History
Department & Program History
In the beginning - 1964
In the beginning (1964), the department was called Data Processing and we were in the Business Division. Henry Walski has the original proposal for an associate degree in Programming. Courses work was around COBOL with some machine language, operations, and RPG programming. The program with regards to enrollment was rather small until the mid 70s when more instructors where added. Our first program graduation happened in June 1966.
Moving forward - 1970s & 80s
In 1979-80 Jim McBriar developed our second associate degree in Computer Operations. Enrolled went up very fast in the early 80's. The major change in courses was the adding of online (green screen) programming with CICS and Natural (4gl). In 1982-83 we had waiting list of 200 to 300 applications. We started offering courses in Watertown but they were stop due to lack of enrollment. Database programming was added in 1984-85 with Software AGs ADABAS. We added two instructors from the base of four instructors until we had ten instructors.
Leading up to Y2K - 1990s
Our third programs was the Midrange Analyst/Programmer degree. We run on a IBM AS400 computer system. This was developed by Henry Walski, Janice Weinberg, and Jim McBriar. After that, the Networking Degree was developed in 1996-97. Brad Anderson and Jim McBriar developed the program. About the same time, Janice Weinberg and David Dean developed our first Advanced Technical Certificate in Client/Server Technology. Around 1997, the Midrange Analyst/Programmer degree was switch to a Web Analyst Programmer with an emphasis on web development. In 1999-2000, Computer Operations was changed to Computer Systems Administration.
Preparing for the future - 2000-today
In reaction to technology trends during the late 1990's, the Computer Operations associate degree changed to Computer Systems Administration. The program focuses on Microsoft's infrastructure certifications, first MCSA, now MCITP. Enrollment continues to increase as system administration employment increases.
Network Security program was developed in 2004-2005. It earned federal certification by the National Security Agency's Committee on National Security Systems. It is only one of two in the state and 124 nationwide to carry the high-level certification. MATC had to match its curriculum precisely to what the NSA wishes students to be exposed to, in terms of course material, time spent on lab work and specific projects, and goals that are met in networking classes.
The MATC IT Department now has a diploma, over 10 certificates, and 5 associate degrees. We are growing to meet the needs of today's IT business world.
