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What is a Computer Support Specialist?

Computer Support Specialist degree holders are trained as individuals focused on understanding a customer’s needs to create viable solutions to cure underlying computer issues.  This may include system connectivity, technology design, system design, designing network systems, and repairing networks across a wide variety of devices and applications.

Earning a college degree in Computer Support Specialist will strike a balance between hardware and software knowledge in addition to systems connectivity and integration.  As an ever-growing field of study, Computer Support Specialist programs may bend towards devices and software while others a deep dive into computer hardware, diagnosis, installation, repair, and administration.  In either case, a Computer Support Specialist will have exposure and knowledge with a wide variety of operating systems, networks, devices, applications, and computer coding labs.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$56,600

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

34.51%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

791,580

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Computer Support Specialist Degree

Western Kentucky University is a public research institution in Bowling Green, KY. It offers an assortment of degree programs that provide a vast amount of academic opportunities for students. WKU is known for its programs including, journalism, education, business, broadcasting, engineering, and more.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology is an online degree that prepares students to become a computer support specialist.  Qualified support specialist students get the credentials required to establish a firm grounding in the computer information technology industry within the WKU CIT program. Students in the program learn about Information Technology, CIT Foundations, Web Development, Database Administration, and more. WKU-CIT program has an arrangement with top companies like Microsoft Imagine, Testout, and VMware, to support students with exceptional training tools at a little or no additional cost. The CIT program at WKU is mostly selective in its admissions through its student qualifications, and students in the program should complete their courses with a grade of “C” or better.

Acceptance Rate

97.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1915, the College of Westchester operates as a for-profit and private school in White Plains, NY. The school offers a vast choice of Bachelor’s degree, Associate degrees and diploma support specialist choices during the day, evening, Saturday, and online.  The Computer Support Specialist diploma program provides a full curriculum in computer support Network Administration. Students in the Computer Networking Specialist program take courses in PC Technology, Operating System Technologies, CISCO Networking Basics, and more. Additionally, this curriculum integrates mathematics courses. Students can also select from the different choices for their electives.  To know more about the program, you may check the department’s webpage.

Acceptance Rate

94.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

UM or the University of Montana offers an array of degree programs available for students to select from. It operates as a public research institution in Missoula, MT, and the institution is the flagship campus of the Montana University System.

The Certificate of Applied Science in Computer Support is a 31-credit program that trains students for careers in the computing field. At UMT, the Computer Support majors take required classwork in programming, networking, operating systems, support specialist, PC hardware, web services technologies, and data modeling. Furthermore, they complete one of the following mathematics classes as a requirement, including Probability and Linear Mathematics, College Algebra, and Precalculus. The University of Montana requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to obtain the diploma.

Acceptance Rate

93.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Morrisville State College is a state-funded college in New York with two locations in Morrisville and Norwich. The U.S. News and World Report rank Morrisville 25th as Best Regional Colleges in North, 13th in Best Colleges for Veterans, and 13th in Best Value Schools.

The Bachelor of Computer Support program at Morrisville prepares students to design, manage, and troubleshoot computer systems for corporations and organizations. The department provides its students with state-of-the-art technologies for them to utilize in their classwork. At Morrisville, the Bachelor of Technology majors culminate its education through a semester-long professional support services internship. Moreover, students can improve their college experience through an array of related clubs and student-led organizations.

Acceptance Rate

74.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public land-grant research institution situated in College, Alaska. UAF is the flagship campus among the seven campuses across the state, and it offers some degree programs to help students in their personal development and career goals.

The Information Technology Specialist and Support Specialist at UAF is offered as an Associate of Science degree and a Certificate program that prepares students to utilize, sustain, execute, and troubleshoot information technology systems found in governmental, educational, and corporate services. Students following the certificate track are prepared for entry-level IT careers and continuing education in information technology and other related areas. On the other hand, the A.A.S majors are trained as future IT professionals. Students planning to take the program are advised to meet with a faculty advisor to tackle the program requirements and create an educational plan that correlates the enrollee's current abilities and objectives.  Interested students may check the UAF Information Technology Specialist program link.

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

CBT-Flagler Campus is a private and for-profit school in Miami, FL. The school operates as a two-year school offering rewarding learning for its students. The Flagler campus serves as the flagship campus of the college.

The Support Specialist and Computer Support Specialist degree is a year-long diploma program that provides students with the necessary knowledge, expertise, and skills for entry-level positions in the IT industry. The designed program enables students to utilize critical thinking and communication skills to help individuals and organizations troubleshoot and solve computer hardware and software problems. Computer Network, Support Specialist majors, engage in courses on Microsoft Technology Applications, Cloud Computing, Computer Maintenance, Troubleshooting services, Technical Support Software, Network Essentials, and more; a course in English composition is also embedded in the curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Established in 2002, the Unitek College operates as a private institution known for offering career and technical-vocational programs in medicine or healthcare. Unitek comprises seven convenient facilities in California. 

The Support Specialist Office Administration Services Program is structured to provide students with the knowledge needed to excel in the Medical Office Administration field. Students in this program will learn about the fundamentals of medical jargon, medical office processes, office computer applications, patient interaction, and others. Meanwhile, this program also instills interpersonal skills in students. Students can accomplish this program for nine months, and it is offered to its campuses in Concord, Fremont, Sacramento, and San Jose.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown (TCAT) is one of the 27 operating institutions of the TCAT educational system under the Tennessee Board of Regents' direction. TCAT Morristown aims to help students improve the quality of being of every individual and their society.

The Computer Information Technology and Support Specialist program is structured, so students receive hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students in this program learn about operating systems, diagnostics, computers' configuration, and related peripheral devices. Networking students are immersed in networks through discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. The services computer program is offered with a full-time or part-time commitment for twenty months with classes during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The College of Business and Technology-Hialeah Campus is a private and for-profit school in Miami, FL. The school operates as a two-year school offering rewarding learning and student services for its student body. Hialeah is home to the largest Spanish-speaking communities in the nation.

The Certificate in Office Management and Support Specialist program is structured to jump-start their career in the field or promotion. The program trains students for professions in the business environment by imparting them with knowledge about the basic accounting principles while achieving expertise in utilizing computer software at the same time. At CBT-Hialeah Campus, students taking the program engage in extensive classwork on Microsoft Technology Applications, English Composition, Principles of Business, Principles of Finance, Principles of Management, Applied Business Communications, Principles of Marketing, and others. The Certificate in Office Management program is a twenty-four credits sequence with an eight-month program length.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology: Jackson is one of the 27 technical training schools in a state-run educational center in Tennessee. The college was initially named the Jackson State Area Vocational-Technical School. It later became the Tennessee Technology Center at Jackson in 1994, and then it was once again renamed Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson in 2013.

The Computer Support Technology program is structured to equip students with hands-on receive hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students enrolled in the program will learn about the computer's functions, data processing, and providing solutions to computer-related problems. In this program, students build their credentials through the certifications they are prepared for. Moreover, this program is offered with a full-time commitment for twenty-months, and classes are held during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Laurus College is a career school devoted to providing quality education and experience for each student. The college resides in a city in Santa Maria, CA. Laurus follows a continuous academic calendar, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1.

Information Support Systems Management is a Bachelor’s Degree structured similar to a support specialist role to develop students’ skills necessary for a successful professional career as an IT professional. This program tackles the fundamental and intermediate skills development in an assortment of IT-related fields while imparting them knowledge on the concepts and principles of Information Technology to respond to real challenges and opportunities. At Laurus College, students taking the program engage in extensive classwork on Operating System Fundamentals, Technical Certifications, Networks Administration Services, Database Management, and furthermore. Additionally, students at Laurus College It Systems Management are prepared for various certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network A+, and Security A+, to establish strong credentials necessary for employment. The program is also offered as an Associate Degree or Occupational Associate services degree. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$33,100 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Paris is a training school structured to provide career-oriented programs for employment. TCAT-Paris serves students in Henry County and nearby places in West Tennessee.  Providing quality instruction needed to develop skills necessary to excel in the information technology areas has been the steadfast mission of TCAT-Paris’ Support Specialist and Information Technology Systems Management Program. Students taking the program are taught to configure, install, and manage IT system infrastructure. Moreover, the program prepares students for several certifications, including A+, Network+, Security+, C-Tech, and MCSA. TCAT IT Systems Management is a diploma degree with a program length of twenty months and a full-time commitment, with classes during the day.

Students may look at the TCAT-Paris IT System Management link to get further details about the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Southern California Institute of Technology is a for-profit private school in Anaheim, CA. SCIT provides training and academic opportunities for its students. Students are all welcome to SCIT with its 100% acceptance rate.  SCIT offers two programs related to the Computer Support Specialist program, the Certificate of Information Technology and the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Support Systems integrates theory and application of data systems; students in this program learn about the software-hardware and create, sustain, and secure business information systems. The Information Technology program, on the other hand, is an eight-month sequence that develops students to administer, configure, and manage Microsoft and Cisco-centered computer networks for immediate careers in the It fields.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville offers competency-based training to students with its full-time programs and distance learning education. The campus consists of a single building that serves the students around the East Tennessee regions that encompasses Knoxville.

The Computer Information Technology at TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville offers two curriculum choices. The first choice is for students interested in industry-accredited certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and other-related certifications to join the Computer Information Technology track. While taking the CIT track, students may also enjoy the Pearson VUE certification center. Both the CIT program and the Pearson VUE testing centers provide convenient opportunities with cutting-edge IT training and certification testing. This program is offered with a full-time commitment for twenty months.  Students may view TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville’s program webpage to gain additional information.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, located in Media, Pennsylvania, is a private two year institution founded in 1953 by Walter Garrison.  The original intent of the school was to provide math and science training for student interested in engineering. The school has since expanded its offerings to include a variety of programs and has opened a branch campus in Philadelphia's Center City. The school is dedicated to providing a quality education to its students through an excellent faculty that is prepared to impart their knowledge.

Academics

Programs at PIT are primarily designed to provide career training in one of a number of fields through programs that take between one and two years to complete. Depending on the program, students will earn an associate's or bachelor's degree which demonstrates one's competency in the area of study. This level of expertise and qualifications achieved through programs that provide practical education alongside more traditional classroom offerings, allowing students to refine their skills in a supervised simulated setting.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admission to Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is made easy through the school's open enrollment policy. Any individual who meets the school's minimum standards for admission may contact the school or visit the campus in order to begin the admissions process. Students should provide all pertinent information and be prepared to take placement exam. Financial aid is available through loans, grants and scholarships, and is applied for by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA), which must be done prior to the start of each academic year.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Mitchell Technical Institute opened its doors in 1968, providing post-high school technical education in Mitchell, SD. MitchellTech operates under a dual governance system, and it is home to an assortment of Associate of Applied Science programs.  The Information Systems Technology program at Mitchell Tech prepares students for various professions as a network administrator, IT support technicians, tech support analysts, systems administrator, broadband and internet tech, and support specialist. Mitchell Tech’s Information Technology System program provides extensive education to IT-related areas. The program trains students to maintain internet connectivity, install, maintain, and support servers, and utilize networking applications. Mitchell Tech has cutting-edge laboratories that enable the students to develop their projects.  Interested students may go around the department’s internet site for more details.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Ripley is a training school structured to provide career-oriented programs for employment. TCAT-Ripley serves students in Northwest Tennessee and its neighboring areas.  The Computer Support Techn at TCAT Ripley is structured to equip students with hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students in this program learn about operating systems, diagnostics, computers' configuration, and related peripheral devices. Also, students build their credentials through the certifications they are prepared for. Moreover, this program is offered with a full-time, part-time commitment or at the students' own pace for twenty-months, and classes are held during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Lansdale School of Business is a private, coeducational school offering career education programs in high demand today. The Council accredits LSB for Higher Education Accreditation.

The LSB Technical Support Specialist is a diploma program that prepares students to install, mend, and troubleshoot computer hardware systems and components. Students can advance their knowledge about computer hardware and operating systems, interoperability, and features during their stay in the program. Additionally, students engage in extensive classwork on computer hardware, networking, network security, systems management, and more. Students also take English classes to advance their communication skills.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Providing academic opportunities for students in Martinsburg and its neighboring areas has been at the core of Valley College Martinsburg Campus’s mission. Valley College Martinsburg campus offers small and specialized classes for students; the institution provides computer-related technical programs.

The Cybersecurity program at Valley College-Martinsburg prepares students to identify, respond to, and prevent cyber-attacks and analyze problems to create a more secure IT environment. Students can select from two choices, which are the Associate’s Degree and the Bachelor’s Degree. The Associate’s Degree is a 16-month degree structured to provide students skills needed for entry-level positions in IT-related areas. The Bachelor’s Degree delves deeper into Cybersecurity with additional units and a digital practice laboratory that gives real situations to solve and navigate.  Students may check the department’s website for additional details.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,575 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Covington is a training school structured to provide career-oriented programs for employment. TCAT-Covington serves students in Tipton County and its neighboring places in West Tennessee.

The Computer Support degree at TCAT-Covington is structured to equip students with hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students in this program learn about operating systems, diagnostics, computers' configuration, and related peripheral devices. Also, students build their credentials through the certifications they are prepared for. Moreover, this program is offered with a full-time commitment or at the students' own pace for twenty-months, and classes are held during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Whether you're looking to upgrade your skills, reenter the job market or begin a new career, TechSkills of California has the comprehensive, hands-on program offerings to get your career moving in the right direction. You can choose from several in-demand fields. These fields include:

  • IT and Computer Training
  • Health Services
  • Business Skills

With so many program choices, flexible schedules and convenient locations, there's never been a better time to change your life. There's never been a better time to choose TechSkills of California!
TechSkills of California is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit: https://student.techskills-ca.com/login.asp

*Not all programs are available at TecSkills of Sacramento.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$27,708 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Covington is a training school designed to provide career-oriented programs for employment. TCAT-Covington serves students in Trousdale County and its neighboring places in northern Middle Tennessee.

The Computer Information Technology program at TCAT-Covington is structured to equip students with hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students in this program learn about operating systems, diagnostics, computers' configuration, and related peripheral devices. Also, students build their credentials through the certifications they are prepared for. Moreover, this program is offered with a full-time commitment for eighteen months, and classes are held during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Ohio Business College-Sandusky is a career training school that prepares individuals to excel in the workforce. Ohio Business College-Sandusky offers two-year associate’s degree and diploma programs.

The Associate in Support Specialist Office Administration program at Sandusky Campus training students with a comprehensive background in office operations. Coursework in this program includes software applications, interpersonal skills, word processing, office support, and more for future support specialists. At the final stage of the students’ learning, they gain experience working with various local businesses in OH. Students can accomplish this program within two years with classes during the day or evening, and it requires a full-time commitment.

Interested Students may explore the department’s website to get additional features of the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

De Anza College offers an assortment of associate’s degree and certificate degree programs for support specialists. It is a two-year community institution that provides technical-vocational training programs for students.

The Computer Information Systems at De Anza College offers a wide variety of degree program choices for students, including the Associate in Science in Computer Science support specialist. The Computer Science program at De Anza provides the underlying knowledge in the discipline. Additionally, the program also establishes the foundations of mathematics, physical science, and engineering. At the end of the program, students are expected to design, create, and implement solutions for computing systems in all levels of complexity.

For more information about the offerings at De Anza College, students may visit the department’s website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

29:1

Providing post-secondary education has been the core of YTI’s mission. It is an institute that provides educational opportunities for higher education to the residents of south-central PA and northern MD. It offers Associate in Specialized Technology Degrees and programs leading to professional diplomas and certifications.  The Computer Systems Specialist degree at YTI Career Institute-York is preparing competent students who excel in providing technical support to corporate offices, retail businesses, and other organizations concerned. Students are trained to setup, maintain, and troubleshoot computer systems. Moreover, students can accomplish this program within twenty-one months with 92 credits.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$30,191 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Top Computer Support Specialist Degrees

A computer support specialist (CSS) will be trained to work on stand-alone computers as well as networked computer devices. Graduates will be taught how to effectively manage computer software and hardware across a number of different devices along with the skills to troubleshoot a variety of issues.

Helping users effectively solve computer-based problems will take exceptional customer service skills, active listening, and an attention to detail. We have summarized the most popular undergraduate programs in CSS below. To learn more about a specific degree or college program, simply request information on this portal page to make the most of your time.

Certificate Programs for Computer Support Specialists

Undergraduate certificate programs in CSS are designed to provide students with the essential elements of computers. Foundational knowledge and skills include knowledge about hardware, software, networking, data management, security, hacking, computer coding, emerging technologies, and customer service.

Certificate programs can take students one to two years to complete depending on the program type and course load. As you explore certificate programs, make sure to understand the skills you will be learning and the totality of the program. Once you have those pieces in-hand, you will be able to overlay a schools program with your career objectives.

Associate Degrees for Computer Support Specialists

An associate degree in CSS will be conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Associate degrees are typically 2-year programs that meld core curricula with general education classes. Examples of general education classes that you may find in a course catalog include: communications, psychology, statistics, philosophy, history, and math.

Core curriculum for students enrolled in a computer support specialist degree program will vary by school. That being said, students will take an array of similar classes in a CSS degree program. A sampling of classes may include:

  • Introduction to Linux
  • IT Concepts
  • Networking Essentials
  • Desktop Management
  • Computer Applications and Software
  • Desktop Repair and Maintenance
  • Windows Power Shell Scripting
  • Information Technology and Information Assurance
  • IT Customer Service
  • Emerging trends and technology
  • IT Customer Service Desk Management
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Windows Servers

Support Specialist Jobs

For students that earn a college degree in Computer Support, there are several services fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from research scientist, information research scientist, computer network architect, computer support services, computer programmer, database administrator, information security analyst, network administrator, computer systems architect, software developer, and web developer in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Technical support specialists are a specialist in the computer field trained to provide support to end users. These support specialists that support computer issues via technical assistance and software support & assistance as issues arise. The assistance and support may be short in nature with an update or long-term support with new products. A support specialist can be a part-time employee or full-time employee. In fact, a support specialist may provide support on site or remotely. A specialist in technical support can be a direct hire or contractor depending on the needs of the company and internal support needed.

A support technician is also known as computer specialist, computer user support, user support specialists, network support specialists, computer support, or a support specialist network administrator. The services provided in support of each discipline will vary by need, capacity and budget. A support specialist salaries are illuminated below to give you a baseline of the top states and expedite your job salary search.

Support Specialist Computer Jobs & Sci Occupation Growth

The median annual income of computer support specialists is currently $49,390 which equates to $23.74 per hour. The top 10% support specialist jobs will earn approximately $105,910 while the bottom ten percent will earn just over thirty-seven thousand dollars a year.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates growth of 13% through the next decade for computer support specialists. This employment growth is estimated to add some 150,500 services and repair jobs during the coming reporting period. Growth of this size should create ample opportunities for jobs and upward mobility for qualified services professionals.

States with the Highest Employment of Computer Support Specialists

  • California 19,320
  • Texas 17,730
  • New York 10,940
  • Illinois 9,810
  • Ohio 9,630

Top Paying States for Computer Support Specialists

  1. District of Columbia $89,460
  2. Massachusetts $83,410
  3. New Jersey $83,260
  4. Connecticut $79,600
  5. California $77,690

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