BTC's offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 15, for a campus event.
In a world where everyday items are increasingly dependent upon computers – from phones to televisions to medical equipment – the need for skilled workers who can troubleshoot computer software issues is growing. If you enjoy combining technical and customer service skills in a variety of business and office settings, Bellingham Technical College’s Computer Support Specialist associate degree could be a good fit to get your tech career started. BTC’s Computer Support Specialist program will train you for top jobs in computer support, software, help desk support, PC support, and training and software support coordination.
BTC’s classes will train you in valuable software and computer support skills needed by companies big and small, including hospitals, financial institutions, large corporations, school districts, and universities. Computer hardware and software manufacturers also hire BTC’s program graduates to work as customer service representatives and help desk personnel.
Students in the Computer Support Specialist associate degree program at Bellingham Technical College will receive training in word processing, spreadsheets and databases; teaching others how to use computers and software; basic computer programming and website building; operating system installation and configuration; and more.
Bellingham Technical College is a Microsoft IT Academy member and is a member of CompTIA.
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
85% BTC graduate placement rate1
$88,658 starting annual wage2
$113,058 average annual wage2
$141,222 potential annual wage2
This program typically starts in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Quarters on a space available basis.
A completed college admissions application and placement in English and math. BTC uses a Guided Self-Placement process to help you choose the best starting point for your English and math courses. Your selections will determine whether you begin with program coursework or complete prerequisites classes first.
To get started or for help determining your English and math placement, contact the Outreach department at Outreach@btc.edu.
AMATH 100 | Applied Occupational Math | 5 CR |
OR |
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 Communications | 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 | Microsoft Word | 5 CR |
IT 120 | Command Line Interface and Scripting | 5 CR |
CAP 142 | Microsoft Excel | 5 CR |
CAP 146 | Microsoft Access | 3 CR |
IT 101 | Using Network Computer Systems | 5 CR |
IT 112 | A+ Hardware | 5 CR |
IT 141 | A+ Operating Systems | 5 CR |
IT 142 | Windows Desktop I | 5 CR |
IT 160 | Network Technology I | 5 CR |
IT 271 | Field Based Experience | 5 CR |
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. | 20 CR |
After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:
Computer support positions are expected to be one of the fastest-growing jobs over the next decade. The rapid rate of growth and change in the tech industry requires a commitment to stay current with new technologies. Enhancing a Computer Support Specialist degree with industry-recognized certifications means BTC grads can compete for the best jobs in the software support industry.
Computer Support Specialist program graduates usually find jobs in the information support and IT departments of large organizations such as universities, government agencies, hospitals, financial institutions, and major corporations.
Program graduates also find jobs as telephone-based technicians and customer service representatives for hardware and software manufacturers. Other potential computer support jobs 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.
The average annual wage in the software and computer support field is $55,973, with an earning potential of about $69,680 per year.*
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