News Article

ASU-Beebe Computer Coding Degree Supports Statewide Initiative

08/28/2016

BEEBE, Ark. – The Advanced Technology and Allied Health Department at Arkansas State University-Beebe now offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Coding.

Ken Barton, head of the Computer Systems and Networking Technology department said “This new degree provides professional, quality training in Computer Coding qualifying graduates to enter the workforce as assistant programmers, coders, or system administrators. Requests for such a program have been continually expressed by students in Computer Systems and Networking Technologies and Computer Information Systems.”

The Associate of Applied Science in Computer Coding focuses on the scripting and coding skills employers are demanding. A strong emphasis has been placed on hands-on labs and exercises that will reinforce the lectures. Students will have ample time to be creative in their programs, and the degree will be administered in such a way to make the learning and exercises useful beyond academics.  

This degree supports a statewide initiative by Gov. Asa Hutchinson and signed into Arkansas law that requires all public and charter high schools to offer computer science courses to students. Additionally, launched in 2013, Code.org is a non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and minorities.  

“Whether you’re looking at manufacturing and the use of robotics or the knowledge industries, they need computer programmers,” said Gov. Hutchinson. “If we can’t produce those workers, we’re not going to be able to attract and keep the industry we want.”

Graduates of the ASU-Beebe computer coding program can work in multiple settings, which include database operator, software debugger, help desk, software administrator, computer coding, or a mobile app designer.  

In 2015, the national average salary for computer programmers was approximately $79,530 per year or $38.24 per hour wage, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary variance per state is based on factors such as individual experience, education, as well as job location.

“This degree also answers the continual demand from local and national industry for well-trained talent to create programs and automated scripts. While the programming industries are extremely specialized, this new degree is structured to offer the coding skills that form the common denominator to all specializations,” said Barton.

For more information about the ASU-Beebe computer coding program, call the Advanced Technology and Allied Health at (501) 882-8822 or visit the website at www.asub.edu

Arkansas State University-Beebe is an operationally separate, two-year institution of the Arkansas State University System.  With campuses located in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, the Little Rock Air Force Base, and online, the university offers associate degrees, certificates, and non-credit training for business and industry.  The Beebe campus also collaborates with Arkansas State, a four-year university in Jonesboro, to offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees on the Beebe campus. ASU-Beebe is nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute for student success rates.

ASU-Beebe

Chancellor:
Dr. Jennifer Methvin

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1000
Beebe, AR 72012

Phone:
(501) 882-3600

Fax:
(501) 882-8970

Website:
www.asub.edu/

Media Inquiries

Media inquiries and interview requests or requests for documents subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act should be sent to Jeff Hankins, Vice President of Strategic Communications, at jhankins@asusystem.edu.

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