Computer Science and Information Technology
Computer Science (CS) skills are essential in today's workforce. Computer Scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. Pursuing CS studies offers many benefits:
- Excellent job prospects - 11% growth from 2019 to 2029, that's 500,000 new jobs!
- Higher wages - CS occupations double the national median annual wage at $91,250 ($41,950 national average)
- Not all jobs require a four-year degree
- Computer Science is challenging, rewarding, and fun!
Computer Science and IT Careers
Choose from a wide range of CS career opportunities. Explore the following websites to learn more:
- The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) has a variety of information including information on over 50 careers in the Computer Science field.
- O*NET Online is a tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor that has detailed descriptions of the world of work.
Free and/or Affordable Learning Opportunities
The high demand for skilled employees means many free and affordable learning opportunities exist. Here are a few:
Youth Registered Apprenticeship (YRA)
Students are simultaneously enrolled in academic classes to meet high school graduation requirements and in occupation specific related instruction classes. Once an employer becomes an approved YRA sponsor, the student is hired and registered as an apprentice. The participating sponsor/employer provides supervision of a skilled mentor and the student continues on with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) training at his/her school.
Data Center Operations/Engineering & Technology Studies
Northern Virginia Community College's (NOVA) Information and Engineering Technologies (IET) division equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly growing and high demand fields of IT and engineering technology. IET programs align to the needs of industry, infused with opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials in high growth areas that show significant job demand within the Northern Virginia Region.
Lockheed Martin Internships
Each year, Lockheed Martin hires thousands of interns to work at sites around the US. Lockheed Martin interns contribute to some of the world's most challenging projects while working side by side with knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Interns start their careers in a meaningful way: serving an important mission that supports innovative breakthroughs. Programs are available for recent high school graduates and college students.
Scholarship For Service
The CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program is designed to recruit and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to meet the needs of government agencies. SFS provides scholarships for undergraduate and graduate (MS or PhD) cybersecurity education funded through grants awarded by the NSF. Recipients agree to work for the U.S. Government in a cybersecurity-related position after graduation.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Amazon is looking for Data Center Engineering Operations Technician (EOT) to join our expanding Infrastructure Operations team as part of our Work-Based Learning Program (WBLP), launching Summer 2021. AWS is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. The WBLP training program has a focus on safety, as a WBLP EOT employees will be trained on data center safety, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
This Work-Based Learning Program consists of on-the-job training during a 12-week time period, where trainees will work in our data centers full time. No college degrees or prior work experience are required, as all relevant training will be provided throughout the program.
AWS Opportunities
Micron Internships
Intern with one of the world's most innovative providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Micron combines the brightest minds in the business with the world's broadest memory portfolio, creating technology that leading global brands use to make computing faster, travel safer, health care more effective, and much more.
As an intern at Micron, you'll have the opportunity to work beside some of the technology industry's finest, most respected professionals on a day-to-day basis. You'll gain experience working on exciting real-time projects. It's a chance to make friends and make connections, while gaining valuable industry experience that will be a great asset to your career. If you want an internship that goes beyond the basics, consider an opportunity at Micron.
Federal Virtual Training Environment
The Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) provides free online cybersecurity training to the public. FedVTE contains more than 800 hours of training on topics such as ethical hacking and surveillance, risk management, and malware analysis. A modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) must be used and cookies need to be enabled to track your progress in these courses.
Other Opportunities
- 2021 Summer Camps at NVCC
- 2021-22 Afterschool classes such as GMU MGTA (Registration will be available in fall 2021)
PWCS CS Programs & Classes
CTE CS Classes
Middle School
- STEM Solutions
- Computer Science Discoveries
- STEM Applications
High School
- Computer Information Systems*
- Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies*
- Digital Applications
- Programming*
- IT Database Design and Management (Oracle)*
- Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Information Technology in a Global Society
- Digital Visualization
- Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Software Engineering (equivalent to Advanced Placement {AP} Computer Science A)
- Computer Networking Hardware Operations I - IV
- Cybersecurity Network Systems
- Cybersecurity Systems Technology*
- Game Design and Development*
*Advanced course offered
Mathematics CS Classes
- Computer Mathematics*
- AP Computer Science A
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- AICE Computing (AS Level)
- IB Computer Science (SL)
- IB Computer Science (HL)
- Advanced Computer Studies
*Advanced course offered
High School CS Programs
These transfer programs are available by application to all rising 9th through 11th grade PWCS students:
- CASIIT Program (Center for Applied Science, Interactive and Information Technology) at Battlefield High School
- Information Technology Program at Forest Park High School
- Cyber Security Program at Potomac High School
Additional Resources
Organizations that support Computer Science skills and career preparation