New Westwood Technology Program Gives Students In-Depth Training For Specialized Career Fields

DENVER, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Westwood College today unveiled a new Information Technology (IT) program designed to provide students with the latest hands-on skills they need for meaningful employment in computer networking upon graduation. The new IT Degree is based on cutting-edge workforce requirements and trends, and provides Westwood students with five career track options, including: Microsoft Systems Administration; Cisco Network Security; Cisco Network Wireless; Cisco Network Voice; and Virtualization.

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"The IT market requires employees to have in depth knowledge of their respective field, and they are expected to be capable of handling complex situations. This program is a concentrated, job-focused program that equips students with the right tools and training needed for employment," said John Keim, chief academic officer and provost at Westwood College. "From Wireless to Virtualization to Server & Desktop, students aren't just getting a degree. They are getting trained for work."

The IT curriculum is primarily comprised of network-related classes that focus on technical expertise. However, the depth of industry focus extends to non-technical classes as well, such as English and Math.

"The technology industry speaks a different language, so our students will be learning a different, technical kind of writing and math. Instead of composing essays or doing algebra, they will learn how to write technical briefs and use math centered around networking issues or problems - plus other essential, career-focused skills," said Keith Sawarynski, director of program development for Westwood College.

Additionally, Westwood is giving students a jump start in their careers by including certification preparation throughout, and as a part of, the core classes. And to encourage graduates to pursue credentials in their respective field, Westwood is also covering the cost of several certification exams. Certifications are a third-party validation of skills and while employers are increasingly requiring professionals to obtain credentials, it can be an expensive undertaking, costing, in some cases, over $1,000.

Below is an overview of the new IT program's five academic tracks, of which more information can be found at tech.westwood.edu:

Microsoft Systems Administration – This career field specializes in network environments that use the Windows Server operating system. Students learn to install, configure and support an organization's local area network and wide area network; manage systems; perform maintenance to support network availability; and more.

Cisco Network Security - Network security refers to any activities designed to protect networks, target threats (such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, etc.) and stop them from entering or spreading on the network. Students will learn to plan, implement and support network security; respond to security breaches and viruses; and more.

Cisco Network Wireless – This career field focuses on wireless networking, allowing employees to remain connected to their company's information resources virtually anytime, anywhere. Students learn to design and implement computer and information networks; design network and computer security measures; perform network modeling, analysis and planning; and more.

Cisco Network Voice – Voice networking refers to work with IP telephony, handsets, call control, voicemail and messaging. In the new IT program, students learn how to design, install, support and maintain telephony products for an organization; ensure communications architecture is functioning efficiently; perform upgrades to networks and software; and more.

Virtualization – Virtualization refers to a virtual machine that acts like a real computer with an operating system. Students will learn how to install, design and configure highly available and scalable virtual infrastructures; troubleshoot virtual environments and machines; provide various support services across an organization; and more.

For more information about additional programs and degrees offered at Westwood, visit www.westwood.edu.

About Westwood College

Westwood College is an institution of higher learning with 14 campuses located in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois and Virginia. Westwood offers a hands-on, career-focused curriculum in fields such as healthcare, technology and business. Westwood is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). A 2012 survey conducted by Noel-Levitz showed Westwood students are significantly more satisfied than the comparison group of approximately 125 public and private colleges, particularly in the areas of course content, quality of instruction and the school meeting their career goals. For more information, visit westwood.edu. 

SOURCE Westwood College