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Computer Science & Cybersecurity

Computer Science & Cybersecurity

Program Description

The primary objective of the course of studies within the Computer Science and Cybersecurity major is to provide students with exposure to skills necessary to access careers in the IT workspace, specifically in the area of Programming and Web Development.  While pursuing this objective, the standards within the Massachusetts Programming and Web Development CTE Frameworks are examined.  At the same time students are presented with the opportunities to participate in Problem-Based Learning projects in an effort to develop and hone these skills.

The Computer Science and Cybersecurity curriculum also provides opportunities for students to investigate and work with programming and web development technologies, as well as those in related areas including computer maintenance and repair, computer programming, web design and development, graphic design and development, 3D animation, and game design.

Other opportunities that students may participate in include co-op jobs and competitions with SkillsUSA, a national organization in which career technical education students demonstrate career skills. Students may also have the opportunity to build, administer, and maintain websites for small businesses and nonprofits, and perform other “live” work.

All seniors will complete a capstone project requiring them to synthesize and showcase from the skills they have learned as a student at Minuteman.  All learners are challenged to meet high standards and expectations while receiving the support necessary for success.

The program’s focus is on preparing students for a variety of career opportunities where technical knowledge and skills are integrated with business concepts and academics. Human relations, self-management, teamwork, and leadership are encountered daily.

Course Content 

  • Computational Thinking
  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Web Design  (HTML, CSS and JavaScript)
  • Computer Programming (Java, C++, Python)
  • The Software Development Process
  • Project Management Skills
  • Presentation Skills
  • Database Management
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • Networking
  • CompTIA ITF + Certification
  • Cybersecurity

Industry Certifications

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry CompTIA ITF+ certificate course Certiport IT Specialist Certifications in: • HTML and CSS • JavaScript • Python • Java AP Computer Science Principles (CSP ) and AP Computer Science A (CSA) exams that count towards college credits.

Possible Career Pathways

3D Animation Programmer Help Desk Maintenance Technician Software Engineer Implementation/Sales Engineer Development Ops Engineer/Cloud Engineer Game Programmer Computer Architect Network Administrator Advanced Research Systems Administrator Web and Application Developer Information Security Analyst Database Administrator QA Engineer Data Scientist Machine Learning Engineer Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs

Salary

Massachusetts averages: Web Developer: $86,661/year (less than 1 year); $123,737/year (more than 10 years) Software Developer: $146,580/year (less than 1 year); $165,055/year (more than 10 years) Systems Engineer: $105,686/year (less than 1 year); $162,538/year (more than 10 years) Mobile Developer: $128,935/year National average: Web Developer: $48.00/hour or $95,570/year Computer Programmer: $107,750/year

College Partners

All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges* Fisher College Keene State College *DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY OF CHOSEN MAJOR

Advisory Committee Partners

Bass Rocks Technology, LLC Converse Empirix Inc. Middlesex Community College Nokia, Inc. Tenarys Town of Andover/Memorial Hall Library Software/Target Analysis Group uReach Technologies Virtera

Employers Hiring Minuteman Graduates

ClickHarmonics Tocci Construction Management Monster.com NetClarity.com Harvard University The MITRE Corporation Microsoft Minuteman High School

Computer Science & Cybersecurity Instructors