Seminole State College aims to meet workforce demand

With new technologies emerging and constant technologicaladvancements, the need for those with the skills to keep up with these rapidchanges is growing. Seminole State College of Florida is working to meet thatdemand with focused training in simulation.

The Simulation Specialization within the college's Associatein Science (A.S.) degree in computer programming and analysis teachesprogramming skills used in the video game and simulation industries. With thisdegree, students will receive hands-on training in computer technology,databases, web applications, modeling and simulation, and more. Graduates ofthe A.S. degree program can continue their simulation education in SeminoleState's Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Technology (B.S.I.S.T.).

Starting in the 2019-20 academic year, a focus in simulationwill be offered as part of the Programming Specialization within the B.S.I.S.T.The new simulation courses, Simulation Software Design and ContinuousSimulation, will allow students to build on skills acquired through courses inthe A.S. degree simulation specialization. Students who earn the B.S.I.S.T.with the simulation focus can also seek advanced training in select master'sdegree programs, such as those with video game programming and simulationspecializations at the University of Central Florida.

The simulation courses in both the A.S. and B.S.I.S.T.degrees were created in partnership with the National Center for Simulation andsimulation industry experts. With Central Florida serving as a hub for morethan 150 modeling, simulation and training companies, the job outlook in theregion is favorable with salaries ranging from $70,000 to more than $100,000depending on experience and skill.

With simulation skills, students will be able to work foremployers in various fields, including defense, healthcare and entertainmentsuch as theme parks and video gaming.