Program Description
Do you enjoy troubleshooting? Do you have a patient personality and enjoy teaching others? As a computer support specialist, you’ll work closely with technology and people, helping your colleagues overcome tech hurdles and malfunctions so they can get their work done.
Our IT Computer Support program has a strong internship component, which has helped about 70% of the program’s students to be hired by their employers after graduation.
Coursework begins with and introduction to networking, client/server operating systems and computer hardware. A steady progression follows to more advanced subject matter in these areas.
Information Technology Computer Support is designed for persons interested in working with end users in network environments. Duties may include software/hardware trouble shooting, installation, configuration and direct user support. This track helps to prepare the student for the A+, N+, Security+ and client MCSA certifications.
Career Opportunities
Job opportunities can be found in both public and private sectors. Students who earn their AAS degree will be exposed to current tools and techniques for implementing solutions for customers in network environments. The continuing advancement of technology creates a demand for skilled technicians who can provide immediate support in these areas. Typical job titles include Network Administrator, Network Technician and Helpdesk Support/Desktop Technician.
- Computer User Support Specialist
- Computer Network Support Specialist
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives. At the end of this program students will:
At the completion of the Information Technology Computer Support Program, the successful student will be able to:
- Utilize applied skills with fundamental concepts to achieve design, planning, deployment and management goals where systems related technology and services are employed
- Demonstrate clear and concise communication throughout the management hierarchy through the use of oral and written forms
- Demonstrate an understanding of industry related mathematical concepts used to achieve results where configuration and troubleshooting of technical systems is required
- Practice and apply appropriate legal standards and mandates reflecting the most current laws and regulations in regard to technical system support
- Demonstrate the ability to participate in diverse team environments while engaged in technical projects
- Install, configure and maintain client hardware and software
- Effectively troubleshoot hardware and software in “end user” environments
- Maintain and monitor customer service at helpdesk tier level one
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Effective Communication
- Information Literacy
- Multicultural Awareness
- Social Responsibility
Courses by Quarter (Pathway Map)
Check with your advisor to determine where you will start. Advisors must approve changes to academic plan.
Pre-College Level
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| 1 - 7.5 |
| Applied Math I | |
| Applied Math II | |
| Contextualized Math I | |
| 1 -10 |
| ESOL Level I (Beginning Literacy) | |
| ESOL Level II (Low Beginning) | |
| ESOL Level III (High Beginning) | |
| ESOL Level IV (Low Intermediate) | |
| ESOL Level V (High Intermediate) | |
| ESOL Level VI (Advanced) | |
| ABE Language Arts III (Low Intermediate Language Arts) | |
| ABE Language Arts IV (High Intermediate Language Arts) | |
| ABE Language Arts V (Adult Secondary Level Language Arts) | |
College Level
This degree is a total of 90 - 92 credits.
CCS 101 Pathways to Success is a required course for all students. Skip if taken in Pre-College.
Advising Notes
***Required indicates that students must take one of the specific courses listed. Any substitution would require Advisor and Department approval.
***Recommended indicates that Pathway faculty recommend the courses listed, but other courses may fulfill the degree requirement. Students should consult with Advisor about additional course options.
- Students must complete at least 90 college-level credits to graduate.
Pathway Notes
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| MATH 101 | Technical Mathematics I 1 | 5 |
| CNA 113 | PC Operating Systems F-D/ES; Su-D | 5 |
| ENGL 090 | Integrated Reading and Writing I | 5 |
| or ENGL 095 | Integrated Reading and Writing II |
| CNA 100 | Introduction to Networking F-D; W-D/ES | 5 |
| OFTEC 100 | Introduction to Computer Concepts & Applications | 3-5 |
| or OFTEC 108 | Introduction to Microsoft Office |
| CCS 101 | Pathways to Success | 3 |
| ENGL 098 | Transitional English Composition | 5 |
| or ENGL& 101 | English Composition I |
| CNA 101 | Cisco I W-D; Sp-D/ES | 5 |
| CNA 121 | Microsoft Workstation W-D; Sp-ES | 5 |
| 5 |
| Intro to Adaptive Physical Activity: Diversity | |
| Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity | |
| Interpersonal Communication: Diversity | |
| Intercultural Communication: Diversity | |
| Multicultural America: Diversity | |
| CNA 150 | Cisco II Sp-D; Su-ES | 5 |
| OFTEC 141 | Microsoft Excel | 5 |
| CNA 120 | Command Line Interface W-D/ES; Sp-D | 5 |
| CNA 112 | PC Workstation Technical Support F-D/ES; W-D; Sp-D | 5 |
| CNA 210 | Introduction to Network Security F-D/ES | 5 |
| CNA 122 | Microsoft Server F-D; Sp-D/ES | 5 |
| OFTEC 260 | Business Communication | 5 |
| or ENGL& 235 | Technical Writing |
| CNA 130 | Introduction to Linux/Unix F-D; W-D/ES | 5 |
| CNA 221 | Windows Server Administration F-D; W-D; Su-ES | 5 |
| 2 | 2-4 |
