Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialist - AAS-T

Here’s a program to consider if you enjoy combining technical and customer service skills in a variety of business and office settings. Our Computer Support Specialist program will train you for a rewarding career as a computer support specialist, software specialist, help desk specialist, training and support coordinator, or PC support specialist.

You’ll learn valuable skills needed by companies ranging from hospitals to financial institutions, large corporations, school districts, and universities. Hardware and software manufacturers also hire program graduates to work as customer service representatives and help desk personnel.

Bellingham Technical College is a Microsoft IT Academy member and is a member of CompTIA.

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

68% BTC graduate placement rate

$48,277 starting annual wage
$61,090 average annual wage
$76,918 potential annual wage

Employment and Wage Data Sources

¹Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect WA/OR employment for students enrolled at BTC between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

²Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates and reflect 2018-21 employment. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data from the Washington SBCTC that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Books, Tools and Supplies Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program typically starts in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Quarters on a space available basis.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

Classes

Total Program Credits: 90

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes
You are now able to sign up for classes in ctcLink using the class list below. It requires certain steps to work smoothly. Please read and follow the instructions:
Once at the beginning of each session:
- Follow the link below which will open the ctcLink login screen in a new browser tab
- In the new tab login to ctcLink
- Return back to this tab
These steps log you into ctcLink and keep you logged in until you log out manually or close your browser. If you or a public computer it is good security practice to logout and close all browser windows when you are done.
Proceed to ctcLink login in new window
For each class:
- Click on the name of the class below to show future offerings
- Click the 'Find in ctcLink' button below the class you wish to find. (Button will only show if registration is open.)
- A new tab with the ctcLink Class Search tool will open
- Without changing any of the filter options, click the 'Search' button
- Only the specific class you selected will show. If logged in following the steps above, you will be able to register for the class.

Quarter 1

BIT 100

Survey of Business and Information Technology

2 CR

IT 101 Using Network Computer Systems 5 CR
This course provides an introduction to the use of networked computer systems. Topics include the implementation and use of campus and departmental learning resources, basic operating system use including file system navigation and command line interfaces, basic keyboarding skills, network authentication and networked resource access.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher OR ENGL 092 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Arithmetic (230) or higher OR MATH 090 with a C or higher OR ABE 050 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023 MW 9:00 AM-10:50 AM Massey
Find in ctcLink
09/20/2023-12/08/2023 Massey
Find in ctcLink
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024 Massey
01/03/2024-03/22/2024 MW 9:00 AM-10:50 AM Massey
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

IT 141

A+ Operating Systems

5 CR

This course provides an introduction to PC Software in coordination with the CompTIA A+ Software high-level exam objectives. Topics include computer operating systems, basic networking utilities, computer security and application troubleshooting.
Prerequisites:
(IT 101 with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment in IT 101) or (IT 105 with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment in IT 105) or (CAP 101 with a C or higher or concurrent enrollment in CAP 101) or Instructor permission.

Current & Future Offerings:

Fall 2023
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Burkeland
	Find in ctcLink
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023	TTh	9:00 AM-10:50 AM	Burkeland
	Find in ctcLink
Winter 2024
	01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Burkeland
	01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MW	12:30 PM-2:20 PM	Burkeland

Icon Key

Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Asynchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Face-to-Face
Self-Support

Definitions
Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.

Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

MATH& 107 Math in Society 5 CR
This course exposes students to mathematical thoughts and quantitative thinking to solve problems in the context of real-world scenarios. It introduces topics such as consumer problem solving, voting/decision theory, graph theory, growth and decay models, finance, statistics, probability, and counting systems in the context of their applications.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER AAF (240) or higher or MATH 099 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023 T 10:30 AM-12:40 PM Ring
Find in ctcLink
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
OR
Any approved Math course as detailed on the AAS-T Math course option list.
Quarter 2
CAP 138 MS Word 5 CR
Microsoft Word is the industry leader in word processing and is used to create, format, and manage business documents. Students will work with mail merge, graphics, and reference elements, and use accessibility and collaboration tools. Students will also create OneNote notebooks. This course prepares students for the Microsoft Office Specialist Word certification exam.
Prerequisites:
CAP 101 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 Pedersen
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
CAP 142 Microsoft Excel 5 CR
Microsoft Excel is the industry leading spreadsheet application and is used to create spreadsheets, organize and analyze data, write formulas, create charts, and has security and collaboration features. This course prepares students for the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel certification exam.
Prerequisites:
CAP 101 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 MW 2:10 PM-3:30 PM Camden
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

IT 112

A+ Hardware

5 CR

This course provides an introduction to PC Hardware in coordination with the CompTIA A+ Hardware high-level exam objectives. Topics include computer hardware systems, basic networking, mobile devices and troubleshooting.
Prerequisite:
(IT 101 with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment in IT 101) or (IT 105 with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment in IT 105) or (CAP 101 with a C or higher or concurrent enrollment in CAP 101) or Instructor permission.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023	TTh	9:00 AM-10:50 AM	Massey
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023			Massey
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Massey
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MW	12:30 PM-2:20 PM	Massey
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024			Massey
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	MW	9:00 AM-10:50 AM	Massey

Icon Key

Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Asynchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Face-to-Face
Self-Support

Definitions
Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.

Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

Quarter 3

BUS& 101

Introduction to Business

5 CR

Students are introduced to the broad field of business and its organization, operation and management. Business opportunities, ownership, marketing, physical factors, human resource, finance, regulations and decision-making processes are emphasized. Other topics include problems of organization, strategic management and controls. Fulfills the social science requirements at Bellingham Technical College.
Prerequisite:
Recommend experience in Word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	T	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Miller
Summer 2023
	07/05/2023-08/29/2023			Baker
	Find in ctcLink
Fall 2023
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023	Th	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Miller
	Find in ctcLink
Winter 2024
	01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Miller
Spring 2024
	04/02/2024-06/21/2024			Miller

Icon Key

Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Asynchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Face-to-Face
Self-Support

Definitions
Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.

Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

CMST& 210

Interpersonal Communication

5 CR

Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	MWF	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Burns
Summer 2023
	07/05/2023-08/29/2023			Burns
	Find in ctcLink
Fall 2023
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MWF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Burns
	Find in ctcLink
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023	T	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Zamora
	Find in ctcLink
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Burns
	Find in ctcLink
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Burns
	Find in ctcLink

Icon Key

Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Asynchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Face-to-Face
Self-Support

Definitions
Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.

Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

PSYC& 100

General Psychology

5 CR

An overview of the factors affecting behavior including topics related to theories of learning, the senses, perceptions, nervous system, emotions, personality theory, motivation, abnormal behavior and therapy, and social psychology.
Prerequisite:
ACCUPLACER Reading (256) or higher OR RDG 085 with a B or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (255) or higher OR ENGL 092 with a B or higher OR AENGL 100 with a C or higher, OR BUS 191 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	MW	2:10 PM-3:30 PM	Smith
Summer 2023
	07/05/2023-08/29/2023			Smith
	Find in ctcLink
Fall 2023
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MW	12:30 PM-1:50 PM	Smith
	Find in ctcLink
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Smith
	Find in ctcLink

Icon Key

Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Asynchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Face-to-Face
Self-Support

Definitions
Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.

Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

OR
SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology 5 CR
This course introduces the major concepts and definitions of the science of sociology. Basic sociological inquiry is covered, and how social forces shape communal and individual behaviors and attitudes. Topics include socialization, cultures, deviance, social control, inequality, power, social class, race, gender, and institutions. Students learn the basic theories and perspectives of sociology and how those theories apply to the social landscape.
Prerequisite:
ACCUPLACER Reading (256) or higher or RDG 085 with a B or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (255) or ENGL 092 with a B or higher or AENGL 100 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 Pollard
Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023 Pollard
Find in ctcLink
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

ENGL& 101

English Composition I (Required)

5 CR

A composition course in which students read, analyze, and write essays using a variety of rhetorical strategies, as well as develop and verbally express ideas clearly and effectively. The critical reading of essays will provide a basis for the student's own critical writing, which will reflect a command of college-level literacy standards. Attention to writing fundamentals and stylistic techniques will also be included. Word processing, email and internet knowledge required.
Prerequisite:
ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension score of 85 or RDG 085 with a C or higher, AND ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 86 or ENGL 092 with a B or higher or AENGL 100 with a C or higher

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	MWF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Hatch
Summer 2023
	07/05/2023-08/29/2023			Richards
	Find in ctcLink
Fall 2023
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023	WF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Hatch
	Find in ctcLink
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023	W	8:30 AM-9:20 AM	Hatch
	Find in ctcLink
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Richards
	Find in ctcLink

Icon Key

Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Asynchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Face-to-Face
Self-Support

Definitions
Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.

Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

Quarter 4
CAP 146 Microsoft Access 3 CR
Organize data with Microsoft Access. Students will learn to apply rules for table design, establish relationships between tables, create queries to analyze data, create forms for data entry and data search, and create reports that present information in professional format. This course prepares students for the Microsoft Office Specialist Access certification exam.
Prerequisites:
CAP 101 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023 Camden
Find in ctcLink
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

Computer Support Specialist students may choose elective credits from any 100 level or higher courses with the following prefixes: ACCT, BUS, BUS&, CAP, CIS, CS, CS&, ECON, HT, LGL, IT, OR MGMT. Courses taken to meet the general education or program core requirements may not be used for electives.

10 CR

Quarter 5
IT 120 Command Line Interface and Scripting 5 CR
This course introduces students to scripting using command line interfaces. Industry standard scripting languages in Linux and Microsoft operating systems will provide the platforms on which to learn syntax, flow control, variables, arrays, basic parsing and text manipulation.
Prerequisite:
(IT 101 with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment in IT 101) or (IT 105 with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment in IT 105) or (CAP 101 with a C or higher or concurrent enrollment in CAP 101) or Instructor permission.
Current & Future Offerings:
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024 Massey
04/02/2024-06/21/2024 TTh 12:30 PM-2:20 PM Massey
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.

IT 160

Network Technology I

5 CR

Quarter 6

Field-Based Experience

5 CR

txtSortOrder txtCourseCredit cmbCourseID txtCourseTitle cmbQuarter chkAlternatives txtGroupOrder txtQuarterCredits chkGenEd chkTransfer 15 5 BUS& 101 Introduction to Business (Required) Quarter 5 0 5 0 0

5 CR

View past class requirements for this program.
Select the year closest to the year started, without going over, to see program requirements for a student who started the program that year:

Program Outcomes

After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:

Apply industry standard IT networking solutions to understand and troubleshoot networking issues.
Design and develop an IT Helpdesk disaster recovery plan.
Troubleshoot operating systems or software problems.
Design and develop a hardware-based user needs assessment.
Use a variety of scripting tools or languages to automate routine tasks.
Provide satisfactory helpdesk solutions to problems or scenarios with Word, Excel, Access, or PowerPoint using industry standard helpdesk procedures.
Provide efficient and effective IT technical support to clients in a manner that promotes safe computing practices and encourages effective working relationships.

Employment Outlook

Computer support positions are expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the next decade. The rapid rate of growth and change in the field requires a commitment to stay current with new technologies. Enhancing a Computer Support Specialist degree with industry recognized certifications increases employment opportunities.

The average annual wage in this field is $55,973, with an earning potential of about $69,680 per year.*

Computer software support and training staff usually work in the information support departments of large organizations such as universities, government agencies, hospitals, financial institutions and major corporations.

Hardware and software manufacturers also employ telephone-based help as customer service representatives. Potential positions include computer support specialist, computer software specialist, help desk specialist, training and support coordinator, desktop services analyst, PC support specialist, response line representative, and help desk analyst.

Faculty & Support

Gregory Rehm

Degrees and Credentials
Certificate, Network+ Certified Professional
Certificate, Certified Netware Administrator
Certificate, Microsoft Certified Professional
Certificate, Linux+ Certified
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State
Certificate, A+ Certified Professional
BS, Community Health Ed, Western Washington University

Mike Massey

Mike Massey graduated from Western Washington University, in 1985, with a combined Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science and Business Administration, and a minor in History. For the next 15 years he worked as a computer programmer (Dealer Information Systems), and as a database programmer, network administrator and IT Manager at Western Washington University (WWU). During that time he also obtained his commercial pilot license and float plane rating from Trinity Western University. Mike has been teaching Computer Networking at Bellingham Technical College since 2000. He is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at WWU.

Degrees and Credentials
Certificate, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
MA, Biology, Miami University
Certificate, CompTIA Network+ Certified
Certificate, CompTIA A+ Certified
BA, Business Administration/Computer Science, Western Washington University
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State

Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	Pollard
Fall 2023
	09/20/2023-12/08/2023	Pollard
	Find in ctcLink

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialist - AAS-T

Employment Information

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

What are My Next Steps?

Classes

Total Program Credits: 90

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Quarter 5

Quarter 6

View past class requirements for this program.

Program Outcomes

Employment Outlook

Faculty & Support

Gregory Rehm

Degrees and Credentials

Mike Massey

Degrees and Credentials