Train to Technology (TTT) is a professional education program offered through George Mason University's School of Information Technology and Engineering. The program was created three years ago and has since tripled its enrollment and class offerings. TTT has prospered due to its close connection with the local community and IT business industry. In particular, TTT has a strong alliance with Northern Virginia Regional Partnership (NVRP). NVRP not only has assisted TTT with funding for new computer laboratories and start-up costs, it has supported the program with continued student and employer outreach efforts. Additionally, NVRP has secured a low interest loan program for individuals interested in participating in the TTT program.

The initial purpose of George Mason University's Train to Technology Program was to train students in software and Internet technologies and to prepare them to enter the information technology workforce as productive development and support team members. Now, in addition to assisting entry-level students, the TTT program also offers a slate of advanced courses for more experienced students, typically those who have completed a first TTT course.

The Train to Technology Program provides the opportunity for accelerated learning with hands-on application oriented classes taught in a lab environment. Each course is instructor-led with a student/computer ratio of 1:1. Class size is limited to 25. The Train to Technology Program has state of the art computer labs in Arlington, Manassas, and Reston.

Mason's TTT program offers courses in several technical areas. Most courses consist of four modules, each approximately five weeks in length, for a total of 256 classroom/lab hours. Microsoft Windows 2000 MCSE is seven months long, consists of seven modules, and has a total of 360 classroom/lab hours. All courses meet two nights a week from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and every other Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Our students represent a cross section of educational backgrounds and professional work experience. Many have 4-year college degrees; many have several years of work experience, not necessarily in information technology. Some are former military with security clearances. All have demonstrated technical aptitude and are motivated to launch successful information technology careers.

Students who successfully complete the Train to Technology Program will have a strong working knowledge of programming languages or vendor products which will help them prepare for related certification exams. They will have completed numerous programming projects in a hands-on computer laboratory environment and will be capable of developing applications using "industry standard" software development tools.

To find out more about our school and programs, please request more information today!