Technical Standards for IT – Programming and Software Development

Our program technical standards have been developed to help students understand nonacademic standards, skills, and performance requirements expected of a student in order to complete this particular curriculum.

If an accommodation is necessary to participate in the program, it is imperative to identify a reasonable accommodations to those students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonableness is determined by Accessibility Resources and the program on a case-by-case basis utilizing the program technical standards. The accommodation needs to be in place prior to the start of the program, or it may delay your ability to start the program. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Accessibility Resources and request accommodations.

Skills Description Specific Examples
Motor Skills Students need to be able to input data using a computer keyboard.
  • Typing is required in order make their computer programs for class
Vision Students need to be able to read and decipher code
  • The student is able to read and decipher code in an existing program, and access a business document in print or electronically on what is needed to write new programs.
Technological Basic computer skills
  • Be able to cut a computer on, save a file, find that file later on the computer
  • Familiar with Microsoft Office Software (like Word and Power Point.)
  • Be able to use the Internet, not only to find information but to download and install software if needed, as well as to use communication tools like e-mail to communicate with an instructor or manager in a business or to other students they are collaborating with on group projects.
Communication This degree has two classes with a group project as the major focus and deliverable. Students need to be able to get along with others, attend class regularly to meet their team, and be able to collaborate with others
  • Ability to check email every day and answer back.
  • Contribute to a four person team when investigating a project, as well as creating the models, reports, and code to make the project.
  • Get along with others and negotiate with other students to form a group contract.
  • Need to be able to present their groups project to a large group of people and speak to the group. This is both a communication skill and an interpersonal skill
Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving Making reasoned judgments that are logical and well- thought out.
  • Programming takes critical thinking which includes: Analysis of business situations, Creativity, Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Not Predicting
Interpersonal Skills Be able to get along with persons from diverse backgrounds in a professional and ethical manner
  • Able to get along with others and negotiate with other students to form a group contract. This is an interpersonal skill and includes verbal and non-verbal communication as well as listening, decision making, problem solving, and assertiveness.
  • Communication with other students on their project teams when there is a conflict with other team members.
  • Needs to be able to present their groups project to a large group of people and speak to the group. This is both a communication skill and an interpersonal skill
Mathematical Possess basic math skills
  • Students should be able to do basic algebra word problems and turn them into solutions.

This document is intended to serve as a guide regarding the physical, emotional, intellectual and psychosocial expectations placed on a student. This document cannot include every conceivable action, task, ability or behavior that may be expected of a student. Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. Ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any licensure, certification exam, or successful completion of the degree program.