UM also is mulling the addition of computational tracks in math, physics and astronomy majors to meet demand for information technology graduates, Halperin said. A doctorate in management offers an IT subspecialty. There just aren't enough full-time information technology teachers to go around. The lament is a common refrain. There is a real crisis.
Community colleges have an even tougher struggle finding full-timers.
The computer information science program is expanding, with new labs planned for networking technology and database concentrations. An online e-commerce degree and a track designed for secondary school teachers are planned. CCBC and its four-year counterparts offer a slew of certifications in hot areas such as Java, Oracle, networking, operating systems and various Microsoft programs. Industry input insures that graduates meet local businesses' needs. Both Siegle and Goff say they'd like business advisory boards to give feedback and participate in curriculum development.