Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Technology
What is an Application Developer?
Application developers create and test software applications for mobile devices and computer systems. They write computer code and update old code to ensure that programs are running smoothly and to meet customers’ evolving needs. Developers typically work with a team of software developers to design, develop and deploy scalable application and real-time services using Microsoft’s Visual C++.
Application developers support an organization’s infrastructure by identifying its evolving needs and creating software such as business applications, network distribution and operating systems, and computer games and compilers, which translate code into machine language for use on a computer. To facilitate better communication among an organization’s departments, an Application Developer might create an intranet, for example.
Why pursue a career as an Application Developer?
Rapid change in new areas of technology will make for an exciting career, where workers need to evolve their skills quickly to keep their companies competitive in today’s market. Working as part of a team, Application Developers assist to design new software and hardware systems to support the needs of their organization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, application development is one of the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the next decade. Excellent job prospects are expected for applicants with bachelor’s degrees.
Demand for Application Developers
The job outlook for application developers is excellent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with the demand growing much faster than the average. Even with the expected industry growth rate, there will still be a lot of competition for these jobs, but it will be much easier for those with a bachelor's degree.
The Computer Technology Application Development program prepares students for occupations as Computer Software Engineers for Systems Software and Applications and related careers. Find related occupational information on the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET website.
SOC Codes (Standard Occupational Classification) related to Application Development careers: 15-1032.00 & 15-1031.00
Overview
The Bachelor’s program in Applied Science in Computer Technology with a concentration in Application Development is a comprehensive, baccalaureate degree program. It provides 62 semester credit hours of instruction, which compliments an accredited post-secondary computer-centric associate’s degree in Computer Programming. Prospective students that have a non-computer-centric associate’s degree or higher that wish to enroll in either of these concentrations must demonstrate a proficiency in computer programming through certifications, by special exam or at the discretion of the College. Day and evening students receive 20 hours of instruction per week for 4 semesters (60 weeks or 16-months), assuming the entrance criteria have been meet.
The program emphasizes programming and problem solving skills. Courses include Ethics in Information Technology, Project Management and Planning, Technical Writing and Proposals and Solutions Design. This curriculum is also intended to compliment a student’s computer programming associate's degree which is based on .Net programming with additional programming and data structures courses using C++.
Degree Award
Graduates who successfully complete the academic requirements and fulfill financial obligations will be awarded the Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Technology: Application Development degree.
Outline
Typical Course Outline
Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Technology: Application Development
| E103 | English Composition | 4 |
| H103 | US History I | 4 |
| M103 | College Mathematics | 4 |
| P101 | Psychology | 4 |
| Total Semester Hours 16 | ||
| E104 | Public Speaking | 4 |
| M102 | Personal Financial Planning | 4 |
| P102 | Cultural Studies | 4 |
| H104 | US History II | 4 |
| Total Semester Hours 16 | ||
| COM401 | Programming & Problem Solving | 4 |
| COM402 | Ethics in Information Technology | 3 |
| COM403 | Project Management & Planning | 4 |
| COM404 | Technical Writing & Proposals | 4 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
| CSA401 | Programming with C++ | 4 |
| CSA402 | Data Structures in C++ | 4 |
| CSA403 | Solutions Design | 3 |
| CSA404 | Process Analysis | 4 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 | ||
Totals:
Technical Training: 90 Semester Credit Hours
General Education: 32 Semester Credit Hours
Needed to Graduate: 122 Semester Credit Hours
Semesters may be offered out of the sequence shown.
Objectives
The Bachelor’s Program in Applied Science in Computer Technology with a concentration in Application Development is awarded upon completion of 122 semester credit hours in the following areas: 90 technical (60 from technical occupational associate program and 30 software development or related), in addition to 32 general education courses. This program is intended for students who are interested in complementing their previous associate level technical training and experience. The curriculum focuses on additional software development and general education courses in order to gain both the award of a bachelor’s degree and software development-related job placement. Graduates are expected to obtain entry-level employment in a diverse range of positions from their associate’s degree field of study up to software developer positions
Placement & Tuition
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Q. How much will this program cost me? A.
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Q. What are my financing options to pay for this program? A. In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible:
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Q. How long will it take me to complete this program? A. This program is designed to take 16 months to complete. |
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Q. What are the chances of getting a job when I graduate? A. Job placement rates for graduates of Fountainhead College's Application Development program for 2009-2010 have not yet been determined. Fountainhead College actively pursues 100% placement of its graduates, however, employment is not guaranteed. |
* Based on average of 4 semesters
** Estimated Supply Cost
Complete 
Cost & Expenditures Chart.
- Changes to an Enrollment Agreement may require a $100 fee.
- Student receives a receipt for all funds paid to the college.
- Student receives invoices for all supply, textbook and fee charges.
- Student must purchase all required equipment and supplies from the College.
- Preexisting credit may be transferred which would change the total tuition.
- Online programs require the student to visit the campus at the end of each semester.
- Online students are not required to purchase a laptop from the College.
- Other than the laptop, online students pay the same tuition and fees as residential students.
Faculty
Get to know your Application Development Instructors.
Christopher Nicholson
Department Head & Instructor: Computer Programming
Christopher NicholsonChris Nicholson worked at ClientLogic in Oak Ridge as a Technical Support Representative where he managed client database records using the Oracle DBMS and diagnosed and remedied problems in computer networking.
Courses Taught
- CC2 WS201: Web Site Design
- CC2 PD203: Professional Development
- CC2 PM205: Introduction to Programming
- CC2 DB201: SQL Database Management
- CC2 PJ202: Project Management
- CP3 CP305: Java
- CP3 CP301: Visual C#.NET I
- CP3 CP302: Visual C#.NET II
- CP3 CP303: Visual Basic.NET I
- CP3 CP304: Visual Basic.NET II
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, University of Tennessee
- Bachelor of Arts, French, University of Tennessee
