Green River Launches Associate Degree Program in Data Analytics and Software Development
By Andy Orr, program manager, BAS in Software Development, July 21, 2020
Green River College is pleased to announce the launch of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Data Analytics and Software Development. This new two-year degree, recently approved by Washington’s State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, is designed to prepare students for advancement opportunities in today’s information economy. The program is now enrolling students.
Students who enroll in the Data and Software AAS will learn and apply in-demand data-wrangling tools and programming languages to solve real-world problems. No prior experience is required. Graduates from the program also become eligible for third-year standing in Green River’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Software Development, and are therefore able to complete all four years at a community college price, without having to transfer.
“The collection and availability of data is rapidly changing our world,” said Green River Instructor Susan Uland. “To give some perspective, ninety percent of the data in the world has been produced in the last two years alone. Green River’s new Data and Software associate degree will prepare students with the coding, problem-solving, and collaborative work skills needed to successfully transform data into useful information to serve the common good. Within our program, we intend to grow a culture of curiosity, perseverance and optimism to equip our students with the necessary techniques to develop software tools to responsibly transform, and understand, the plethora of data in the world today.”
Located at the heart of King County, Green River is a magnet for diversity, and makes an ideal context for encouraging underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students into computing pathways. The Data and Software AAS, alongside the college’s existing BAS in Software Development, presents a compelling solution for helping regional tech grow and diversify its workforce.
“The new Data and Software AAS is an amazing starting point for someone interested in today’s emerging technology fields,” added Green River Instructor Tyler Schrock. “These days, data and software are the driving force for nearly every business, and skills in these areas are in high demand. We believe this degree can provide a space to solve real problems using data driven tools that students themselves can build. Developing powerful software and unlocking stories in data can make a real difference.”
Green River’s Data and Software AAS is now enrolling students. To request getting-started advising, please complete a short interest form at www.greenriver.edu/data.
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