Computer Support Specialist Diploma
Offered at the Following Campus Locations
Program Overview
The Computer Information Systems Computer Support Specialist program is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and techniques required in computer information processing. Graduates are to be competent in the general areas of humanities or fine arts, social or behavioral sciences, and natural sciences or mathematics, as well as in the technical areas of computer terminology and concepts, program design and development, and computer networking. Program graduates are qualified for employment as computer support specialist.
Entrance Requirements
This program requires either the Next Generation ACCUPLACER®, ACCUPLACER®, or COMPASS college placement test and High School Diploma or GED.
ACCUPLACER® Next Gen scores: Reading 224, Writing 236, Arithmetic 229
ACCUPLACER® minimum scores: Reading Comprehension 55, Sentence Skills 60, Arithmetic 34
COMPASS minimum scores: Reading 70, Writing 32, Mathematics 26
Course Overview
Basic Skills Courses:ENGL1010Fundamentals of English I3Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.1240MATH1012Foundations of Mathematics3Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.1291EMPL1000Interpersonal Relat & Prof Dev2Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.1313Occupational Courses:COMP1000Introduction to Computer Literacy3This course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include introductions to computer and digital terminology and usage, operating systems, Internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.1098CIST1001Computer Concepts4Provides an overview of information systems, computers and technology. Topics include: Information Systems and Technology Terminology, Computer History, Data Representation, Data Storage Concepts, Fundamentals of Information Processing, Fundamentals of Information Security, Information Technology Ethics, Fundamentals of Hardware Operation, Fundamentals of Networking, Fundamentals of the Internet, Fundamentals of Software Design Concepts, Fundamentals of Software, (System and Application), System Development Methodology, Computer Number Systems conversion (Binary and Hexadecimal), Mobile computing.1043XXXX0000CIS Operating Systems Course34896CIST1305Program Design and Development3An introductory course that provides problem solving and programming concepts for those that develop user applications. An emphasis is placed on developing logic, troubleshooting, and using tools to develop solutions. Topics include: problem solving and programming concepts, structured programming, the four logic structures, file processing concepts, and arrays.1050XXXX0000CIS Database Elective44898CIST1122Hardware Install/Maintenance4This course serves to provide students with the knowledge of the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security along with the skills required to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components with an introduction to the fundamentals of installing and maintaining computers. Students will develop the skills to identify the basic functionality of the operating system, perform basic troubleshooting techniques, utilize proper safety procedures, and effectively interact with customers and peers. This course is designed to help prepare students for the CompTIA A+ certification examination.1044CIST1601Information Security Fundamentals3This course provides a broad overview of information security. It covers terminology, history, security systems development and implementation. Student will also cover the legal, ethical, and professional issues in information security.1054XXXX0000CIS Guided Elective: Office Productivity Course34900CIST2921IT Analysis, Design/Project Management4IT Analysis, Design, and Project Management will provides a review and application of systems life cycle development methodologies and project management. Topics include: Systems planning, systems analysis, systems design, systems implementation, evaluation, and project management.1097XXXX0004CIS Elective Courses1211220Introductory Networking Class – Select one of the following three courses:CIST1401Computer Networking Fundamentals4Introduces networking technologies and prepares students to take the CompTIA*s broad-based, vendor independent networking certification exam, Network +. This course covers a wide range of material about networking, including local area networks, wide area networks, protocols, topologies, transmission media, and security. Focuses on operating network management systems, and implementing the installation of networks. It reviews cabling, connection schemes, the fundamentals of the LAN and WAN technologies, TCP/IP configuration and troubleshooting, remote connectivity, and network maintenance and troubleshooting. Topics include: basic knowledge of networking technology, network media and topologies, network devices, network management, network tools and network security.1051CIST2441Cisco Network Home/Small Business4This course teaches students the skills needed to obtain entry-level home network installer jobs. It also helps students develop some of the skills needed to become network technicians, computer technicians, cable installers, and help desk technicians. It provides a hands-on introduction to networking and the Internet using tools and hardware commonly found in home and small business environments. Instructors are encouraged to facilitate field trips and outside-the-classroom learning experiences. Labs include PC installation, Internet connectivity, wireless connectivity, and file and print sharing.1082CIST2451Introduction to Networks - Cisco4This course provides students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging network technology. Topics include basic network concepts, basic network device configuration, network protocols and models, network access, Ethernet and access control, end to end communications, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting, fundamental application services, security, and network performance.1086Minimum Length of Program: 4 Term(s)Minimum Credit Hours for Graduation: 55