Computer and Information Sciences: IT Support Specialist
Program Overview
Computer and Information Sciences: IT Support Specialist at Cerritos College
Associate of Science
The IT Support Specialist program at Cerritos College is designed to prepare students for a career in the information industry, aiming to provide students opportunities for career change or advancement. Graduates of the program will have a good understanding of the current personal computing devices and commonly used operating systems, and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to install hardware and software on various devices, and to troubleshoot common technical issues. There are no prerequisite skills or enrollment limitations for this program. The graduates of the program may have possible career opportunities include entry level technical support, ... More
Salary, Growth and Careers
Salary
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $38,000 to $203,000 with an average salary of $91,000.
- Low: $38,000
- Average: $91,000
- High: $203,000
Growth
Career opportunities for this program are expected to change little nationwide from 2022 to 2032.
- Job Growth: 0%
Careers
- Word Processors and Typists
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -38.6%
- Average Salary: $50,000
- Salary Range: $42,000 - $53,000
- Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +8.9%
- Average Salary: $105,000
- Salary Range: $60,000 - $184,000
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: -0.5%
- Average Salary: $84,000
- Salary Range: $50,000 - $108,000
- Computer Occupations, All Other
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +9.7%
- Average Salary: $126,000
- Salary Range: $75,000 - $166,000
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Education Level: Some college, no degree
- Job Growth: +5%
- Average Salary: $79,000
- Salary Range: $58,000 - $98,000
- Data Entry Keyers
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -26%
- Average Salary: $48,000
- Salary Range: $38,000 - $55,000
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: -5.2%
- Average Salary: $75,000
- Salary Range: $58,000 - $85,000
- Graphic Designers
- Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Growth: +3.3%
- Average Salary: $79,000
- Salary Range: $53,000 - $96,000
- Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +22.2%
- Average Salary: $136,000
- Salary Range: $78,000 - $203,000
- Special Effects Artists and Animators
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +8.2%
- Average Salary: $133,000
- Salary Range: $97,000 - $162,000
- Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers
- Education Level: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth: +12.8%
- Average Salary: $89,000
- Salary Range: $46,000 - $158,000
Program Map
Pathway to Degree
- Computer and Information Sciences: IT Support Specialist
- Associate of Science
- 62.0 - 64.5 Units
- Major Course
- General Education Course
- Elective Course
- Milestone
- Offers Microcredential
Fall 2024, 1st Term
- 14.0 - 16.5 UNITS
- MAJ CIS 58A: PC Operating System A+ Certification (3.5 Units)
- MAJ CIS 58B: PC Core Hardware A+ Certification (3.5 Units)
- GEN Proficiency: Mathematics (3.0 - 5.0 Units)
- GEN English Composition (4.0 - 4.5 Units)
Spring 2025, 2nd Term
- 15.0 UNITS
- MAJ CIS 212: Introduction to Microsoft Windows Administration (3.5 Units)
- MAJ CIS 200A: Apple Mac OS Support Essentials (3.5 Units)
- GEN Proficiency: Health & Wellness (1.0 Units)
- ELEC Elective (3.5 Units)
- ELEC Elective (3.5 Units)
Fall 2025, 3rd Term
- 18.0 UNITS
- MAJ CIS 214: Unix and Linux Operating Systems (3.5 Units)
- GEN Natural Sciences (4.0 Units)
- GEN Proficiency: Health & Wellness (3.0 Units)
- ELEC Elective (3.5 Units)
- ELEC Elective (4.0 Units)
- MILE Certificate: Petition for IT Support Specialist Certificate
Spring 2026, 4th Term
- 15.0 UNITS
- GEN U.S. History or Government (3.0 Units)
- GEN Humanities (3.0 Units)
- GEN Natural Sciences (3.0 Units)
- ELEC Elective (3.0 Units)
- ELEC Elective (3.0 Units)
- MILE AS Degree: Petition for IT Support Specialist AS Degree
Computer and Information Sciences: IT Support Specialist - Associate of Science
- 62.0 - 64.5 units
To ensure that you have sufficient units to graduate (at least 60 semester units/90 quarter units for an associate degree and 120 semester units/180 quarter units for a bachelor's degree), make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
Program Outline
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of current personal computing devices and commonly used operating systems.
- Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to install hardware and software on various devices.
- Train graduates to troubleshoot common technical issues encountered in the field.
Description:
This program is open to all students with no prerequisite skills or enrollment limitations. Graduates are prepared for entry-level technical support positions with the potential to advance within the field.
Outline:
General Structure:
The program consists of 62.0 - 64.5 units spread over four academic semesters. It comprises a combination of Major courses related to IT Support, General Education courses required for all Associate of Science degrees, and Elective courses allowing students to personalize their learning experience.
Course Schedule:
Fall 2023
(1st Term):
- Major courses: CIS 58A (PC Operating System A+ Certification) and CIS 58B (PC Core Hardware A+ Certification).
- General Education: Proficiency: Mathematics and English Composition.
Spring 2024
(2nd Term):
- Major courses: CIS 212 (Introduction to Microsoft Windows Administration) and CIS 200A (Apple Mac OS Support Essentials).
- General Education: Proficiency: Health & Wellness.
- Electives: Two elective courses (7 units).
Fall 2024
(3rd Term):
- Major course: CIS 214 (Unix and Linux Operating Systems).
- General Education: Natural Sciences and Proficiency: Health & Wellness.
- Electives: Two elective courses (7 units).
Spring 2025
(4th Term):
- General Education: U.S. History or Government, Humanities, and Natural Sciences.
- Electives: Two elective courses (6 units).
- Milestone: Degree - Petition for IT Support Specialist AS Degree.
Individual Modules:
The program offers courses covering various aspects of IT Support, including:
- PC Operating Systems and Hardware - focusing on A+ Certification.
- Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS Support Essentials.
- Introduction to Unix and Linux Operating Systems.
Assessment:
The program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Exams and Quizzes: Assessing knowledge and comprehension of course material.
- Assignments and Projects: Implementing learned skills and demonstrating problem-solving abilities.
- Participation and Class Activities: Engaging actively in the learning process.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, including:
- Interactive lectures and class discussions.
- Hands-on labs and practical exercises.
- Online learning resources and supplemental materials.
Faculty:
The program boasts experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in Information Technology and extensive industry experience.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes real-world application and industry preparation. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through labs and projects designed to simulate real-world scenarios.
Careers:
Possible Career Paths:
- Entry-level technical support specialist
- Help desk technician
- Desktop support specialist
- Network support specialist
- IT administrator
Career Opportunities:
Graduates are prepared to pursue employment opportunities in diverse industries, including:
- Healthcare organizations
- Educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Private businesses
Average Salary:
$79,000, with a range extending from $28,000 to $203,000.
Job Growth:
The program also provides students with opportunities to participate in internships and gain valuable industry experience before entering the workforce.
Contact Information:
Cerritos College Computer and Information Sciences Department (562) 860-2451 www.cerritos.edu