COVID Information and Resources - Updated 5.25.2021
IT Computer Support Specialist
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Why choose IT Computer Support Specialist?
- Get hands-on training that turns you into the IT expert who can identify and solve frustrating technical challenges.
- Prepares you for a satisfying career helping people do their jobs better and increasing productivity.
- Can lead to opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials (CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft) and work-based learning internships.
Computers and the Internet are integrated into our everyday lives—they’re crucial to how we communicate, how we work, and how we access information. At times, they can also be frustrating if we don’t know how to use them. IT computer support specialists are there to help us through our frustrations. They are the experts who navigate us through technical challenges using the latest computer software and tools.
Program Locations
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 60
Start Dates: Fall and Spring
Start at any time or location by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
The IT Computer Support Specialist program prepares individuals for help desk positions that provide technical support, assistance, advice, troubleshooting, training, and documentation to computer end users for hardware, software, and systems. Graduates have a working knowledge of computer hardware and software and their applications within wide area networks.
In this program, hands-on instruction will build your familiarity with various desktop and server environments; basic computer network technologies; help desk ticketing, management, and customer support; and database design, development, and administration. The program helps to prepare graduates to test for the CompTIA A+ and Linux+ certifications as well as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate for Windows 10.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2020/2021 academic calendar year.
- Tuition & Fees: $9,012.80
- Books: $1,916.80
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $10,929.60
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10154102 | Hardware Essentials | 3.00 | |
| 10801136 | English Composition I | 3.00 | |
| 10151105 | Linux | 3.00 | |
| 10150110 | Networking I | 3.00 | |
| 10152101 | Intro to Programming | 3.00 | |
| (15 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10154110 | Desktop Management | 3.00 | |
| 10150165 | Network Server Scripting | 3.00 | |
| 10150120 | Server Administration-Beginning | 3.00 | |
| 10151110 | Information Security 1 | 3.00 | |
|
10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10801198 | Speech | 3.00 |
| (15 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10154132 | Help Desk Fundamentals | 3.00 | |
|
10809198 | Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3.00 |
|
10804107 | College Mathematics | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10804189 | Introductory Statistics | 3.00 |
| 10809103 | Think Critically & Creatively | 3.00 | |
| 10150121 | Server Administration-Intermediate | 3.00 | |
| (15 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10154142 | Computer Support Capstone | 3.00 | |
| 10156101 | Database Concepts and Design | 3.00 | |
|
10154141 | Computer Support Internship | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10102130 | Career Development | 3.00 |
| 10809166 | Intro to Ethics: Theory & Application | 3.00 | |
| 10106106 | Quality Customer Service | 3.00 | |
| (15 Credits) |
| (60 Credits) |
Instructors
STEPHEN CASSELMAN, BS, MS
Stephen earned his master of science in cyber defense with a graduate-level ethical hacking certificate from Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota. He also holds an undergraduate degree in cyber operations. His experience in the field includes 14 years in customer service, with the last seven being directly related to technology. He has provided technical training to non-technical users, creating instructional material for business use, and worked with external vendors to negotiate contracts and implement new technological services to meet business needs.
“The world of technology encompasses nearly every part of our daily lives, and every industry needs professionals in technology fields to not only help them solve technical issues but to provide this service in a way that demonstrates comfort with the technology. What’s truly rewarding about teaching at Mid-State is not only teaching these technical skills but showing students how to use them to improve the lives of others.”
BRIAN KRAUSE, BA
Brian Krause holds a bachelor of arts degree from Lakeland College and brings over 20 years of experience working in the IT industry in central Wisconsin to his teaching at Mid-State. He continues to stay current with modern technology through a variety of volunteer activities, research, and seminars.
“I enjoy being able to pass along knowledge and skills to eager learners and bring in real-world business examples for better understanding of the content beyond book theory and examples. Doing so creates a fun learning environment that adds value to the program.”
Careers
- Computer Support/Technical Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- PC Repair Technician
- Computer Support Specialist
- Network Assistant
- Support Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Technical Support Specialist
Take the Next Step
"My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career."
SHARON REED
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
