IT User Support Technician

Technical Diploma
Information Technology Cluster Icon

Why choose IT User Support Technician?

  • User support is a highly sought-after skill set that is the backbone of the technology industry.
  • IT support roles are listed within the Wisconsin Technical College System Top 50 High Demand Fields List (2014–2024).
  • Great way to start a career in information technology.
  • Quickly earn a diploma while continuing to work toward a full associate degree in either networking or cybersecurity.
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. User support technicians 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

Stevens Point Downtown Campus
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

What You'll Learn

The IT User Support Technician program teaches the skills necessary to support computer users and their computers. Students will be able to manage, configure, and troubleshoot common computer hardware and software issues, configure and troubleshoot network access, and develop customer service skills. All courses in this one-year technical diploma count toward Mid-State’s IT Network Specialist and IT Cybersecurity Specialist associate degree programs.

This program will cover the fundamentals of networking, security, hardware, and troubleshooting. Students will get hands-on experience with common network hardware, security tools, and common operating systems. They will also be immersed in a variety of activities including building a network from scratch, lock picking, rebuilding a desktop computer, learning scripting techniques, and interactive labs with server and client operating systems

Outcomes

  • Develop technical documentation. 
  • Troubleshoot network systems.

Employability Skills

  • Behave Responsibly:  Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
  • Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
  • Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
  • Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
  • Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility

Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $3,910.53
  • Books: $945.60
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $4,856.13

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10151105 Linux 3
  10150110 Networking I  3
  10804135 Quantitative Reasoning  3
  10154102 IT Essentials  3
  Term Total   12 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10151110 Information Security 1  3
  10150120 Server Administration-Beginning 3
  10150165 Network Server Scripting 3
  10801196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication  3
  Term Total   12 Credits
       
  Program Total   24 Credits

Instructors

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

  • Help Desk Technician
  • Held Desk Coordinator
  • Information Technology Specialist
  • Computer Support Specialist

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

"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. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

IT User Support Technician Program Pathway