Search form

You are here

QCC Adds New Lab in Southbridge

August 2017

Quinsigamond Community College’s Southbridge location has been expanding its state-of-the-art offerings, recently adding a Computer Systems Engineering Technology (CSET) lab to its facility. This lab will exclusively be dedicated to the college’s growing CSET program, which is being launched in Southbridge this Fall.  

“We are continuing to offer more opportunities for QCC students to attain their CSET career objectives. Bringing more CSET course offerings to the Southbridge campus is something that we have been working hard to make a reality. We recognize the need to offer our students CSET classes that are convenient for them so they can reach their goals,” said Kathy Rentsch, Dean of Business, Engineering and Technology at QCC.

As the demand for technical skills increases businesses are in need of more skilled workers than ever before.  QCC has met that need by developing a comprehensive CSET program that is relevant and responsive to today’s local and global needs. The college currently offers four CSET associate degrees and nine certificate programs for students.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Technology (IT) occupations as a whole are expected to grow substantially from 2014 - 2024, faster on average than all other occupations. In May of 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted the median annual wage for computer and IT occupations was $82,860, substantially higher than the $37,040 median annual wage for all other occupations.

“These types of jobs are in high demand and pay two to three times the national average,” said Betty Lauer, Coordinator of the Computer Systems Engineering Technology Program at QCC. “Our programs equip students with core competencies that are needed by today’s businesses.”

At QCC, the CSET program prepares students for a broad range of career opportunities. Two of the newest CSET associate degrees offered include an Enterprise Information Technology option, which provides students with the tools they will need to work in virtually any business or organization that utilizes computers and computer networks, in addition to a Cybersecurity option.

The Cybersecurity option is designed to meet the demand for professional cybersecurity skills that are required in today’s business world, while focusing on the technical and human aspect of cybersecurity. This program provides students with the skillset they will need to navigate today’s ever changing cybersecurity landscape.

CSET Certificate programs range from one semester certificate programs that train students on careers in a help desk environment (the first line of defense for an organization), to numerous two semester certificates such as the Personal Computer Specialist Certificate that focuses on personal computer/desktop management and support.

To learn more about the CSET program and the classes being offered in Southbridge this fall, visit www.QCC.edu/CSET

Share