Over 6% of all jobs in the United States are in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It is a rapidly growing and well-paying field that offers a wide range of professional pathways, from cybersecurity, data analytics, computer science, and engineering, to construction management and aviation. This industry is an excellent choice for new graduates as it is highly lucrative and provides great job security. The market is swamped with STEM job openings and not enough professionals to fill them, which creates a great opportunity for those looking to enter the field. Capitol Technology University develops curricula based on the current STEM career industry, and each subject area is designed to meet the specific needs of the world’s job market.
Capitol Technology University
Navy veteran Eugene H. Rietzke established Capitol Technology University in Washington, D.C., as the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute (CREI) in 1927. Capitol was founded with the purpose of training radio and electronics workers, but as it gained prominence, it grew to offer additional fields of study in engineering and technology. Before relocating to its current campus in Laurel, Maryland in 1980, and changing its name to Capitol Technology University in 2014, the school went through numerous other name and location changes as it grew and developed. Because of its outstanding leadership, Capitol Tech has developed into a vibrant, Middle States Commission on Higher Education-Accredited academic community that grants degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university provides courses in in-demand subjects including engineering, computer science, astronautical sciences, cybersecurity, and many more.
Bradford Sims, President of Capitol Technology University
Technology-obsessed Bradford Sims was introduced to the world of computer programming at a young age when he received the Commodore 64 as a birthday gift. After going on to study and receive a bachelor’s degree in Building Construction Management from Purdue University, Dr. Sims spent a period of time working in project management for industrial construction companies. His technological knowledge afforded him the opportunity to not only oversee projects, but to provide information technology support at each company he worked for. Later on, Dr. Sims returned to school to obtain a Master of Science in Building Construction from the University of Florida, followed by a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue. These studies led to his first job in higher education as an assistant professor at the University of Florida. Dr. Sims held a number of other positions in higher education before coming to Capitol to become the institution’s eighth president in 2017. Since becoming president, Dr. Sims has worked to blend his expertise in the areas of both construction and technology by launching Capitol’s prestigious Critical Infrastructure program of study.
Major Offerings
Capitol Technology University provides 28 bachelor’s, 21 master’s, and 35 doctoral degree programs in a variety of STEM-focused subject areas. The school’s most popular program of study is the acclaimed Cyber & Information Security major, which has received numerous honors including the 2020 SC Media Award for Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program. Additionally, Capitol offers professionally crafted programs in Construction Management and Critical Infrastructure that will equip students for profitable career opportunities in the sector. The university makes two special commitments to eligible students: the Capitol Commitment, which offers to pay for up to 36 additional academic credits for students who do not secure employment within 90 days of graduation, and the Chargers Assistance Program (CAP), which guarantees to help students with loan repayment if their post-graduation income is under $50,000.
In Comparison
One of the ways Capitol distinguishes itself from other colleges is through its dedication to helping graduates find excellent jobs in the industries of their choice. Each idea taught in the curricula has real-world applications so that students will be ready for the demands of the workplace. Capitol’s instructors are all subject matter experts and base their lessons on information obtained directly from the workforce. In order to enable students to learn from any location, the university also provides an extensive selection of online courses. For working individuals to more easily integrate their professions with their education, all graduate-level courses are offered entirely online.
Innovative Technology
At Capitol, technology is at the core of everything. The institution has always been at the forefront of the most cutting-edge technological developments, and the programs are always evolving to incorporate the most current, industry-standard knowledge into the curriculum. Capitol’s professors are not only outstanding minds who are passionate about teaching, but seasoned industry experts who can demonstrate to students precisely what potential employers are looking for.
Modern, state-of-the-art equipment is used in the laboratories and classrooms to give students the greatest hands-on and practical experience with the technology they will use throughout their careers.
Challenges
Many colleges and institutions found it challenging to conduct business in-person as a result of COVID-19, which has resulted in a drop in enrollment and financial difficulties. However, due to Capitol’s established online learning infrastructure, the university was well prepared to handle a situation like the pandemic. While it missed the vibrant undergraduate student presence on campus in 2020, it was nevertheless able to successfully operate virtually and uphold the standards of quality and excellence set by the community. Capitol has been able to avoid problems so that it can continue to offer a high-quality education at reasonable pricing, with superb faculty, small class sizes, and well-rounded STEM-based curriculums.
Achievements
Dr. Sims has accomplished a lot by navigating the pandemic with little impact on enrollment, staffing, and general institutional operations. At the start of COVID, Capitol was able to make a pivot and go to entirely online instruction, and the community beautifully adapted to this new approach to learning due to its familiarity. Even though Capitol is a small university, it was able to survive Covid without having to raise tuition, eliminate programs, or let go of valued faculty members. Capitol Tech has made a number of notable accomplishments that have contributed to its success, such as the honors and distinctions it has received, which include: 2018 Moxie Award Finalist, SC Media Award 2020 for Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program, Named “Best Master’s Program” in 2020 by Intelligent.com, Cybersecurity Professor Dr. William Butler received the SC Media Award 2021 for Outstanding Cyber Educator, SC Media 2021 Excellence Best Program Award Finalist, 2021 Educator Ally of the Year by Inteligenca, named military friendly school by Victory Media and received the Gold award for 2022-2023.
President Sims states, “One of the things I’m proudest of is the employability of our students. Not only is their employability high, but the starting salaries are high as well. That reflects the fact that our programs are responsive to industry needs.”
Vision
In 2025, in accordance with the Mission Statement, Capitol Technology University will be seen by its constituents and by the public as:
- A STEM-focused institution of higher education, providing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, information sciences, and technology leadership, that has flexibility and opportunities to grow, and that adapts offerings to emerging workforce needs.
- A provider of hands-on, career-relevant learning that is conducted in an interdisciplinary and interactive environment where faculty and staff support student achievement and success.
- A university that delivers programs of similarly outstanding quality through face-to-face and virtual classrooms, and other forms and mixtures of teaching methods that align with the learning needs of our students.
- An organization with faculty and leadership who stimulate and implement new curricula, research and entrepreneurial activities for the professions we serve, and that benefit a diverse community of learners
- An organization that is closely linked to its constituency of local, regional and national partners in business, government, non-profits, and professions that provide influence for future technology development and policies.
- An organization that engages the global community, through educating international students, coordinating with educators, and supporting multinational professional associations.
- A university that develops graduates with communications, analysis and critical thinking skills that allow them to be successful in a global environment and pursue lifelong learning as technical professionals, leaders and innovators.
- A university that prepares graduates for jobs and careers, and that serves the broader purpose of education to address national needs-based policies through scientific consideration.
- An organization appropriately sized for quality education and financial viability, with sustainable assets for faculty and staff to provide a best-value STEM education.
Advice from the President to New Leaders
To understand how the team’s actions contribute to the success of the business, Bradford L. Sims advises taking the time to learn what each member of the team accomplishes in their role and the broader scope of organizational operations.
“Lead by example and be willing to jump in and do anyone’s job or support them if they are overloaded so that both the organization is successful and those that you are leading are willing to do what is necessary and can appreciate your level of dedication and support as a leader.”- says Dr. Sims.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
