AY24 Academic Catalog/Handbook

Computer Support Specialist Diploma

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.

Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode:

  • North Campus (Sandersville)
  • South Campus (Dublin)
  • Online (Distance Education)

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

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
EMPL 1000Interpersonal Relations & Prof Development

2

30

ENGL 1010Fundamentals of English I

3

45

MATH 1012Foundations of Mathematics

3

45

Occupational Courses

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
COLL 1060Introduction to College and Computers

3

50

CIST 1001Computer Concepts

4

90

CIST 1122Hardware Installation and Maintenance

4

105

CIST 1305Program Design and Development

3

60

CIST 1401Computer Networking Fundamentals

4

90

CIST 1601Information Security Fundamentals

3

60

CIST 2921IT Analysis, Design, and Project Management

4

105

XXXX XXXXCIS Database Elective

4

XXXX XXXXCIS Elective

12

XXXX XXXXCIS Guided Office Productivity Course

3

XXXX XXXXCIS Operating Systems Course

3

Program Pathway

Semester 1

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
COLL 1060Introduction to College and Computers

3

50

CIST 1122Hardware Installation and Maintenance

4

105

CIST 1305Program Design and Development

3

60

CIST 1601Information Security Fundamentals

3

60

Semester 2

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
CIST 2921IT Analysis, Design, and Project Management

4

105

CIST 1401Computer Networking Fundamentals

4

90

ENGL 1010Fundamentals of English I

3

45

CIS Elective

Operating Systems Course

Semester 3

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
MATH 1012Foundations of Mathematics

3

45

CIS Elective

Database Elective

Guided Elective

Semester 4

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
EMPL 1000Interpersonal Relations & Prof Development

2

30

CIST 1601Information Security Fundamentals

3

60

XXXX XXXXCIS Elective

4

XXXX XXXXComputer Information System Elective

3

XXXX XXXXComputer Information System Elective

3