Students Already Reaping Benefits
Newark, N.J. Nov. 26, 1996 -- The new WebMaster Certificate program unveiled in October at New Jersey Institute of Technology is "HOT."
"We had a feeling the program would be popular because of the demand for people with skills in this area, but it has exceeded our expectations," said Gale Spak, executive director of the Division of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Education at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
The WebMaster Certificate program is a comprehensive, hands-on program designed to teach computer, publishing and business professionals how to create, maintain and maximize their effective use of homepages and World Wide Web technologies. The program features three, 30-hour segments which can each be taken as a separate certificate or together as a complete program.
"Student response has been very positive," noted Spak. "We offered two sections this fall and both sold-out. We haven't even released the spring schedule yet and already people are calling us saying, `I don't care when the classes are just sign me up, I have to get into this WebMaster program!'"
The Web Author Certificate covers design and coding in HTML, analysis of source codes, and making Web pages searchable. The Web Developer Certificate includes how to link Web pages to computer programs and databases, plan Internet and Intranet applications, and develop multimedia pages. The Web Site Manager Certificate covers Web security and legal issues, basic programming in Java and JavaScript, and the installation and configuration of Web server hardware and software.
Nat Bender of Plainfield, N.J. targeted Web site development for his next career move after a recent job lay-off.
"I surfed the `net' for years and did some work on Intranet development, but I wanted to get more technical training since my background was in journalism. When I heard about the program I tried to get state grant money for job retraining, but they denied me saying `it wouldn't necessarily lead to a job.' I had to pull money out of my savings account to enroll," explained Bender.
His luck was about to change. "The professor announced that New Jersey Small Business Development Centers of Rutgers University was looking for someone to maintain one of their Web sites. I interviewed and got the job as Information Services Manager literally four weeks after starting the class."
"The information we reviewed on HTML coding, Web site components and interactive features are all things I will be working on in the future. I am really glad I enrolled in this program," he added.
As a Senior Systems Analyst, Carol Martinak of West Orange, N.J. was very familiar with programming, graphics and Windows applications, but wanted to take her knowledge one step further.
"I already had an interest in the Internet, and my company has several Web sites but much of that work is contracted out. I wanted this training so I could get more involved in the Web and expand the services I could offer to our clients," said Martinak who works for Rainbow Advertising Sales in Manhattan, N.Y.
"I find the program really interesting and exciting because the whole area is so fresh and there are so many possibilities to explore. With my programming background, I hope to be able to reach beyond the glossy front page, and learn how to integrate data bases and really share information on Web sites," she remarked.
The WebMaster program is taught by faculty members of the Center for Information Age Technology at NJIT, which specializes in computer consulting for New Jersey small business and public sector organizations.
"I enrolled for my own enjoyment," said Fred Fisher, owner of Computer Consulting Services in Colonia, N.J.
"I have over two decades of experience in the industry and taught myself HTML, but NJIT offered me a systematic, quick-ramp approach to learning more about Web technologies and techniques. They have shown me things that would have taken a year or more of hunting and researching Web sites and resources to find myself," he noted.
"I am very impressed with the faculty, they really have their fingers on the pulse of the industry," said Fisher. "A week in this field is like six months in the real world, but they keep pace with the changes and present new information as soon as it comes out."
He added, "I have a few different kinds of certifications and they are only useful as bird cage liners. But this program is definitely worthwhile because you can directly apply the knowledge you are learning to the job. It is real world training."
Michelle Salimbene of Nutley N.J. earned master's in electronic and multimedia publishing from Rochester Institute of Technology in May, but wanted additional training.
"I did my thesis on the Web, and have designed and built Web pages for an interactive company, but I felt I needed more hands-on skills. I wanted a better understanding of the heavy programming languages like JavaScript and to learn more about server maintenance."
Salimbene just landed a job as an electronic developer for Logical Design Solutions in Morristown, N.J. "They are excited about me taking this certificate program. I believe the program will really help me to better communicate with the programmers and designers."
Rich Fallon of East Rutherford, N.J. can't wait to reap the rewards of the program. "I would like to start my own Web design company. There is definitely a large calling for it, especially now, and this WebMaster certificate will definitely give me an edge over the competition."
Fallon is employed as a computer administrator for Outwater Plastics in Woodridge, N.J. "I am partially responsible for the Web at work, but as I get more polished in the design and publishing of Web sites I hope to have more influence on the company's Web design."
"I tried taking other computer courses but they took too much time and weren't specific enough," said Falon. "The WebMaster scheduling has been extremely convenient and the classes are giving me real experience in the field. I would highly recommend this program to other people."
The fall WebMaster Certificate program ends in February. The spring session will run from March through June in two sections: Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m.; or Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on alternating weeks.
Classes use Pentium-equipped processors with Ethernet local area network access to NJIT's UNIX system and to the Internet gateway and projection facilities. Prerequisites include a basic knowledge of programming and the Internet, and experience in Windows and PC's beyond word processing. Students are also expected to have access to a computer with a modem, Web browser software and Internet Access Service.
The entire WebMaster Certificate program will cost $2,495, each individual segment is $855. Students can earn 3 CEU credits for each segment. To receive a brochure and application call 1 (800) 624-9850 (in N.J.) or (973) 596-3060.
NJIT is a public research university enrolling nearly 7,900 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in 67 degree programs through its five colleges: Newark College of Engineering, School of Architecture, College of Science and Liberal Arts, the School of Industrial Management and the Albert Dorman Honors College. U.S. News and World Report's 1997 Annual Guide to America's Best Colleges ranked NJIT among the second quartile (58-114) of 229 national universities. Money Magazine's Money Guide: Best College Buys 1997 rated NJIT as the third best value among U.S. science and technology schools and 59th among the Top 100 U.S. higher education institutions.
-end-
11/26/96
For more information contact: The Office of Public Relations, (973) 596-3434
Release number: 3186