Computer Support Specialist
Overview
Computer support specialist programs prepare people to provide technical assistance and support to computer users.Computer support specialist programs include topics such as:
- Information systems
- Networking
- Operating systems
- Computer hardware and software
- Help desk concepts
- Customer service principles
Schools
Many career and technical schools as well as most community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in computer support specialist. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in computer support. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Computer Installation and Repair
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Computer Systems Networking and Administration
- Computer Systems Technology
- Database Administration
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Informatics
- Information Science
- Information Technology
- Medical Office Support
- Telecommunications Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Communications Equipment Mechanics
- Computer Operators
- Computer Programmers
- Information Security Analysts
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.
For this program, you should be comfortable using computers and the Internet. You should also be familiar with different operating systems.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Computer Science and Programming
- General Computer Applications
- Network Technology
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Introduction to business
- Network security and firewalls
- Computer repair
Things to Know
Many computer support technicians decide to become certified. There are several different types of certification, but usually you must complete course work in computer installation and repair and have at least six months work experience.
Schools
East Side Area
Big Bend Community College
- Computer Support Specialist
Wenatchee Valley College
- Computer Technology--Computer Technician (Help Desk/IT Support)
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Application & Desktop Support Specialist
- Technical Assistant
Cascadia College
- Desktop Support Technician
- Security Support Technician
Edmonds Community College
- Computer Information Systems--Desktop Support Specialist
Highline College
- Information Systems Project Coordinator--Computer Forensics Specialization
Seattle Central College
- Business Technology Management--User Support
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- Computer Information Systems--IT Support Specialist
Spokane Area
Spokane Falls Community College
- Business Technology & Software Specialist
Tacoma Area
Clover Park Technical College
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security--Help Desk Technician
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security--Computer Support Technician
Tacoma Community College
- Help Desk
- Technical Support
Vancouver Area
Charter College--Vancouver
- Computer Technician Certificate
Clark College
- Business Technology Specialist
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Support--Information Technology Skills
West Side Area
Centralia College
- Information Technology
Peninsula College
- Computer Applications Technology--Help Desk Support Specialist
South Puget Sound Community College
- Computer Support I