Virginia Western Community College has redesigned one of its Information Systems Technology programs to better prepare students for careers in data analytics and programming while creating a direct transfer pathway to a bachelor’s degree at Radford University.
The college announced the launch of its Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology: Data Analytics & Programming Solutions degree, replacing a previous two-year programming program. The curriculum was developed in partnership with Radford University to allow students to complete a bachelor’s degree in information science and systems through a two-plus-two pathway.
Dr. Diane Wolff, professor of computer science and information technology at Virginia Western, said the redesign responds to growing demand for professionals who can analyze data while maintaining strong programming skills.
“Organizations across industries are collecting exponentially more data, and they need professionals who can transform that data into decisions — not just store or manage it,” Wolff said. “The complementarity of analytics plus programming increases employability.”
Wolff said the updated curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to work alongside artificial intelligence tools rather than be replaced by them.
“This change modernizes the program, aligns it with current workforce needs, and improves graduate employment outcomes — without abandoning core programming fundamentals,” she said.
The new degree was developed by Virginia Western faculty in collaboration with Dr. Art Carter, chair of Radford University’s Accounting, Finance and Information Systems Department. While associate of applied science degrees are traditionally designed for students entering the workforce, the program also includes the coursework necessary for direct transfer into Radford’s Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Systems program.
The Virginia Western curriculum includes general education courses such as precalculus and statistics, which are considered essential in the data science field.
Radford’s Information Science and Systems program combines computer science and business coursework, including database management, networking, programming, cybersecurity, accounting, management, economics, finance, marketing, cybersecurity management and decision analytics.
“We are excited about this partnership,” Carter said. “Over the years of working with Virginia Western, the students coming to Radford have been well prepared and very successful in their studies here. Our Information Science and Systems program concentrates studies in Decision Analytics and Cybersecurity Management, and the Virginia Western program will be a great preparation to finish this program with two additional years of studies.”
Students who complete the bachelor’s degree also have the option of pursuing an online Master of Business Administration in one additional year.
According to Wolff, demand for data analytics professionals continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for data scientists will increase 34% between 2024 and 2034, with about 23,400 job openings each year.
Amy White, Virginia Western’s dean of STEM and Workforce Solutions, said the redesigned curriculum reflects changing workforce needs.
“I’m grateful for both the continuation of our partnership with Radford University and this proactive approach to the need for evolving curricula,” White said. “I am proud of the faculty from both institutions who have worked to meet the needs of students in this rapidly changing industry.”
The partnership also builds on existing transfer initiatives, including Tartan Transfer and the Radford Tuition Promise, which are designed to simplify the transition from community college to a four-year institution. Virginia Western is one of nine Tartan Transfer partner institutions, and Radford reported transfer student applications and admissions for the fall 2026 semester increased about 5% over the previous year.
“This partnership reflects what higher education should look like at its best: institutions working together to create clear, affordable pathways to opportunity,” said Donna McCloskey, dean of Radford University’s Artis College of Business and Economics. “Through Tartan Transfer and agreements like this one, students can start close to home, build valuable skills and credentials, and continue seamlessly toward a bachelor’s degree and a rewarding career.”
While enrolled at Virginia Western, students also will have opportunities to earn industry certifications, including Oracle Certified Associate in Java, Information Technology Specialist in Database Fundamentals, CompTIA AI Essentials, CompTIA Security+, CAPM Project Management and CompTIA Linux+.
“The new AAS program aims to teach programming with purpose, powered by data,” Wolff said. “It’s not about learning to code for coding’s sake — it’s about using data and technology to solve real problems.”
-The New Castle Record
