Headlines shout messages that artificial intelligence will take jobs left and right. Entry-level computer programming positions appear to be high on the AI hit list. Yet workforce demand remains for workers who can make sense of the ever-increasing quantities of data that companies are managing.  

That’s where Dr. Diane Wolff, Professor of Computer Science/Information Technology at Virginia Western Community College, sees an opportunity.  

“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. “This trend drives demand for data analytics skills in addition to technical programming skills, rather than instead of them.  The complementarity of analytics plus programming increases employability.”

Virginia Western has revolutionized a two-year programming degree into the Associate of Applied Science in IST: Data Analytics & Programming Solutions degree. This unique pathway was built in tandem with Radford University to create a true “two-plus-two” program, enabling students to receive Radford’s Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Systems in four total years. Additionally, Radford’s program has an opportunity to continue with a one-year option for a Master of Business Administration, which is offered online. 

“By integrating analytics with programming, the curriculum prepares students to work alongside AI tools, not be displaced by them,” Wolff said. “This change modernizes the program, aligns it with current workforce needs, and improves graduate employment outcomes — without abandoning core programming fundamentals.” 

Read more about the program and transfer agreement with Radford University.