Computer Support Specialist

A.A.S. Degree

As both small and large firms across all industries expand and develop their computer systems, there is a growing need for computer support specialists. Graduates of this program can install, test, upgrade, and maintain computer hardware and software as well as troubleshoot hardware and software problems. They will be ready for employment in computer support, training, or help desk positions.

You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to install, maintain and repair computers. You will also develop critical thinking and communication skills that will be essential for providing high quality support services to computer users. In addition to computer applications and computer information systems courses that cover key areas of computer information systems and technology, there are three required courses dedicated to computer support. CSS 112 - Hardware Repair and Maintenance and CSS 212 - Help Desk and User Support both include hands-on learning experiences. The fourth semester internship, CSS 240, provides opportunities for you to apply technical concepts and use interpersonal skills.

Career Opportunities
Transfer Options
Program Requirements
Program Chair / Faculty

Career Opportunities

You will be qualified for entry-level professional positions in computer maintenance and help-desk support. Many businesses and other organizations in our region have a current need for, or plan to add, computer support personnel to their staff. A needs assessment found that employers are having difficulty finding technically competent job applicants who have the written and oral skills needed to effectively communicate with and provide technical support to computer users.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the New York State Department of Labor, computer support specialist will be among the fastest growing occupations nationwide and the fastest growing occupation in New York state through 2010.

Transfer Options

While intended for students who plan to immediately work in the computer support field after graduation, many of the credits earned in this program should be accepted for transfer to a related four-year degree program in computer and/or information technology.

For specific transfer information, contact the Counseling, Career, and Transfer Services office.

Program Requirements

Program requirements by semester are detailed in the Degrees and Certificates (pdf, 1.6MB) section of the TC3 college catalog.

All sections of the current college catalog are available online.

Program Chair / Faculty

Marsha Powell

Program Chair
Professor (Computer Information Systems)

B.S., SUNY College at Cortland; M.S., SUNY College at Cortland. 2004 Chancellor's/Trustee's Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Email Professor Powell

Tammy Smith

Associate Professor (Computer Information Systems)

A.S., Broome Community College; B.S., Binghamton University; M.S., Binghamton University;
Email Professor Smith

Sharon Wavle

Professor (Computer Information Systems/Computer Science)

B.S., SUNY College at Geneseo; M.S., Syracuse University.
Email Professor Wavle

Ken Whitener

Assistant Professor (Computer Science)

B.A., Georgia State University; M.S., American Intercontinental University.
Email Professor Whitener

Tompkins Cortland Community College

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