Information Systems, Information Technology Support Technician

Students completing this program will have the knowledge, training, and hands-on experience to pursue a career as a Computer User Support Technician in business, government, or education. Students enter the workforce with a comprehensive understanding of computer hardware, system software, networking essentials, and needed people skills to maintain their job at a workplace. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be prepared for further study in networking, including CompTIA Network+ and the Cisco Certified Networking Associate programs, and will have the requisite knowledge to sit for the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

(Formerly Information Technology Support Technician, CA)

Anticipated annual completers: 10

This program provides students with the knowledge, training, and hands-on experience to pursue a career as a Computer User Support Technician in business, government, or education. Students completing this program of study will be able to enter the workforce with a comprehensive understanding of computer hardware, system software, networking essentials, and needed people skills to maintain their job at a workplace. These courses apply toward the Associate of Science degree in Information Systems. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be prepared for further study in networking, including CompTIA Network+ and the Cisco Certified Networking Associate programs, and will have the requisite knowledge to sit for the CompTIA A+ certification exam.
 
Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to function effectively in a work environment, including professional verbal and written communications, ethical and appropriate behavior in the business environment, and good customer service skills.

Create an information technology career plan that identifies personal and professional career goals, realistic financial planning, and sustained commitment to continued attainment of professional knowledge and lifelong learning.

Apply critical thinking skills to solve technical problems ethically and effectively.

Demonstrate the ability to operate commonly used computer hardware and software.

Apply industry accepted best-practices to install, maintain, troubleshoot, secure, and support common business information system computing equipment.

The department and college use the program review process to assess program improvement needs. The department meets twice annually with its industry-based advisory committee to discuss industry/workplace needs and the enhancement of instructional programs to facilitate those needs.  Discussions focus on specific skill sets desired by employers as well as current industry trends and issues with which students must be familiar upon program completion.
 
The courses for this certificate are housed within existing facilities. Faculty teaching in the program meet minimum qualifications. The instructional, library, and student support services are adequate to meet the needs of the program.