Computer Systems Support

Associate in Applied Science

Computer Systems Support

spring-registration-calloutThis degree serves students who seek a career in computer systems support. Strong emphasis is given to supporting computer hardware, software, security, and networks. Upon successful completion of the program, employment opportunities may include computer server administrator, help desk technician, and computer support professional.

The A.A.S. in Computer Systems Support is designed to provide students with an opportunity to prepare for industry certifications while earning an associate degree. During successful completion of this program, students have the potential to earn six industry certifications.

Students who have already earned any of the certifications listed below or have successfully passed certification examinations, may initiate the college's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process and translate their certifications or examination results into equivalent course credits.

The following chart is an analysis of how the program courses align with industry certifications:

Chart of Industry Certifications and Program course alignment
Certifications / Examinations Program Course(s)
CompTIA A+ Certification CISM130-Using PC Operating Systems and CISM149-Computer Hardware
CompTIA Security+ CISM176-Systems Security Methods
PMI CAPM Certified Associate in Project Management CISM 143-Introduction to Project Management
CompTIA Network+ CISM146-Computer Networking
COMPTIA Linux+ CISM182-Linux
AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals CISM230-Cloud Computing

 

For additional program information, please contact faculty advisor, Bill Dougherty or contact department chair, Dr. Otto Hernandez.

Upon Completion of this program students will be able to:

  • Identify hardware and software problems and recommend solutions;
  • Prepare for multiple CompTIA certification examinations;
  • Configure and administer computer networks;
  • Prepare for a certification examination in Project Management.
Program course requirements
Courses Credits
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES - 20 credits
When a General Education course is not specified, refer to the list of approved General Education courses.
Communication (6 credits)  
    ENGL101-Composition I
3
    ENGL230-Technical Writing
3
Mathematics-Science-Technology (11 credits)  
    MATH121 or MATH220
4
    General Education Science course
4
    CISM125-Introduction to Computers
3
Humanities (3 credits)  
   General Education Humanities course
3
TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION CREDITS
20
PROGRAM COURSES - 40 credits
    CISM130-Using PC Operating Systems
4
    CISM142-Help Desk Support
3
    CISM143-Introduction to Project Management
3
    CISM146-Computer Networking
4
    CISM149-Computer Hardware
4
    CISM176-Systems Security Methods
4
    CISM182-Linux
4
    CISM222-Issues in Computer Security
3
    CISM230-Cloud Computing
4

    Choose: CISM295-Information Technology Cooperative Education or
    CISM162-Microsoft Excel

3

Choose one: 

        CISM135-Computer Programming C++

        CISM148-Problem Solving Using Scripting

        CISM154-Computer Programming-Java

        CISM174-Computer Programming-Visual Basic

4
TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS
40
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE
60
(CPSS) EFFECTIVE FALL 2024  

RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE OF COURSES

Recommended sequence of courses
Course Code Course Name Course Credits
First Semester (14 credits)
CISM125 Introduction to Computers 3
CISM130 Using PC Operating Systems 4
CISM149 Computer Hardware 4
ENGL101 Composition I 3
Second Semester (15 credits)
CISM146 Computer Networking 4
ENGL230 Technical Writing 3
CISM230 Cloud Computing 4
Choose MATH121 or MATH220 4
Third Semester (17 credits)
CISM142 Help Desk Support 3
CISM143 Introduction to Project Management 3
CISM176 Systems Security Methods 4
CISM182 Linux 4
Gen Ed Humanities course 3
Fourth Semester (14 credits)
CISM222 Issues in Computer Security 3
Choose CISM295 or CISM162 3
Choose CISM135, CISM148, CISM154 or CISM174 4
Gen Ed Science course 4