As
technology continued to explode in the 1970s, there was
a need for ever-increasing numbers of people trained to
cope with its social and economic impact. Coleman
University responded to these demands by expanding its
offerings to include general education courses that
provided students with a greater breadth of knowledge.
The General Education Department, with its emphasis on
the social sciences, the humanities, and management,
provided a meaningful Bachelor of Computer Information
Science degree program.
The
proliferation of computers also created a need for
people who were trained to repair and maintain them. In
1979, the University responded to this need by adding a
Department of Computer Technology that developed a
program leading to a certificate in Computer Electronics
Technology, a program that served as the core for
associate and bachelor's degree programs.
In
the 1980s, the University continued to expand and update
its curricula, maintaining its leadership role by
specializing in both information science and computer
technology. The 1980s also saw the founding of a campus
in San Marcos (in 1986) to serve the growing population
in the northern part of San Diego County.
In
1982, with the guidance and support of accomplished and
visionary industry leaders, a program leading to a
Master of Science degree in Information Systems was
developed. The master's program has been updated
continually through the years, and in 2001 changed to a
Master of Science degree in Information Technology. In
2007 this program was renamed Master of Science in
Information Systems Management and the course offerings
expanded to meet the needs of international students who
desire to continue their education in the United
States.
Anticipating the need for technicians and administrators
in network systems, in 1994 Coleman University developed an
interdisciplinary program in computer applications and
networks in the Office Automation Systems Department. In
1996, the Computer Applications and Networks Department
replaced Office Automation Systems. The Computer
Applications and Networks curriculum provides extensive
training in local area networks and client-server
applications, among the fastest growing areas in the
high-tech job market.
As
computer hardware has become more sophisticated,
troubleshooting has evolved to require a higher
understanding of the total system, including software.
In 1996, the Computer Electronics program was redesigned
to reflect this shift in balance between hardware and
software, and the department was renamed Computer
Engineering Technology. Since then, the program has
evolved in response to industry trends emphasizing
network technology. Accordingly, the department is now
known as the Computer Networks Department.
In
2002, the University rounded out its computer-related
academic offerings by launching a program in Computer
Graphic Design. Graduates of the Computer Graphic Design
program are qualified for a variety of positions in
graphic design, Web site development, and digital
design.
Coleman University first offered General and Advanced
Technology Education (GATE) classes via Distance
Education in 2001, giving students the opportunity to
take courses from home rather than having to commute to
campus. By 2003, the Distance Education program had
grown to the point of launching an online graduate
program in Business and Technology Management, in
addition to offering a wide selection of GATE courses.
In
2006, Coleman University launched a new program,
Bioinformatics Technician (BIT). This program combines
the fundamental concepts in computer science,
networking, and bioinformatics. Our students will
benefit from the skills required for careers in the
growing field of Bioinformatics. The Bachelor of Science
Degree in this discipline was approved in 2007.
Today, Coleman University has students and alumni from
every part of the United States and many foreign
countries. In addition to traditional post high-school
undergraduates, Coleman University students include
active and retired military personnel, professional
people seeking new career directions, and international
students who are acquiring new skills to take back to
their home countries. These students attend Coleman
University because of its reputation for high academic
standards, professionalism, and personal concern for
each student.
Long
recognized by numerous industry and educational
organizations as a leader in computer education, Coleman
has pioneered many new teaching techniques with great
effectiveness. Technological developments are researched
continuously so that the curricula and computer
equipment for student use may be updated accordingly.