ISU College of Technology computer software program expanding to mobile device programming

Students in the Computer Software Development Technology (CSDT) program at Idaho State University's College of Technology learn to design and develop stand-alone and web-based computer applications to meet various business needs.  They also learn how to upgrade and modify existing applications and how to function well in a team environment.

Students entering the program in fall 2011 will expand their skills by learning to program applications for the rapidly growing mobile device computing market. The CSDT program was recently accepted into the Research In Motion (RIM) Blackberry Academic Program.

RIM donated ten Blackberry Bold smart phones to the program and is providing instructors access to well-designed curriculum resources and documentation. Eight mobile computing stations have been developed in the lab. In addition, the CSDT program is on the waiting list to participate in the new Playbook Academic Program which will be initiated in the fall of this year.

"Our students are already taught many of the languages and skills necessary for programming mobile devices. The addition of the programming for mobile devices component to the curriculum for this upcoming school year leverages everything with a new skill set that is in high demand," explained Teresa Hardy, CSDT instructor.

The CSDT program is committed to remaining current in its course offerings and undergoes a formal yearly committee review to ensure what is taught in the program continues to meet industry standards and technological needs. 

Senior projects provide students with real life experience working as a team member in an industry setting. Graduates have completed projects for Northwind and Sumisu Sushi. The option of programming a mobile application for their Senior Project will be available for students in the spring semester of 2012.

The CSDT program currently averages 20-30 students attending courses and working in the program's two computer labs during any given semester.  Graduates earn a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree.  Over the past two years, 89 percent of CSDT graduates have found employment upon graduation as software programmers or IT team members for local and out of state companies.

Openings are available for the CSDT program this fall. For more information about the CSDT program please contact College of Technology Student Services at (208) 282-2622 or view the website at www.isu.edu/ctech/computersoftware.