Computer Support Specialist
Certificate
Program Start Date: Fall term
Minimum Program Length: 3 terms day, 4 terms evening
Note: Students required to take Transitional Studies courses or who elect to attend part-time will take longer to complete the designated program.
Program Description
Computer support specialist students learn to maintain personal computer systems, solve user problems, support user applications and provide user training. Students learn to diagnose and troubleshoot PC operating system problems, upgrade and maintain PC hardware and help desk concepts. In addition, students learn networking concepts, database concepts and programming logic.
Gainful Employment Disclosure information
This program falls under Gainful Employment Disclosure regulations, a
rule by the U.S. Education Department. Each program that falls under these regulations is required to report:
- Occupation, SOC code, and links to profile on O*NET
- Costs – tuition/fees and books/supplies
- On-time graduation (completion) rate for program.
- Job placement rate for students completing program
- Median
loan debt incurred by students as provided by ED (identified separately
as Title IV loan debt and private educational loan debt)
Practical Experience
Students complete multiple projects using current personal computer hardware and software. They develop logical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills.
Professional Opportunities
Software support specialist, system support technician, hardware technician and user support technician.
Unique Aspects
Graduates of this program may transfer into the computer technology associate degree, web page development certificate or networking operations certificate program. Graduates are prepared to pass the COMPTIA A certification exam.
EEDA Career Cluster
Information Technology
Course Requirements for Computer Support Specialist
A. General Education Courses (followed by number of credit hours)
ENG 101 English Composition I (3)
M A T 101 Beginning Algebra** (3)
B. Major Courses (followed by number of credit hours)
CPT 114 Computers and Programming* (3)
CPT 118 Professional Practices in Information Technology (3)
CPT 168 Programming Logic and Design* (3)
CPT 170 Microcomputer Applications* (3)
CPT 176 Microcomputer Operating Systems* (3)
CPT 244 Data Structures* (3)
CPT 264 Systems and Procedures* (3)
CPT 285 PC Hardware Concepts* (3)
IST 220 Data Communications* (3)
IST 222 Intro to Web Page Production* (3)
IST 293 IT and Data Assurance I* (3)
*Students planning to continue in the associate program must earn a "C" or better in MAT 102.
*Grade of "C" or better is required.
C. Electives and/or Other Additional Courses Required for Graduation
• None
Minimum semester credit hours required for graduation: 39