Colorado Technical University (CTU) has expanded its online presence with the launch of eight advanced and undergraduate online degree programs designed to help prepare professionals in the fields of computer science, criminal justice and technology.

Degree Programs Offered

The eight new degree programs being offered, including specializations, are the following:

• Doctor of Computer Science with a concentration in Information Assurance
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science Information Technology with four different Specializations
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with two specializations

Doctor of Computer Science with a concentration in Information Assurance

This three-year program helps leaders manage enterprise information systems with a focus on information assurance and security. The coursework features enterprise security architecture related to service-oriented architecture, software-as-a-service and cloud computing; digital systems security including risk assessments; and trust, security and privacy issues in enterprise computing.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

This degree program is designed for criminal justice professionals seeking to advance their careers in law enforcement, corrections, court systems and academia. Students will gain knowledge and skills including how to apply public policy techniques to current criminal justice system issues, how to evaluate and develop fiscally responsible policies, and how to put public policy into practice.

Master of Science in Information Technology with general, data Management technology, network management and security specializations

These four graduate degree programs provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized IT areas. The general specialization coursework is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of how to align an organization’s IT strategies and offerings with its business goals and serve its customers securely and efficiently. The other degree specializations allow students to specialize in managing an organization’s database systems, network infrastructure, and computer security systems.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with general and data management specializations

Coursework for the general specialization is focused on helping students design, develop and deliver IT projects. The data management specialization is designed to help students to apply the latest IT tools  and concepts used to support decision-making in business functions such as accounting, marketing and operations. In both specializations, students are required to create a portfolio of projects to demonstrate their skills to prospective employers.

“These new programs expand our current offerings in these important fields and provide students the opportunities to gain knowledge and skills that they can use to advance their careers or change professions,” said Jeremy Wheaton, CEO of CTU. “The coursework allows students to gain new skills by collaborating, connecting and interacting online with fellow students and professors, many of whom work in the industries they teach.”

All eight degree programs are currently open for enrollment. For more information or to enroll in any of these programs, visit CTU’s website.

About Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University (CTU) was established in 1965 and provides career-oriented education by teaching applied, real-world and industry-current programs for its students in selected areas, serving the needs of students for employment and career advancement and the needs of industry for highly qualified professionals. CTU offers students support, flexibility and resources to advance personally and professionally. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and its campuses include ground schools in Denver, Colo.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Pueblo, Colo.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Kansas City, MO; and an Internet-based division that delivers degree programs 100 percent online. In addition, CTU’s award-winning virtual campus was recognized as “Best of the Best” in the 2009 Computerworld Honors Program.

The president acknowledges that the idea isn’t popular with his daughter’s Malia and Sasha or in his family, but "we must face the challenges of a new century demand for more time in the classroom.”  The president wants schools to last longer in the day, stay open late, and be open on the weekends so that kids have a safe place to go when they don't have classes.

Our school system is set upon an agrarian economy because that's what our country started out as.  America is no longer an agrarian society so the seasons shouldn't predict the school year.  Kids today are not out "working the fields" said Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Both the President and Education Secretary are enraptured by the idea of making schools longer.

Apparently several schools in Maryland have lengthened the school day and added over 300 hours in the past three years.  Students stay 3 hours longer each day. Initially, students didn't like the additional hours but now admit they've learned a lot.  The results thus far seem to be positive.

Summer school has helped many students in the past. He believes that children could learn more if summer vacations were lengthened, plus they would have an easier time remembering what they had learned in the past.  Therefore,  teachers and students could progress much quicker because they are able to focus on learning new material rather than reviewing past lessons.

Adding to the school year is in complete opposition to what experts have been telling us about over scheduling children.  The president wants to not only make school days longer but also have a shorter summer vacation. Children already have to focus on school, homework, sports, musical instruments, friends, family and may now have to face more time in school. I realize that we need to keep up with what other countries are doing in the world if we are to maintain our standard of living and competitiveness in the marketplace, but where does it stop? 

Kids already juggle so much and there is a lot of responsibility placed upon them.  It seems like nowadays they don't really get to experience childhood, because they are to busy doing other things.  All parents want their children to be geniuses.  Just look at all the materials you can buy to make your baby smarter.

Even as babies we are stressing the importance of learning and intelligence, so that they can be successful in life.  That's good to a certain point, but I think sometimes parents have lost their focus on what's really important and letting kids be kids.  They will be adults and have responsibilities soon enough.

We need children that are intelligent, but also have social skills and they can't develop that if they always have their nose in a book. They need to be able to spend time with their friends and learn about life outside of the classroom.  Sometimes what they learn outside of school is more important.

So where is the balance between school and life when it comes to American kids? Is extending the school day and shortening summer really worth the cost? The major problem is that we have been scoring low on tests in comparison with other countries. What we need to do is find a way to be more efficient.  Score higher on tests and improve our learning methods while still maintaining an appropriate school day length.