Computer Support Technician - IT Technical Diploma

Employment Potential

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

• IT Consultant: provides one-on-one problem solving for users.
• Computer Sales Representative: makes customer calls, establishes customer contacts, identifies customer needs, and prepares proposals.

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

• IT Trainer
• Network Assistant
• 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 Technician Technical Diploma 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/J-Session/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

10-150-175 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/J-Session/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

Total Credits

31

Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or better in English Composition 1 to enroll in Technical Reporting.

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

• Develop attractive and effective slide shows using PowerPoint presentation software.
• Develop professional letters and reports using Word document processing software.
• Develop professional and user-friendly spreadsheets using Excel spreadsheet software.
• Develop computer programs to perform common business functions using the Visual BASIC programming language.
• Perform common help desk and end-user support functions using current technologies and protocols.
• Install, configure, and maintain computer hardware and peripherals.
• Perform basic computer system functions and operations using the command line and shell scripts.
• Configure and administer common microcomputer operating systems.
• Automate Windows operations using common operating system scripting languages.

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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