
IT Computer Support Specialist
Learn the latest skills and technology to obtain jobs in business and industry where computer systems and networks are integral parts of an organization's infrastructure. Prepare to install, modify, and repair computer hardware and software, provide technical assistance and support for hardware and software systems, and analyze problems using automated diagnostic programs.
The Computer Support Specialist associate degree is a two-year program that prepares qualified individuals for help desk positions which provide technical support, assistance, advice, troubleshooting, training, and documentation to end computer users for hardware, software, and systems. The Computer Support Specialist has a working knowledge of computer hardware and software and their applications within wide area networks. The specialist is also familiar with the Internet, designing, developing, and publishing web sites; database design, development, and administration; basic computer network technologies; and low-level programming, The program also prepares the graduates to test for the A+ Certification, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and other Information Technology Certifications. - See more at: http://www.witechcolleges.org/explore_careers/Career_Program_Details.ph…
Program Outline
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1010210600 | Business Programs OrientationDescriptionThis class helps new Nicolet students make a successful transition to the College. Orientation is a chance for students to learn College resources, practice pacing and time management, grit and the learning management system. Students also receive an introduction and have opportunities to practice professional business communication. |
1.00 |
1080119500 | Written CommunicationDescriptionDevelops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments is designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. |
3.00 |
1015411000 | IT Basic SkillsDescriptionThis course will cover basic general skills in IT. |
1.00 |
1080413400 | Mathematical ReasoningDescriptionAn activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course is not designed for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) students and/or others who require calculus. Prerequisite: 7785478000 Principles of College Math (C or better) or Accuplacer Algebra score >=35 or UW Math Placement Basic Math Skills score >=250 or ACT Mathematics score >=18 or Tailwind Math College Math Fund score >=16. |
3.00 |
1015411500 | Office ApplicationsDescriptionThis course will cover basic MS Office applications. |
2.00 |
1010712700 | IT CareersDescriptionStudents research career possibilities in the IT field career and the paths and skills necessary to obtain those positions. |
1.00 |
1015011400 | Networking 1DescriptionThis course is designed as an introduction to data network technology. It is the first in a series of three courses leading toward Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. Students will gain a basic understanding of routers and switches, their function and how to perform initial configurations in the Internetwork Operating System (IOS) of these devices. Students will setup various LAN hardware to implement a workable local area network to include, subnetting and variable length subnetting. Student will gain a solid foundation in network standards using both the OSI and TCP/IP reference models. |
3.00 |
1015417700 | Web Programming FundamentalsDescriptionIntroduces the learner to the principles of web page development. In this course the students will learn to develop static web pages that contain text, images, and videos. Students will also link multiple web pages to produce a complete website. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1080119600 | Oral Interpersonal CommunicationDescriptionFocuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communications, and listening skills through individual presentations, groups activities, and other projects. |
3.00 |
1080919900 | Psychology of Human RelationsDescriptionFocuses on improving personal and job-related relationships through understanding and applying sound psychological principles. Topics include self-concept, motivation, emotions, stress management, conflict resolution, and human relation processes. |
3.00 |
1015211500 | Database FundamentalsDescriptionStudents learn the fundamental concepts and applications of relational database tables using a hands-on approach. Topics include database architectures, data structures, planning, creation, inquiry, updating, input and output forms (reporting), and importation of data from an outside source for use in databases. |
3.00 |
1015212000 | Introduction to ProgrammingDescriptionIntroduces the learner to programming concepts using structured logic and basic concepts related to computer programming and program development. Programs will be developed using sequential, selection, and looping control structures, functions, arithmetic calculations. |
3.00 |
1015414100 | Computer Software EssentialsDescriptionThis course will explore the Operating system on a computer. It will look at installation, configuration, management, and diagnosing and troubleshooting issues with the operating system. It will teach toward A+ certification. |
1.00 |
1015414300 | Computer Hardware EssentialsDescriptionComputer Hardware Essentials will explore the various hardware components and peripherals that make up a computer. It will explore the function of those hardware components and how to diagnose and troubleshoot issues with those components. This course teaches toward A+ certification. |
2.00 |
1015416500 | Project ManagementDescriptionThis course will examine project management principles and practices, including project initiation, project team roles and responsibilities, the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), project schedule creation, resource planning and management, project budget and risk plan definition, project communications, change request processing and procurement documents, and project tools and documentation. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1080119700 | Technical ReportingDescriptionTeaches preparation and presentation of written, oral, and multi-media technical reports. Prerequisite: 1080119500 Written Communication (C or better) or 2080121900 English Composition I (C or better). |
3.00 |
1015013000 | Networking 2: Networking Switching, Routing & Wireless EssentialsDescriptionThis course is the second of three courses in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. It will look at more in-depth configuration of routers to include routing protocols, network address translation, and access control lists. Students will look at switch configuration to include virtual LANs and standard security features within the switch IOS. Students will also gain an understanding of device discovery, management and maintenance of the network. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
3.00 |
1015417000 | Help Desk FundamentalsDescriptionStudents will gain knowledge and experience in applying the techniques used in problem troubleshooting, end-user support, and customer service. Students will also become familiar with and apply the tools used in user supply and help desk operations. Prerequisites: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better) and 1015414000 PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting (C or better). |
3.00 |
1015012000 | Virtualization Basics and Initial ConfigurationDescriptionThis course will introduce Virtualization in the infrastructure; including how to initially setup and configure a virtualized environment. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015012400 | Virtualization Machine Setup and TroubleshootingDescriptionThis course will explore how to create, configure, and troubleshoot virtual machines. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015012800 | Virtualization Environment ManagementDescriptionThis course will explore how to manage, monitor, and maintain a virtual infrastructure. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015422000 | Desktop Operating Systems Install and Deployment: Desktop Installation and DeploymentDescriptionThis course will explore the installation process and configurations needed to install an operating system. In addition, will explore deployment options. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015422500 | Desktop ManagementDescriptionThis course will look at the different configurations needed to manage users, applications, and tasks associated with the desktop operating system. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015423000 | Desktop Monitoring and MaintenanceDescriptionThis Course will explore the various tools used to monitor and maintain the desktop to ensure security and optimal performance. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1080919500 | EconomicsDescriptionWith a focus on contemporary issues, this introductory course covers cost-benefit analysis, economics systems of the world, globalization, supply and demand, market structures, the labor market, economic growth, unemployment, inflation, business cycles, money, and government economic policy. The course strives to help students improve their individual and household decision-making, understand business decision-making, comprehend the current national and international economic issues and policies, and critically evaluate government response to economic concerns. |
3.00 |
1015425000 | IT Security BasicsDescriptionIn this course, you will explore basic IT security and the threats and countermeasures that can be used to protect the infrastructure. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015425500 | IT Security MonitoringDescriptionIn this course, you will identify and use tools to monitor activity on the network to ensure a secure work environment. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015426000 | IT Security ManagementDescriptionIn this course, you will explore the how to manage and maintain a secure IT Infrastructure. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015014500 | Networking 3: Networking Enterprise Networking, Security & AutomationDescriptionThis is the third course in the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification series. This course will cover advanced routing protocols, WAN concepts, VPN and IPsec concepts, Network design and management, and Network virtualization and automation. Prerequisite: 1015013000 Networking 2 (C or better). |
3.00 |
1015427000 | Server Operating System Installation and Setup: Server Installation and SetupDescriptionThis course will explore server installation and setup of operating system, networking, storage, and virtualization. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015427500 | Server Access Setup and PoliciesDescriptionThis course will explore user access setup and configuration of permissions and group policies. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1015428000 | Server Management and ServicesDescriptionThis course will investigate that various services that the server OS can offer and how to manage and maintain the server OS. Prerequisite: 1015011400 Networking 1 (C or better). |
1.00 |
1089010300 | Professional Career ManagementDescriptionThis course will cover identification of individual interests and the occupations they align with, finding employment, creating a resume and cover letter, participating in an interview, and best practices for maintaining professional employment. |
1.00 |
At A Glance
How You'll Learn

Online Classes

Multiple Start Dates

Flexible Pace
2023Â Start Dates
January 9 | May 8 | September 5 |
February 6 | June 5 | October 2 |
March 6 | July 3 | November 6 |
2024Â Start Dates
January 8 | May 6 |
February 5 | June 3 |
March 4 | July 1 |
What is Competency-Based Education?
Competency-Based Education (CBE) is learning at your own pace by mastering competencies through demonstration. Once all competencies for a program have been assessed and mastered, students will earn a certificate, diploma, or degree.
Approximate Cost
$9,653*
Financial Aid Eligible
*Based on 10-level courses—materials, books, and fees may be additional
What You'll Learn
- Manage Information technology hardware
- Manage software
- Support computer networks
- Provide end user support
- Solve information technology problems
- Demonstrate customer service skills as an IT professional
- Demonstrate the ability to write interactive programs using a web interface
Your Potential Careers
- Computer Support Specialist
- Technical Support Specialist
- Help-Desk Technician
- Network Administrator
- Systems Administrator
Median Annual Salary
$42,465 | $49,395 | $52,549 |
Local | State | National |
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EMSI 2022.1
Get Started
Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.