VGCC Sees Changes in Computer Curricula

The world of information technology and computers is constantly changing, and so is the way in which Vance-Granville Community College prepares its students to work in that field. As a result of the North Carolina Community College System’s recent Curriculum Improvement Project, computer curricula have been updated throughout the system. These changes took effect at VGCC at the start of the Fall 2006 semester. VGCC now offers a brand-new program called Information Systems Security.

“These changes will better prepare our students for a variety of employment opportunities and will allow anyone to easily return for a second degree in order to become more marketable once they begin their job search,” said Wendy Bailey, VGCC’s Program Head for Web Technologies and contact for Information Systems Security.

The new two-year Information Systems Security curriculum provides individuals with the skills required to implement effective and comprehensive information security controls. The field of Information Systems Security is constantly evolving and changing. “With the growing number of security threats on the Internet, employment opportunities in the security field have become highly recognized and sought after,” according to Bailey. The demand for security professionals is expected to continue to grow over the next decade.

Bailey also noted that improvements have been made to the Web Technologies program. “Students will leave the program with the skills and knowledge of how to create professional and secure web sites,” Bailey added.

Billie Evans, Program Head for Computer Information Technology and contact for Networking Technology, said she believes that “now, the curriculum is more flexible and allows students to choose a career path that better suits their interests.” Changes to all four programs include a system project at the end of the two-year degree where students plan and develop a project that encompasses all the skills they have learned over the two-year period. “The new course content better prepares students for certification exams, which helps them find better jobs,” Evans said.

For more information on the Computer Information Technology, Information Systems Security, Networking Technology and Web Technologies programs, contact Wendy Bailey or Billie Evans at VGCC’s main campus by calling (252) 492-2061. Students enrolled at other campuses should contact the computer instructors or counselors located at those campuses.

Pictured above: From left, VGCC students Mark Shepherd and David Watkins test a cable in Wendy Bailey’s Information Systems Security Concepts class.