Designed specifically for beginners and those with little to no experience in the IT field, the Launchpad Pathway provides a comprehensive foundation in the essentials of IT. This track is perfect for individuals looking to start a new career in tech. Our curriculum covers everything from basic computer literacy to foundational programming skills, network administration, and cybersecurity basics. With hands-on training and support from dedicated instructors, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to land their first IT job and begin a promising career.
Featured Programs
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ODU-Affiliated Courses in Technology
Basic Game Design
Games are increasingly recognized as a tool that can serve many business purposes beyond entertainment. This Certificate provides you with a general introduction to what goes into the design and development of both video and analog games, with a particular focus on the use of games outside of consumer entertainment.
Coding
Coding is becoming one of the most in-demand skills in the workplace today. As a result, coding has become a core skill that bolsters one's chances of becoming a higher value to organizations. The highest demand is for programming languages with broad applicability.
CompTIA Discounted Vouchers
As an academic partner of CompTIA, Old Dominion University students can purchase discounted testing vouchers by visiting the CompTIA Academic Store. Click here to access the store.
Graphic Design Software Essentials
The Adobe software tools are the leading software for graphic design. Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard computer illustration software. Adobe InDesign is the industry standard page-layout program that works with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop seamlessly. Use Adobe Photoshop to effectively work with selection and editing tools, layers, and masks to edit, retouch and enhance existing images or create your own composite digital art work. Access to the Adobe software tools required.
Management
Enhance your management skills through this program for supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders. Nothing creates success like a solid foundation. Discover the keys for effectively managing your employees. Find out how to create clear expectations, engage and motivate employees, and increase your effectiveness.
Mastering Excel
A must-have skill to succeed in business, whether an entrepreneur or a valued employee, is the ability to create, edit and manage spreadsheets. Microsoft Excel is the most used spreadsheet tool in the world.
Project Management
ODU's Graduate Certificate in Project Management (GCPM) will teach you the concepts, management tools and processes required for overseeing projects in the workplace. This certificate also provides the core knowledge needed to successfully pass the PMP Exam. Students enrolling in GCPM will qualify for a discount on their PMP Prep Course if they choose to take it.
Project Management Professional PMP® Exam Prep Course
The PMP® credential has become the most recognized certification in Project Management in the world and is considered the gold standard of PM qualifications. ODU's PMP® Exam Prep course reviews the PMI® project management framework and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®). During the course, your progress is measured through testing that simulates actual examination areas.
SQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the industry standard database programming language. It is one of the most in demand skills in occupations that require interaction with data and analyzing data. Through your knowledge of Structured Query Language, you will become more marketable in computer related career fields that pertain to database administration. Learning SQL can also lead to a job that is specific to analyzing data such as a data analyst, a quality assurance analyst, or a business analyst.
Web Design
Online users say a website's design is the number one criteria for deciding whether a company is credible or not, according to recent research. Understanding what it takes to produce effective web design is essential in today's market of highly saturated digital competition.
Wordpress
WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) for website and blog design. Topics include an introduction to CMS, WordPress installation and setup, page and content creation, administration, themes (selection, purchase, installation, and setup), working with widgets and plugins, and more. // Course provided through LERN.
Workplace Communication
Good communication in the workplace is more important than ever. And critical to your career advancement and success. Come get a comprehensive and intensive preparation with skills and techniques you can put to use on Monday morning.