Pennsylvania technical schools offer a wide range of in-demand IT degree programs that prepare graduates for fast-growing jobs in the computer field.

By Gabby Hyman
RWM Columnist
February 06, 2007

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer support specialists with associate's degrees will enjoy the second-highest number of new job openings over the next decade (only registered nurses will have higher demand). It's a great time to pursue an associate's degree in information systems or computer networking at one of Pennsylvania's qualified technical schools.

Pennsylvania has an abundance of vocational and technical schools offering IT training at the associate's level. Whether you live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or York, you'll find associate's or trade certification programs that prepare you to for jobs in networking, database, computer security, and other roles in one of America's fastest-growing industries.

Choose Your IT Specialty and Technical School
Because of the diversity and strength of computer programs at technical schools throughout Pennsylvania, you can search RWM.org for IT vocational programs at schools near you, or choose technical programs based on your particular area of interest.

For example, some Pittsburgh technical schools offer accelerated degree programs in business and computer information management. Or you can complete training for a certificate in computer information web design and database specializations. Other Pittsburgh two-year trade school programs lead to certificates in computer information management and networking specializations.

Philadelphia-based vocational schools are currently offering associate's degrees in electronics & computer technology, computer network administration, cyber security, and computer-aided drafting.

Smaller City Programs, Big-Time Technical Degrees
If you reside in downstate York, you'll find associate's and IT certificate programs in computer systems, computer-aided drafting, and systems specializations. Heading west from Philadelphia, technical school programs in Springfield and Summerdale (near Harrisburg) offer in-demand vocational training in networks and cyber security.

It's a great time to get vocational training for the job openings to come. The BLS reports that technical school graduates with formal training and knowledge of a wide range of programming languages or software tools have better job prospects.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.