1. Home
  2. Catalogs
  3. 2024-2025 College Catalog
  4. Programs
  5. Computer Support Specialist Degree

Computer Support Specialist Degree (CS23)  Degree

Program Description:

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.

Click here to download the Computer Support Specialist Degree Student Track for success.

Entrance date: Each semester

Program admission requirements:

Minimum Test Scores

ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION– Reading 236 ACCUPLACER- Sentence Skills 70
Writing 249 Reading Comprehension 64
Quantitative Reasoning 245 Algebra 57

High School diploma or equivalent required for admission.

Credits required for graduation: 62

Beginning Spring 2022 (January 2022), ALL FIRST TIME college students will be required to take the College Success (COLL 1020) course.

General Education Core Courses 15 credits
Area I - Language Arts/Communications
ENGL 1101

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

 3
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

 3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts
Program-Specific Gen. Ed. Course Requirements (3)
Occupational Courses 47 credits
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

 3
CIST 1001

Provides 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.

 4
CIST 1130
Prerequisite: CIST 1001

Provides an overview of modern operating systems and their use in home and small business environments. Activities will utilize the graphical user interface (GUI) and command line environment (CLI) This will include operating system fundamentals; installing, configuring, and upgrading operating systems; managing storage, file systems, hardware and system resources; troubleshooting, diagnostics, and maintenance of operating systems; and networking.

 3
CIST 1305

An 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.

 3
CIST 1122
Prerequisite: CIST 1130

This 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.

 4
CIST 1601
Prerequisites: CIST 1401, CIST 1130

This 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.

 3
CIST 2921

IT Analysis, Design, and Project Management will provide 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.

 4
Select one of two courses below for Database for a min. of 4 cr.:
CIST 2129
Prerequisite: COMP 1000

This course provides a study of databases beginning with introductory topics and progressing through advanced development techniques. Topics include: advanced database concepts, advanced development techniques, data integration concepts, and troubleshooting and supporting databases.

 4
CIST 1220
Prerequisites: COMP 1000, CIST 1001, CIST 1305

Includes basic database design concepts and solving database retrieval and modification problems using the SQL language. Topics include: database Vocabulary, Relational Database Design, Date retrieval using SQL, Data Modification using SQL, Developing and Using SQL Procedures.

 4
Select one of three courses below for Guided Office Productivity Course for a min. of 3 cr.:
CIST 2127
Prerequisite: COMP 1000

This course provides students with knowledge in word processing software. Word processing topics include creating, customizing, and organizing documents by using formatting and visual content that is appropriate for the information presented.

 3
CIST 2128
Prerequisite: COMP 1000

This course provides students with knowledge in spreadsheet software. Spreadsheet topics include creating and manipulating data, formatting data and content, creating and modifying formulas, presenting data visually, and collaborating on and securing data.

 3
CIST 2129
Prerequisite: COMP 1000

This course provides a study of databases beginning with introductory topics and progressing through advanced development techniques. Topics include: advanced database concepts, advanced development techniques, data integration concepts, and troubleshooting and supporting databases.

 4
Select one of two courses below for Introductory-Level Networking Class for a min. of 4 cr.:
CIST 1401
Prerequisite: CIST 1001

Introduces 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.

 4
CIST 2451

This course provides students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging network technology. Topics include basics 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.

4
XXXXxxxx CIST Electives 12
Up one level
Programs of Study