Computer Support Specialist - IT Associate Degree

Employment Potential

A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

• IT Consultant: provides one-on-one problem solving for users.
• Help Desk/Support Specialist: develops customized user menus, installs software packages, administers networks, and is a support technician for software packages.
• PC Programmer: performs detailed program design, coding, testing, debugging, documentation, and implementation of online or interactive systems.
• Computer Sales Representative: makes customer calls, establishes customer contacts, identifies customer needs, and prepares proposals.
• IT Trainer: trains employees on software packages which enable the user to solve problems on an individual basis.
• Network Assistant: helps to configure networks, installs hardware and software, and trains users.
• Desktop Application Developer: provides for the development, testing, implementation, documentation, and support of customized desktop applications.
• PC Repair Technician: maintains and repairs hardware components of desktop computers, network servers and devices, and peripheral equipment including printers and scanners.

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find other opportunities for employment.

• Network Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Internet Site Administrator
• Hardware Technician
• IT Department Supervisor
• Computer Support Certifications such as, A+, Security +, Project+, CI3, HDI Desktop Support Specialist, HDI Support Center Analyst, Microsoft Certified Professional

Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.
• One year of high school algebra completed.
• Ability to use computer keyboard and mouse.
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Computer Support Specialist Associate Degree in the number of semesters shown.

First Semester

10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-107-107

Intro to IT

1

10-107-107 INTRO TO IT ...This course provides an overview of Information Technology by comparing and contrasting the various fields within the broader IT industry. Students will be exposed to hardware, software, networking, programming, and analyst roles to understand how each plays an integral role in IT.

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10-154-160

IT:Support:Software-Intro

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-154-160 IT:SUPPORT:SOFTWARE-INTRO ...an introductory course for the Computer Support Specialist program and covers the fundamental capabilities and functions of Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-154-150

IT:Support:Hardware-Intro

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-154-150 IT:SUPPORT:HARDWARE-INTRO ...computer network terminology, component identification, computer/peripheral configuration and maintenance, basic operating systems concepts and installations, basic networking concepts and configurations and troubleshooting.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-177

IT:Network:Network Essentials

2

10-150-177 IT:NETWORK:NETWORK ESSENTIALS...this course will provide the learner the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of client OS installation, configuration, administration, including troubleshooting, network connectivity, standard system maintenance procedures, command line introduction, and basic PowerShell scripting.

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10-804-133

Math & Logic

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-133 MATH & LOGIC ...Students will apply problem solving techniques from discrete mathematics.Topics include symbolic logic, sets, algebra and base number systems (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to 12.7 AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to 780 AND Rdg greater/equal to 573; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor 920-498-5444).

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

16

Second Semester

10-154-153

IT:Support:Oper Sys & Data Com

3

10-154-153 IT:SUPPORT:OPERATING SYSTEMS AND DATA COMMUNICATION ...core OS operation, configuration of desktop/network OS, system security/audit policy, data communications, network topologies, virtual desktop management and advanced scripting. (Prerequisites: 10-150-175, IT:Network:Network Essentials; 10-154-150, IT:Support:Hardware-Intro)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course 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. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-154-190

IT:Support:Help Desk/User Sup

2

10-154-190 IT:SUPPORT:HELP DESK/END USER SUPPORT ...describe the role of the help desk in technology support, use terminology, processes, and tools, and demonstrate the use of business, technical, communication, and self-management skills required for help desk support professionals.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-801-197

Technical Reporting

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-197 TECHNICAL REPORTING ...principles of report writing and correspondence, proposals, feasibility reports, progress reports, investigation reports, evaluation reports, meeting reports, memos, and correspondence. (Prerequisite: 10-801-136, English Composition I OR 10-801-195, Written Communication with “C” or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-152-185

Website Coding

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-152-185 WEBSITE CODING ...create code for generating the structure, function, and design of static websites using standards-based HTML5 and CSS3; validate code; test multi-browser and multi-device functionality.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-105-101

Career Planning

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-105-101 CAREER PLANNING ...experiential learning introduction. Learn how personal branding allows candidates to differentiate themselves from the competition through appearance, personality, and marketing competency. Career portfolio introduced. (Corequisite: 10-890-101, College 101)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Third Semester

10-154-163

IT:Support:Visual Basic

3

10-154-163 IT:SUPPORT:VISUAL BASIC ...introduction to programming using the Visual Basic.NET programming language. Program definition and design, form design, and the coding, testing, and debugging of programs are covered. (Prerequisites: 10-154-160, IT:Support:Software-Intro; 10-804-133, Math & Logic)

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10-150-163

IT:Network:Cisco 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-150-163 IT:NETWORK:CISCO 1 ...this course will provide the learner the opportunity to understand IT networking concepts including cable characteristics and termination, OSI reference model, IP addressing and subnetting, network architectures and basic protocols, Ethernet switches, basic router operation and configuration.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-154-194

IT:Documentation

2

10-154-194 IT:DOCUMENTATION ...plan documentation content and delivery methods; develop online, context-sensitive written documentation, become familiar with ISO 9000 standards, package PDF files, and create compiled help modules. Proficiency using Word required. (Prerequisite: 10-801-136, English Composition 1 or equivalent)

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10-154-157

IT:Support:Advanced Projects

3

10-154-157 IT:SUPPORT:ADVANCED PROJECTS ...PC hardware, software, O.S. configuration, maintenance, IT resources, malware, bootable and unattended install media, data backups, disaster recovery plans, troubleshooting, virtualization, RAID storage , server farm build, emerging technologies. (Prerequisite: 10-154-153, IT:Support:Operating Systems & Data Communication)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-154-125

IT:Web:Database Development

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-154-125 IT:WEB:DATABASE DEVELOPMENT ...database uses, database terminology, analyzing information requirements, data models, database design phases, entity relationships, normalization processes, database management systems, database objects, development environments, creating tables, writing queries using SQL, testing.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-105-103

Career Preparation

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-105-103 CAREER PREPARATION ...create professional resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews, understand interviewing techniques, participate in a mock interview, evaluate outcomes of interview, and prepare for Career Experience. (Prerequisites: 10-105-101, Career Planning; 10-801-136, English Composition 1)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

18

Fourth Semester

10-152-184

IT:Web:Programming-SQL

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-152-184 IT:WEB:PROGRAMMING-SQL ...write queries in a relational database: creating tables, setting primary/foreign keys, populating tables, manipulating data and reporting. Explore join types, stored procedures, functions, and database administration SQL statements. (Corequisite: 10-154-125, IT:Web:Database Development)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-102-158

Business Principles

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-102-158 BUSINESS PRINCIPLES ...economics and business; global business; ethics and social responsibility; types of business ownership; entrepreneurship; role of management: operations management; human resources; marketing; managing financial resources and legal issues impacting business.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-154-195

IT: Training

2

10-154-195 IT:TRAINING ...effective presentation skills, plan training content and delivery methods, write lesson plans, provide training materials, conduct training sessions, and assess learners' grasp of stated objectives. (Prerequisites: 10-154-160, IT:Support:Software-Intro OR 10-152-173, IT:Program:Part 1 (C#))

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10-154-199

IT:Support: Career Experience

2

10-154-199 IT:SUPPORT: CAREER EXPERIENCE...Students can select any hands on experience related to: Internship, Field Research, Service Learning, Simulations, Capstone, Industry Related, or International. Instructor approval required. (Prerequisite:10-105-103, Career Preparation)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

13

Total Credits

62

Curriculum Note: A student desiring a strong financial background or a student planning to double major in Accounting is advised to substitute the four credit Accounting 1 (10-101-110) for the three-credit Accounting for Non-Accountants (10-101-106). To discuss this further, please contact an NWTC academic advisor.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C.

Program Outcomes

• Manage information technology hardware
• Manage software
• Support computer networks
• Provide end user support
• Solve information technology problems
• Demonstrate customer service skill as an IT professional

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND

Accreditation

Programs in the College of Business at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. ACBSP's accreditation process follows the Baldrige model. The accreditation focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP’s student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures that students gain the right skills from their educational investment. Institutions with programs accredited by ACBSP are committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want. ACBSP - World Headquarters 11520 West 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: (913) 339-9356 www.acbsp.com

Industry Credentials

With additional education students may obtain Computer Support Certifications such as, A+, Security +, Project+, CI3, HDI Desktop Support Specialist, HDI Support Center Analyst, Microsoft Certified Professional.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.

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