1. Home
  2. Catalogs
  3. 2024-2025 College Catalog
  4. Programs
  5. Help Desk Specialist

Help Desk Specialist (HD41)  Technical Certificate of Credit

(Stand-alone and Embedded in Computer Support Specialist Diploma and Degree)

Program Description:

The Help Desk Specialist program teaches how to maintain and troubleshoot computer hardware and software and be a support person to handle calls from customers.

Entrance date: Each semester

Minimum Test Scores

ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION– Reading 224 ACCUPLACER- Sentence Skills 60
Writing 236 Reading Comprehension 55
Arithmetic 34 Arithmetic 34

Credits required for graduation: 25

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

Courses 25 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 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 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 2130
Prerequisite: CIST 2224

This course is designed to give an overview to Desktop Support Management.

 3
CIS Elective (select one of preferred electives from list below) for a min. 4 cr.: 4
CIST 2120
Prerequisite: COMP 1000

This course provides students with knowledge in the following areas: word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software. Word processing topics include creating, customizing, and organizing documents by using formatting and visual content that is appropriate for the information presented. Spreadsheet topics include creating and manipulating data, formatting data and content, creating and modifying formulas, presenting data visually, and collaborating on and securing data. Presentation topics include creating and formatting presentation masters and templates, creating and formatting slide content, working with dynamic visual content, and collaborating on and delivering presentations. This course is designed to help prepare students for the Microsoft Certification tests in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

 4
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 two courses below for Introductory-Level Networking Class for a min. of 4 cr.: 4
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
Up one level
Programs of Study