Computer Programming

In Computer Programming, students learn how to write, develop, and test code for applications to be run on computer systems. Additionally, they will learn about analyzing and designing solutions for troubleshooting software issues. This program covers the following topics: understanding computer basics; interpreting logical expressions using Boolean Algebra; creating simple programs using algorithms; applying program analyses for evaluating algorithms and testing and debugging systems; and learning about computing practices, focusing on data structures and object-oriented program design. Emphasis will be placed on completing college-level course work.  Credits may be earned through our Dual Enrollment  agreement with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

 

 Earn college credits through our partnership with

                               

 

 

For more information on the opportunities available through this program, please refer to the "College Credits" and "Industry Certifications" links to the left. Watch this video to find out what a CPAVTS education means for you! 

Program Objectives 

1.     Complete PA Dept. of Ed. POS (Program of Study
2.     Complete NOCTI Competencies
3.     Earn College in the High School (CHS) Credits through Harrisburg University:

    • CISC 120: Fundamentals of Computing
    • CISC 160: Data Structures 
    • CISC 300: Web Technologies

4.     Complete Job Shadow
5.     Complete Post-Secondary School Visit
6.     Complete employability skill training

Level 1 

College in the High School: MATH 210, CISC 120

 

POS TASKS:

  • 100s: Demonstrating Workplace Readiness Skills - Personal Qualities and People Skills
  • 200s: Computing Basics - Elements of Computing
  • 300s: Computational Thinking - Problem Solving
  • 400s: Computational Thinking - Data Representation
  • 600s: Program Analysis - Testing and Debugging

Level 2

College in the High School: CISC 160-Data Structures

 

POS TASKS:

  • 700S: Computing Practice - Program Implementation
  • 800s: Computing Practice - Data Structures
  • 900s: Computing Practice - Object Oriented Program Design
  • 1000s: Computing Practice - Solve Problems Using Computer Programs

Level 3 

College in the High School: CISC 300-Web Technologies

 

POS TASKS:

  • 500s: Program Analysis - Evaluate Algorithms
  • 1100s: Social and Ethical Aspects of Programming

 Is it for You?

Students interested in applying to the program should enjoy problem solving and troubleshooting. This program requires the use of a computer to solve complex issues in varying types of code and programs, and careers typically necessitate additional schooling at a post-secondary institution. Work in this field often occurs in climate-controlled environments indoors, typically 40 hours per week and involves sitting for most or all of the work day. Additionally, the following skills are necessary to excel in this program:

  • Good vision (either naturally or with correction), including color vision
  • Good eye and finger coordination
  • Problem solving capability
  • Ability to troubleshoot issues
  • Strong mathematics skills
  • Reading comprehension (most material above 8th grade)

 For more information on this program's objectives, please refer to the "Task List" link to the left.

 

What's Next?

 

Potential Career Pathways 

* Salaries listed are PA state averages taken from www.onetonline.com and are accurate as of 2020.

Software Developers ($99,280)

Systems Software Developers ($95,010)

Applications Web Developers ($63,480)

Computer Programmers ($77,020)

Web Developer (72,190)

Computer Net. Specialist ($53,530)

Post-Secondary Studies

*Many employment options in this field require additional study.

Harrisburg University: Computer Information Sciences

Shippensburg University: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering

Penn College: Software Development & Information Management