Software Development (AAS)
Pathway Map
Computer Technology is an exciting and ever-changing field of study that is central to the functioning of all aspects of our society, business, government and our personal lives interconnected via the Internet. We are now seeing the convergence of entertainment, telephone, and business systems with common underlying digital platforms. Mobile and wireless connection options are increasing, along with options to access applications and data storage options through the cloud.
Keeping computer systems and resources functioning with the latest technology benefits, and designing future computer systems is a job category that is generating new jobs. Brad Smith, the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Microsoft reports a need to fill thousands of jobs in the areas of computer engineering and software development (Wall Street Journal, 10/19/2012). The demand for qualified employees with skills in network design and management, programming, business application utilization, and web site development is outpacing the available pool of trained potential employees. Central Arizona College is providing Computer Technology classes to address this need in four program areas.
Next Steps
Questions about this pathway?
Christopher Demaline
Division Chair
Professor of Business and Accounting
480-677-7778
christopher.demaline@centralaz.edu
Melinda Kohut
Professor of Computer Information Systems
Phone: 520-494-5211
melinda.kohut@centralaz.edu
Computer Programming AAS – After computer software engineers and systems analysts design software programs, the programmer converts that design into a logical series of instructions that the computer can follow. The programmer codes these instructions in any of a number of programming languages, depending on the need. The most common languages are C++, web Applications, Visual Basic, and Java.
Computer programmers also update, repair, modify, and expand existing programs. Some, especially those working on large projects that involve many programmers, use computer-assisted software engineering (CASE) tools to automate much of the coding process. These tools enable a programmer to concentrate on writing the unique parts of a program.
Programmers working on smaller projects often use “programmer environments,” applications that increase productivity by combining, compiling, code walk-through, code generation, test data generation, and debugging functions. Programmers also use libraries of basic code that can be modified or customized for a specific application. This approach yields more reliable and consistent programs and increases programmers’ productivity by eliminating some routine steps.
- Computer Programmer– Write programs in a variety of languages, such as C++ and Java. Test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.
- Application Software Developer– Develop, create and modify general computer applications software of specialized utility programs.
- Back-End Developer– Use server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, Java, C++ and C# to build applications and tools like MySQL, Oracle and SQL Server to find, save or change data and serve it back to the front-end code.
- Full Stack Developer– A combination of front and back end work. High-end career.
- System Software Developer– Research, design, develop and test operating systems-level software, compilers and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific and general computing applications.
Web Development AAS – You work in creating and developing a web site for the Internet (World Wide Web) or an intranet (a private network). Web Development can range from developing the simplest static single page of plain text to the most complex web-based Internet applications (web apps), electronic businesses and social network services. A more comprehensive list of tasks to which web development commonly refers may include web engineering, web design, web content development, client liaison, client-side scripting, server-side scripting, web server, and e-commerce development.
There are three kinds of web developer specializations: front-end developer, back-end developer, and full-stack developer. Front-end developers deal with the layout and visuals of a website, while back-end developers deal with the functionality of a website. Back-end developers will program in the functions of a website that will collect data.
For larger organizations and businesses, web development teams can consist of many web developers that follow standard methods like Agile Methodologies while developing websites. Smaller organizations may only require a single web developer that builds web sites and is the web designer as well as a web developer and information systems technician. Web Development may be a collaborative effort between departments rather than the domain of a designated department.
- Web Designers – Design and implement how websites look and work. Specific skills include design-tools-of-choice, HTML, CSS and light JavaScript.
- UI Designers – Design how the website will look and using design-tools-of-choice with light HTML/CSS skills. This career is design only.
- UX Designers– Focus on researching how people use a website. They implement changes and test results for better user interaction.
- Front End Developers – Construct webpages using technologies such as JavaScript and jQuery. No design involved but may build on the design of a graphic web designer.
- Back-End Developers – Focus on back-end work with programming languages specific to the web such as PHP, Ruby, Python, light JavaScript, etc. Some design work, heavy on programming, security and structure.
- Full Stack Development – Is a high end career. Full Stack Developers work with a combination of front and back end design and development.
Computer Programming Certificate
Employment opportunities at the certificate level
- C++ Application Developer– Ideal candidates will have a passionate software development practice, a strong desire to learn new technologies and techniques, and a drive to teach others what they know — all while working with a world class development team to provide cutting edge products to library customers.
- Software Developer– The position requires the individual to understand and be able to program using C++, be able to research and resolve problems independently with little or no guidance. The candidate also needs to know either Java or Objective C programming languages and be able to provide examples of their programming skills.
- C# / .NET Developer– Work in a casual team-based setting, creating and enhancing software solutions to meet our customer’s requirements.
Web Design Certificate
Employment opportunities at the certificate level
- Web Designers – Design and implement how websites look and work. Specific skills include design-tools-of-choice, HTML, CSS and light JavaScript.
- UI Designers – Design how the website will look and using design-tools-of-choice with light HTML/CSS skills. This career is design only.
- UX Designers– Focus on researching how people use a website. They implement changes and test results for better user interaction.
- Front End Developers – Construct webpages using technologies such as JavaScript and jQuery. No design involved but may build on the design of a graphic web designer.
- Back-End Developers – Focus on back-end work with programming languages specific to the web such as PHP, Ruby, Python, light JavaScript, etc. Some design work, heavy on programming, security and structure.
- Full Stack Development – Is a high end career. Full Stack Developers work with a combination of front and back end design and development.