Printed on 12/12/2024
Computer Support Specialist
10-154-3
Associate Degree (AAS)
Part Time, Full Time
61 Credits
Financial Aid Eligible
Location*:
Online
*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.
With this degree you’ll be the “go to” IT professional in your organization. As a computer support specialist, you work with freestanding and networked desktop computers. Your job is to deliver the productivity and efficiency promised by computer hardware and software manufacturers. Learn to analyze information needs and identify alternative hardware and software solutions. You’ll gain skills to plan and develop application systems, implement the systems, and train others to use them effectively. You’ll master a variety of operating systems and software applications, as well as computer hardware. With the knowledge and skills you acquire in this program, you’ll be prepared to support, monitor and maintain a variety of computing devices.
COURSE LIST
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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.
Technical Studies
(46 Credits)
-
Exploring IT Foundations
10-107-102
2Credit
54
54
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10107102
- Credits: 2.00
Pursue this introductory course where students explore information technology-based tasks from a variety of IT roles. Students will be introduced to various technologies used on in industry.
-
IT Career Experience
10-107-110
2Credit
54
54
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10107110
- Credits: 2.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Examines and identifies job-seeking, job-keeping and interviewing techniques, strategies for identifying and meeting external and internal customer needs as well as good listening skills and techniques for dealing with difficult customers. Also covers time management, team dynamics, continual improvement processes and global business practices.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
-
Microcomputer Applications
10-107-150
2Credit
54
54
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10107150
- Credits: 2.00
Designed for students with little or no hands-on computer experience. Presents the basic functions of the Windows operating system and how to use the word processing, spreadsheet and presentation functions of Microsoft Office software. Students will integrate various functions of several Microsoft packages.
-
Virtualization Technologies
10-150-105
3Credit
72
90
- Instructional Hours: 72
- Outside Effort Hours: 90
- Course Number: 10150105
- Credits: 3.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Introduces virtualization technologies including VMware, Citrix and Microsoft Hyper-V. Hands-on lab activities will be used to install and configure each virtualized environment.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:
-
Network Infrastructure 1
10-150-116
3Credit
72
90
- Instructional Hours: 72
- Outside Effort Hours: 90
- Course Number: 10150116
- Credits: 3.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Covers networking topics including the OSI model, local area and wide area networking. Also focuses on assigning network addresses and configuring network devices including Cisco routers and switches. Includes considerable hands-on learning activities and helps prepare learner for the Cisco CCNA exam.
Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:
-
IT Project Management
10-150-127
2Credit
54
54
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10150127
- Credits: 2.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Examines the organization, planning and controlling of projects; also provides practical knowledge on managing project scope, schedule and resources. Topics include project life cycle, work breakdown structure and Gantt charts, network diagrams, scheduling techniques and resource allocation decisions. Concepts are applied through team projects and tutorials using project management software.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
-
Linux
10-150-147
2Credit
54
54
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10150147
- Credits: 2.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Covers introductory Linux topics including operating system basics, system installation, file system management, file system administration and basic commands. Considerable hands-on learning is included.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
-
Linux Essentials - Just Enough Linux
10-150-155
1Credit
18
36
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 18
- Outside Effort Hours: 36
- Course Number: 10150155
- Credits: 1.00
Covers Basic Linux topics including operating system basics, file management, graphic user interfaces and the command line interface.
-
Windows Server
10-150-156
3Credit
72
90
- Instructional Hours: 72
- Outside Effort Hours: 90
- Course Number: 10150156
- Credits: 3.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Covers Microsoft Windows Server administration including server hardware and software, Active Directory, file resources, printers, disk resources, Web resources, DNS and DHCP. Monitoring and troubleshooting server resources are also examined. Extensive hands-on activities are included.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
-
Information Assurance
10-150-161
2Credit
54
54
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10150161
- Credits: 2.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Examines the basics of information security, including access control and organizational security policies. This course will include the process of securing user workstations, laptops and mobile devices.
-
Network Essentials
10-150-162
2Credit
54
54
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10150162
- Credits: 2.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Provides an introduction to networking theory and technologies, including the basics of communication, common protocols, the OSI model, network topologies, local network media, network devices, network security and networking tools. Includes more in-depth study of the components of TCP/IP, Ethernet, and wireless networks. Involves considerable time developing troubleshooting skills.
-
Emerging Technologies and Trends
10-154-101
3Credit
72
90
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 72
- Outside Effort Hours: 90
- Course Number: 10154101
- Credits: 3.00
Explores the acquisition and support of various technologies and how they interact with businesses. Students will learn how organizations implement technology solutions, research potential solutions to real-world business problems, and present their findings.
-
IT Customer Service Skills
10-154-102
2Credit
36
72
- Instructional Hours: 36
- Outside Effort Hours: 72
- Course Number: 10154102
- Credits: 2.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Covers the interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills required in technical support positions. Exercises provide interaction with other learners in a team. Students explore the information and technical tools needed to function effectively in a support position. Students will be expected to schedule an additional hour each week in the on-campus Student Help Desk, developing skills working with customers in a help desk setting.
-
Advanced Desktop Management
10-154-105
2Credit
54
54
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10154105
- Credits: 2.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Provides students with the background needed to build the knowledge and skills to support end-users and computers running the Microsoft suite of productivity applications. The course is directed at the skills needed to work in a variety of environments, including corporate environments as well as support for home users via phone support, remote support and retail counter support.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:
-
IT Service Desk Capstone
10-154-108
2Credit
54
54
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 54
- Course Number: 10154108
- Credits: 2.00
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to work in an IT Service Desk, including managing information technology hardware, software, creating business solutions, supporting computer networks, providing end user support and solving information technology problems all while demonstrating a high level of professionalism.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
COMPUTER 10150156 - Windows Server
COMPUTER 10154105 - Advanced Desktop Management
COMPUTER 10154109 - IT Service Desk Concepts
-
IT Service Desk Concepts
10-154-109
3Credit
72
90
- Instructional Hours: 72
- Outside Effort Hours: 90
- Course Number: 10154109
- Credits: 3.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Introduces how people, processes, technology, and information affect an IT Service Desk. Students are introduced to industry standard ITIL terminology and practices and develop skills working with customers in a Service Desk setting. Explains basic concepts and implementation of a training plan and how to train end-users.
-
Enterprise Client
10-154-110
3Credit
72
90
- Instructional Hours: 72
- Outside Effort Hours: 90
- Course Number: 10154110
- Credits: 3.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Introduces students to the skills needed to support client PC Operating Systems. Through significant hands-on activities, learn how to configure, secure, utilize and troubleshoot client operating systems.
Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:
-
Device Repair and Maintenance
10-154-111
3Credit
72
90
- Instructional Hours: 72
- Outside Effort Hours: 90
- Course Number: 10154111
- Credits: 3.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Covers configuring, maintaining, upgrading and repairing Intel-based computers and exploring functions and interrelations between components. The course examines system configuration, component care, system improvement, troubleshooting and failure identification.
-
Infrastructure Automation
10-154-114
3Credit
72
90
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 72
- Outside Effort Hours: 90
- Course Number: 10154114
- Credits: 3.00
Introduces students to the fundamental skills needed to manage and automate IT Infrastructures. Students will learn the basics of scripting and command line environments using Windows PowerShell and other tools aiding system administrators in automating IT infrastructure.
Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:
-
College Success: On Course
10-890-100
1Credit
18
36
- Instructional Hours: 18
- Outside Effort Hours: 36
- Course Number: 10890100
- Credits: 1.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
On Course helps you learn a number of proven strategies for creating greater academic, professional and personal success. You will discover how to create a rich, fulfilling life by developing new beliefs and behaviors. College Success: On Course empowers you to make wise choices in your academic and personal life which leads to improved experiences and outcomes.
General Studies
(15 Credits)
-
Written Communication
10-801-195
3Credit
54
108
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 108
- Course Number: 10801195
- Credits: 3.00
Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
OR ALL of the following:
Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
-
Oral/Interpersonal Comm
10-801-196
3Credit
54
108
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 108
- Course Number: 10801196
- Credits: 3.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
-
Math & Logic
10-804-133
3Credit
54
108
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 108
- Course Number: 10804133
- Credits: 3.00
Credit for Prior Learning Options Available
Students will apply problem solving techniques from discrete mathematics. Topics include symbolic logic, sets, algebra and base number systems.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:
Accuplacer Arithmetic 263+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR Arithmetic Level 2 Coursework
MATH 10804113 - College Technical Math 1A
MATH 10804115 - College Technical Math 1
Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
-
Intro to Ethics: Theory & App
10-809-166
3Credit
54
108
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 108
- Course Number: 10809166
- Credits: 3.00
This course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:
-
Psychology of Human Relations
10-809-199
3Credit
54
108
N/A
- Instructional Hours: 54
- Outside Effort Hours: 108
- Course Number: 10809199
- Credits: 3.00
Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding enables students to improve their relationships with others at work, in the family, and in society.
Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following: