Mattoon, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Lake Land College is set to offer a brand-new degree program in Computer Science starting Fall 2026. The program will equip students with a wide range of programing and software skills, preparing them for high-demand STEM careers.
By focusing on key skills such as programming, error testing and problem solving, the new program will set students on paths toward high-paying careers in software development, cybersecurity, data science and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in these fields is projected to grow much faster than the average industry over the next 10 years, with more than 317,000 new jobs projected each year.
“We’re excited to introduce this brand-new program and create a local, affordable pathway for students to access such a rewarding career field,” Mathematics Instructor Sarah Harley said.
Students who complete the Lake Land College Computer Science program will also have the option to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science. By starting their education at Lake Land, students can complete their first two years at a fraction of a university cost, all while enjoying small class sizes and free wraparound tutoring and support services. In addition, most core classes in the Computer Science program are a part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), meaning students who complete the program will have guaranteed transfer to any participating Illinois university.
“The Computer Science program is designed to ensure a seamless transfer process to any university a student wants,” Harley added. “This is a huge advantage for students, who come out financially ahead of their peers when they take advantage of our affordable tuition for the first two years of their studies.”
The Lake Land College Computer Science program is now enrolling for Fall 2026. To learn more about the program, contact Harley at 217-234-5289 or sharley@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.