Renton, Wash. – Renton Technical College (RTC) has been awarded a $200,000 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support the development of a new bachelor’s degree in the high-demand field of computer network architecture.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Computer Network Architecture will prepare students to set up and manage computer networks, cloud services and other connected information technologies.

“This grant will allow us to open and expand pathways for our students that were never before offered, and it sends a clear message that RTC is committed to meeting the needs of our high-tech industry partners,” said Stefanie McIrvin, RTC’s BAS program manager.

There is a shortage in King County of workers trained in computer network architecture. Employers estimate that they will need to bring in about 24 percent of new workers from other regions. Average salaries for positions in this field range from $71,549 to $110,742.

The federal grant will allow RTC to create a curriculum for the degree, align existing courses, and cover other startup costs. It will also support the creation of a related associate degree that will allow graduates to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.

Once approved, the new BAS degree will be the second four-year degree offered at RTC. The first degree, a BAS degree in Applications Development, was launched in 2015.

The program could welcome its first cohort of students by winter 2018.