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Computer Program & Certificate Guide

Computer technology is a broad field. Career tracks include computer repair, software development, network design, help desk support and others. MATC offers many different certificates, programs and courses that provide computer and technology-related training—but how do you know which is right for you?

This overview explains the different types of computer-related educational offerings available from MATC. We offer computer-related two-year associate degrees, one-and two-year technical diplomas and short-term certificates. Some of our certificates and programs are especially designed for individuals who have little knowledge of computers, while others are geared toward those with some experience. Advanced Technical Certificates are for experienced computer professionals or program graduates looking to enhance their skills. For more information on all of these, check the MATC Website or this catalog for the programs or certificates of interest to you and then talk with an advisor.


Software Development

Software development positions include programmers and analysts who design and develop computer programs to extract and manipulate information, usually for multiple end users (clients). Demand is increasing for individuals with web and Internet programming skills. In the area of software and Internet development,

MATC has added a new certificate, the Bioinformatics Certificate, developed jointly by the Biotechnology and the Information Technology departments. Bioinformatics is the application of information technology to the management and analysis of biological data. Increasingly, the biotechnology workforce requires knowledge of Bioinformatics, at least at the literacy level, on order to be able to communicate. Beyond literacy, there are employment opportunities available for scientists and technicians with the following IT (information technology) skills: database creation and management; writing small computer programs (scripts) to query databases, using computational genetic analysis tools effectively and web site design and maintenance to make information accessible to other scientists.

MATC offers:

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Networking, Hardware & Technical Support

Technical infrastructure design and support skills involve working with computer networks and operations, shared resources such as mainframes, networks and file servers, and supporting enterprise activities in both large and small companies. In the area of networking design, hardware and technical support, MATC offers:

Individuals interested in building and repairing computer hardware may be interested in studying electronics. The below program includes courses in traditional industrial and communications electronics as well as in computer hardware and electronics.

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Business & Office Computer Applications

Businesses today use computers in almost every aspect of their operations—in office administration, data entry, help desk, marketing and technical support. We offer a one-year technical program and several certificates in business and office computer applications. In addition, students throughout MATC take courses in software applications such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and FrontPage and Macromedia’s Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks. New courses frequently are added to help students meet the needs of this ever-changing field.

Many of the certificates listed below introduce students to the basics of computer operation, from basic keyboarding skills to software and Internet applications.

MATC also offers a certificate focusing on eBusiness, short for “electronic business,” a growing specialty in web-based marketing or what is now called the digital economy.

For students interested in working in an office support or business setting, MATC offers:

For students interested in supporting or working with Internet or web-based business tools, MATC offers:

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Web Design & Computer-aided Graphic Arts

Most commercial artists work with computer software programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, QuarkXpress and Pagemaker. Professional web designers and developers work with software programs such as Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks and may use digital animation. Students learn both traditional and digital design methods in MATC Graphic Design programs. In addition to design software courses offered in most of our design programs, MATC offers:

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Computer Skills & Your Future

Computers have become an integral part of most careers. No matter which program of study you choose, chances are you will be working with computers. Students may chose to obtain an associate degree in a computer field, earn short term certificates or take computer courses as electives to round out their job skills. Check with the appropriate MATC department or an advisor for help in choosing computer programs, certificates or courses to fit your needs.

Because fields are changing and growing, MATC adds and updates computer-related programs and certificates often. For the most up-to-date information, check out the Programs of Study section of this website.


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