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.
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
68% BTC graduate placement rate
$85,379 starting annual wage2
$112,225 average annual wage2
$141,197 potential annual wage2
This program typically starts in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Quarters on a space available basis.
A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater and a grade of C will be the minimum passing grade for all courses.
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.
AMATH 100 | Applied Occupational Math | 5 CR |
OR |
BUS 188 | Business English | 5 CR |
BUS 150 | Math for Business | 5 CR |
OR |
MATH& 107 | Math In Society | 5 CR |
Or higher |
AENGL 100 | Applied English | 5 CR |
OR |
BUS 191 | Technical Communications | 5 CR |
OR |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 CR |
OR |
ENGL& 102 | English Composition II | 5 CR |
CMST& 210 | Interpersonal Communication | 5 CR |
OR |
PSYC& 100 | General Psychology | 5 CR |
OR |
SOC& 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 CR |
BIT 100 | Survey of Business and Information Technology | 2 CR |
BUS& 101 | Introduction to Business | 5 CR |
CAP 138 | MS Word | 5 CR |
CAP 142 | Microsoft Excel | 5 CR |
IT 101 | Using Network Computer Systems | 5 CR |
IT 112 | A+ Hardware | 5 CR |
IT 141 | A+ Operating Systems | 5 CR |
After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:
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 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.
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.
If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.
Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email BusinessITNav@btc.edu