Computer Studies and Information Processing, Computer Support Specialist - Associate in Science
Knight Campus, Warwick only
Computers and networks continue to expand in all aspects of our personal activities which also includes business, manufacturing, education, and health care. This program provides balanced coverage of technology fundamentals, computer hardware, computer software, and networking technology. Emphasis is placed on operating principles of hardware and software, networking models, operating systems, and industry standards along with hands-on laboratory activities for developing practical problem-solving skills. Students develop the ability to configure and troubleshoot basic PCs, local area networks (LANs), and basic information technology. Integrated into the program are courses that prepare students to sit for both the CompTIA and Microsoft certifications.
Note: Students in this program must earn a grade of at least C in all computer course requirements and must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Show preparation for national exams/certifications.
- Research information and technologies on computer concepts, computer repair, different operating systems, help support, networking, virtual machines, computer forensics, and computer ethics.
- Comply with today's business and industry standards for computer concepts, computer repair, different operating systems, help support, networking, virtual machines, computer forensics, and computer ethics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of computer hardware and software.
- Apply customer service and end-user support principles when dealing with customers and individuals lacking a technical background.
- Communicate effectively with clients, verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate critical thinking in problem solving.
- Work effectively in teams.
- Compare and contrast techniques used for security management.
- Present conclusions effectively orally and in writing.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 1010 | Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) HUMN; Written Communication; Information Literacy | 3 |
| COMM 1010 | Communication Fundamentals^ HUMN; Non-Written Communication; Social and Professional Responsibilities | 3 |
| General Education Elective | 3 | |
| General Education Elective | 3 | |
| General Education Elective | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Subtotal | 21 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CNVT 1000 | Computer Repair A+ Hardware | 3 |
| CNVT 1010 | Computer Repair A+ Software | 3 |
| CNVT 2310 | Desktop Technician 2 | 3 |
| COMI 1170 | Scripting for System Administration | 3 |
| COMI 1800 | Computer Networking Software Linux | 3 |
| COMI 1840 | Microsoft Windows Server | 3 |
| COMI 2020 | Network Security Software Fundamentals | 3 |
| COMI 2031 | Computer Support: Concepts 2 | 3 |
| COMI 2033 | Computer Support: Network and Virtual Machine 3 | 3 |
| COMI 2035 | Introduction to Computer Forensics | 3 |
| COMI 2036 | Introduction to Computer Ethics | 3 |
| COMI 2037 | Foundations of Cybersecurity | 3 |
| COMP 1230 | Systems Analysis and Design^ 4 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 40 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
- 1
-
See table of Math Electives below.
- 2
-
This course is offered in the Fall semester only.
- 3
-
This course is offered in the Spring semester only.
- 4
-
Computer Studies Department recommends Systems Analysis and Design^ (COMP 1230) in your final semester.
- ^
-
Work-based learning course
Math Electives
Recommended Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
| CNVT 1000 | Computer Repair A+ Hardware | 3 |
| CNVT 1010 | Computer Repair A+ Software | 3 |
| COMI 2031 | Computer Support: Concepts 2 | 3 |
| ENGL 1010 | Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| COMI 1800 | Computer Networking Software Linux | 3 |
| COMI 1840 | Microsoft Windows Server | 3 |
| COMI 2033 | Computer Support: Network and Virtual Machine 3 | 3 |
| COMM 1010 | Communication Fundamentals^ | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| CNVT 2310 | Desktop Technician 2 | 3 |
| COMI 1170 | Scripting for System Administration | 3 |
| COMI 2020 | Network Security Software Fundamentals 2 | 3 |
| COMI 2036 | Introduction to Computer Ethics | 3 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| COMI 2035 | Introduction to Computer Forensics | 3 |
| COMI 2037 | Foundations of Cybersecurity | 3 |
| COMP 1230 | Systems Analysis and Design^ | 4 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 58 | |
- 1
-
For list of MATH courses that fulfill the Math elective requirement for this program, please see table of Math Electives on the Computer Support Specialist page.
- 2
-
This course is offered in the Fall semester only.
- 3
-
This course is offered in the Spring semester only.
- ^
-
Work-based learning course
Transfer
Please meet with an Academic Advisor/Student Success Coach if you are interested in earning a bachelor's degree. Your Academic Advisor will help you select the courses that best prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university.
Check out the Joint Admissions Agreement if you are interested in transferring to Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island. The JAA program offers seamless transfer to RIC or URI with additional benefits. Transfer information, events, and articulations are available on the Transfer Center website.
Where Opportunity Meets Affordability
Why Choose CCRI?
CCRI, one of New England's most affordable colleges, is now completely free for Rhode Island students heading straight from high school thanks to the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship. For those pursuing a bachelor's degree, starting at CCRI can also lead to up to 30% discounted tuition at Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island upon transferring.
Our Services
We Are Here for You!
CCRI puts your success at the center of all we do. Staff from our Advising and Counseling, The Tutoring Center, Career Services, Benefits Hub, Financial Aid, Veteran Services, and the entire Division of Student Services is here every step of the way to help you reach your academic and career goals.
At One Stop we assist prospective, current, and former students, with a variety of processes including applying to college, checking financial aid status, turning in required documents, registering for classes, paying your bill, and more!
The Advising Center offers a full range of services for CCRI students. These services include academic advising, career, educational and personal counseling services.
CCRI's Tutoring Center provides free in-person and online tutoring and academic coaching to help you achieve success.
Career Services collaborates with and prepares our diverse student population to make well-informed career decisions through professional readiness, exploration, and work-based learning opportunities.
The Benefits Hub offers students basic needs assistance grounded in respect, trust, and equity.
CCRI offers financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to further their education without such support. The Financial Aid Department is here to guide you through the process.
The CCRI Veteran Services Office is committed to being a resource to all VA education beneficiaries.
Where Campus Life Comes to Life!
Beyond the Classroom
CCRI offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of events, athletic programs, and student clubs to keep you engaged and connected throughout your college experience.
Related Resources
Welcome to CCRI
Apply for Free Today!We're excited about your interest in attending the Community College of Rhode Island! Whether you're looking to discover your career path, start or complete your college degree, or take classes to enrich your life, we look forward to having you join our community!