The Computer Support Specialist diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and techniques required in computer information processing. Graduates are to be competent in the general areas of technical areas of computer terminology and concepts, program design and development, and computer networking. Program graduates are qualified for employment as a computer support specialist.
Students may enter the Computer Support Specialist diploma program any semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 4 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 55 semester credit hours.
Employment Outlook
Career Traits/Requirements
Individuals wanting to enroll in the Computer Support Specialist diploma program must show initiative; be willing to continue education as technology advances; be interested in computer application software, hardware design, and computer development and programming; be organized; have the ability to multi-task; and possess a strong work ethic.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Computer Support Specialist diploma program are prepared to perform many different types of jobs. Graduates can find employment in the areas of computer hardware and software sales, computer hardware design, computer development and programming, installation and repair, and software and technical support. Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers.
Program Costs
Tuition & Fees: $6,824.00
Books & Supplies: $1,785.00
(Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)
HOPE Career Grant: The HOPE Career Grant, formerly known as the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. To qualify, an OFTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of the above programs and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term. The amount of the HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:
- 9 or more credit hours – $500/semester
- 3-8 credit hours – $250/semester
- 1-2 credit hours – $125/semester
- Commercial Truck Driving – $1,000 one time award
High School students in dual enrollment and joint enrollment are NOT eligible.
Admission Requirements
OFTC may accept a student’s official entrance score on the following validated assessment instruments if the scores meet the required minimums:
- COMPASS/ASSET,
- SAT,
- ACT,
- PSAT,
- PACT,
- Accuplacer/Accuplacer Next Generation/Companion,
- HOPE GPA after completion of 10th grade of 2.6 or higher, or High School GPA of 2.6 (for occupational programs), or 2.0 for Workforce Entry Level programs, or GED.
The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.
Curriculum
Basic Skills Courses
Occupational Courses
| COLL 1060 | Introduction to College and Computers | 3 | 50 |
| CIST 1001 | Computer Concepts | 4 | 90 |
| CIST 1122 | Hardware Installation and Maintenance | 4 | 105 |
| CIST 1305 | Program Design and Development | 3 | 60 |
| CIST 1401 | Computer Networking Fundamentals | 4 | 90 |
| CIST 1601 | Information Security Fundamentals | 3 | 60 |
| CIST 2921 | IT Analysis, Design, and Project Management | 4 | 105 |
| XXXX XXXX | CIS Database Elective | 4 | |
| XXXX XXXX | CIS Elective | 12 | |
| XXXX XXXX | CIS Guided Office Productivity Course | 3 | |
| XXXX XXXX | CIS Operating Systems Course | 3 | |
Program Pathway
Year 1
Semester 1
| COLL 1060 | Introduction to College and Computers | 3 | 50 |
| CIST 1122 | Hardware Installation and Maintenance | 4 | 105 |
| CIST 1601 | Information Security Fundamentals | 3 | 60 |
| ENGL 1010 | Fundamentals of English I | 3 | 45 |
Semester 2
| | Operating Systems Course | | |
| | Guided Elective | | |
| | CIS Elective | | |
| | CIS Elective | | |
Semester 3
| | Database Elective | | |
| | Guided Elective | | |
| | CIS Elective | | |
| | CIS Elective | | |
Year 2
Semester 4
| | Guided Elective | | |
| EMPL 1000 | Interpersonal Relations & Prof Development | 2 | 30 |
| MATH 1012 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 | 45 |
| CIST 1305 | Program Design and Development | 3 | 60 |
Semester 5
| CIST 1401 | Computer Networking Fundamentals | 4 | 90 |
| CIST 2921 | IT Analysis, Design, and Project Management | 4 | 105 |