My name is David A. Abarca, and I am a doctoral candidate with the University of Phoenix. I am conducting dissertation research to compare the preferences of two groups of Texas employers for IT-related credentials. The study may help IT department leaders better understand how current programs are, or are not, meeting the needs of employers in order to improve current Texas community college CS/IT department academic programs.

Your participation in this study is voluntary. This web-based survey does not ask for, nor collect any information about your organization, or your internet connection (IP address). This web-based survey does not place any data (i.e., cookies) on your computer. The results of this research study may be published, and the web-based survey process allows your identity and your results to be anonymous.  You are asked to enter your name below only for validation purposes associated with this informed consent statement.

Prior to accessing the web-based survey, you will be required to select a button indicating  that you acknowledge and accept this informed consent statement and that you are over 18 years of age. Your acceptance of this informed consent statement and age verification selection is required in order to participate in this web-based survey.

For the purposes of this study, the focus is on the following twenty areas associated with the IT field: Desktop/End-User Support, Help Desk Support, PC Hardware Support, Windows/UNIX/Linux Server Support, Network Administration, LAN/WAN/Network Infrastructure Support, Database Administration, Web Design, Web Application Developer, Computer Operator, Multimedia Design (Flash, Dreamweaver, etc.), Interactive Simulation/Game Development, Application Support (SAP, PeopleSoft, etc.), Web Programming, C/C# Programming, Java Programming, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Network Security/Information Assurance, VoIP Support, and Wireless Networking Support.

By pressing the “I Accept” button below, I, electronically sign and acknowledge that I understand the nature of the study, the potential risks to me as a participant, and the means by which my identity will be kept confidential. Pressing the “I Accept” button below also indicates that I electronically sign that I am 18 years or older and that I give permission to voluntarily serve as a participant in this study described. If you are not 18 years or older, or do not wish to participate in this study, please press the “I Decline” button to exit this site.

  I ACCEPT