineers. As a result, some computer programmers now assist software engineers in identifying user needs and designing certain parts of computer programs, as well as other functions.”

During the 16-month computer programming program, Minneapolis Business College students learn object-oriented programming, JAVA, Visual Basic and other important concepts that businesses expect programmers to understand. Students attend classes in computer labs specially equipped for programming needs and graduates will be ready to for entry-level positions as computer programmers.

Minneapolis Business College graduates work in:
•    Computer programming
•    Software documentation
•    Micro/computer operating

At Minneapolis Business College, you’ll:
•    Learn key programming languages, database concepts, and web development
•    Learn essential skills to apply as you advance in your career
•    Be qualified for entry level computer programming positions upon graduation
•    Have access to Minneapolis Business College's placement department to help get you the job

 
 
 
Concentration Courses
IT CUSTOMER SUPPORT
This course develops student knowledge of the service concepts, skill sets, and abilities necessary for employment in the user-support industry.
MICROSOFT OPERATING SYSTEMS
This course focuses on legacy and popular Microsoft operating systems. Students learn the components of an operating system and learn to interact with a PC using a variety of Microsoft products. Additionally, students learn to customize and manage an operating system as well as solve software-level difficulties.
COMPUTER CONCEPTS
This course is designed to provide the students with a conceptual understanding of computer hardware and operating system software. The range of computer types from mainframes to micros (PCs) is covered with an emphasis on explaining the types of applications and job skills that are common to all computer career environments as well as those that are unique to each type of system. Students also develop Internet search strategies and examine Internet ethics and responsibilities.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS—UNIX
This course teaches the students how to become a UNIX systems administrator. The students learn system administration functions that allow them to add new users and establish system-level defaults and user privileges. Students also learn how to log in as a regular user and use the standard set of commands. Additionally, the students learn to use X-Windows.
DATABASE CONCEPTS
This course introduces the students to relational databases. The important design concepts and the common standards to which all database packages adhere are discussed. Students also learn to query for information and generate reports using a popular database package.
DATABASE APPLICATIONS
In this course students learn advanced theories of database design. Students design, critique, optimize, and implement database solutions to business applications.
NETWORKS
This course introduces the students to the Novell, Windows NT, and UNIX TCP/IP networks and explores the interoperability of these networks. Students learn networking fundamentals, the components of a LAN network, and the major features and functions of the network software. Students walk through the steps for installing the network software on a server and organizing the server. Additional topics include network topologies, protocols, and the layers of the OSI Model.
WEB DEVELOPMENT
In this course students learn to use HTML and JavaScript to develop well- designed Web pages. Students learn to apply appropriate techniques and to include forms, frames, images, and tables.
MICROSOFT NETWORK ADMINISTRATION
This course teaches the students to administer the network. Students learn to add users and set user privileges, set up device and file shares, and set up and administer print shares.
WEB AUTHORING TOOLS
In this course students learn how to automate the developmental process of their Web pages using Web authoring tools. Emphasis is placed on proper design elements and enhanced through the use of practical exercises.
ADVANCED MICROSOFT OPERATING SYSTEMS
This course is a continuation of the study of popular Microsoft operating systems with further development of skills in installation, configuration, and troubleshooting techniques.
PC HARDWARE AND DIAGNOSTICS
This course teaches computer hardware concepts related to installation, configuration, and upgrading of motherboards, processors, and memory. Additional topics covered include diagnosing, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING
This course introduces the students to the Microsoft Visual Basic package. The first half of the course teaches programming rules and syntax, and the second half is dedicated to computer assignments where the students enter, debug, test, and document their programs.
IMPLEMENTING AND ADMINISTERING MICROSOFT SQL SERVERS
In this course students learn to implement, administer, and troubleshoot SQL servers. Topics include optimizing database performance, extracting and transforming data, and creating and managing database users.
MICROSOFT INTEGRATION
In this course students learn to work efficiently with multiple applications using the automation and integration capabilities of Microsoft Office. PowerPoint, advanced features of Word, and the Microsoft mini-applications are also covered.
JAVA
This course instructs students to use the Java language to design and implement applications using object-oriented topics of classes and objects, inheritance, and polymorphism. Special emphasis is placed on designing applets for Web pages. Students work in a visual Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
This course introduces the students to the syntax and rules of object-oriented programming. Students master the fundamentals and apply the principles of object-oriented design to write programs to solve business problems.
ADVANCED VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING
This course develops the Visual Basic skills and knowledge required to complete complex business applications. Topics include advanced GUI design skills and incorporation of database connections inside Visual Basic code.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
This course takes the students into their final academic efforts where they must tackle real-world challenges directly involved with software development. These challenges take the form of software projects of chosen types that represent what they will likely face in their career pursuits. The students are required to design, document, and program their solutions.

 

Employers will continue to need programmers, especially those who have strong technical skills and who understand an employer's business and its programming requirements. As technology evolves and newer, more sophisticated tools emerge, programmers will need to update their skills in order to remain competitive. Obtaining vendor-specific or language-specific certification also can provide a competitive edge.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition

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