colorado-technical-university

Studying IT at Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University appears in our ranking of the Top 30 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.

Information technology professionals must master a variety of skills while in school to solve common problems that arise in the average IT department. The program at Colorado Technical University is designed to provide students with a common core of classes and courses that deal specifically with a student’s area of study. Students receive an education that’s strong in information technology basics and also receive information on essential topics like ethics, databases, and security. Other important classes touch on topics like architecture, programming, and systems administration.

Further, the university offers students a choice of seven different specializations, which helps students focus on their specific area of interest within the industry of information technology. In total, the program requires that students complete 184 credits via on-campus or online study. On-campus classes are given in Denver and Colorado Springs. Specializations open to students include:

  • General Specialization
  • Web Development
  • Software Systems Engineering
  • Software Application Programming
  • Security
  • Network Management
  • Data Management

A student studying Data Management will be introduced to essential topics like database systems, SQL, and network management while a student in Web Development will focus on learning how to solve complex problems through programming in various programming languages. Each specialization offers its own challenges and curriculum to give students the specific information they need to succeed in their chosen field.

Some of the courses that students will take include those on computer security, web development, and spreadsheet applications. Students will also study project management, programming, and Unix fundamentals. The curriculum will feature courses specific to a student’s specialization. The program is also affiliated with CompTIA, which is a provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications. Colorado Technical University has designed its program to abide by the standards set by this group.

Upon graduation, students will be able to consider employment in a variety of different positions for many types of companies. Virtually all businesses today must house an information technology department whether they have ten employees or 10,000, so employment opportunities are vast. Some of the job titles a student may pursue include Test Engineer, Application Developer, Software Engineer, and Systems Engineer. In addition, a student may become a Software Developer, Systems Analyst, or Network Security Engineer.

Colorado Technical University boasts that its tuition costs are lower than comparable schools, which may prove valuable for students looking to graduate with as little educational debt as possible.

About Colorado Technical University

Established in 1965, Colorado Technical University was designed to provide degrees in technology for local military personnel in need of vocational training. Originally called Colorado Technical College, the school would gain university status in 1995. Over time, the university expanded to include degree programs in business, healthcare, information technology, and other career-oriented fields. The school introduced online only and hybrid learning at the turn of the millennium and has been recognized for the excellence of its online degree programs.

Its online MBA program was recognized as a top program, and the school has focused on providing students with advanced technology and facilities at its campuses. Classes are available at several campuses including facilities in Colorado Springs and Denver in Colorado, as well as Kansas City, Pueblo, and Sioux Falls. The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security have recognized the school as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.

Colorado Technical University Accreditation Details

CTU counts a variety of accreditations and licenses related to their degree programs. Overall, the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association. In addition, the university has state licensure from the Department of Higher Education, Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE). Other states where the school is authorized by state agencies to provide higher education include Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

Colorado Technical University also boasts a variety of degree- and program-specific accreditations including accreditation for the Surgical Technology Program by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The school’s business degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Some of the classes and programs within the Engineering & Computer Department are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Colorado Technical University Application Requirements

The university suggests that its students come from all different backgrounds and that the first step to applying for admission is researching the school and making sure that the university aligns with a student’s future goals for education and a career. Students will then schedule an interview with the admissions staff that will answer any questions the student might have, as well as provide recommendations on the best learning type that will fit the student’s lifestyle. Choices include on-campus, online learning, or a hybrid approach.

After the interview and confirmation that the school is the right choice for the student, the formal admissions process will begin. Students apply online through a simple form and must provide a variety of documents including prior education, such as a high school diploma or transcripts from other colleges. Graduate and doctoral-level programs may also require additional materials like an essay and resume. Students who speak English as a second language must take the TOEFL or provide proof of English proficiency.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students may qualify for a variety of financial aid types including federal assistance, student loans, and grants from several sources. The school says that financial aid awards may differ depending upon whether a student attends classes on campus or enrolls in an online program. After submitting the official Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, students will become eligible for financing options such as federal student loans, state aid, grants and scholarships, and private loans. Students who are new to the world of financial aid are offered access to a financial literacy site called Money Matters to help them make smart decisions regarding financial aid.

CTU provides a few different tuition options, and students are encouraged to investigate each option before enrolling. The school provides a Fast Track option that helps students complete studies faster, which may save a student up to 30% on tuition fees. The school also provides tuition numbers that include all books and fees so that there aren’t any surprise costs involved with attending school.

The school provides students with a Net Price Calculator that’s designed to estimate each student’s projected costs for CTU tuition and fees. Tuition for students in the computer science program is around $11,350 a year in addition to approximately $1,640 for books and supplies.

Interested in furthering your computer science career through a degree at Colorado Technical University?  Click here for more information.