The Computer Systems Engineering Technology - Computer Support Option is designed to meet the demand of computer support middle skills in business and industry, while focusing on the technical and human aspect of providing computer support. This program pulls from multiple areas of computer-related programming at QCC and is stackable from the QCC Personal Computer Specialist Certificate.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate of Science

You will learn how to troubleshoot computer networking infrastructures to resolve user problems. You will analyze and apply security in computer and networking infrastructures while detecting any legal and ethical breaches. You will Apply networking concepts to design, implement, and maintain LANs and WANs.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

63 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 80% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

Certificate

Computer Systems Engineering Technology - Personal Computer Specialist Certificate

The Personal Computer Specialist Certificate prepares graduates to work in the information technology field as computer support specialists with an emphasis on personal computer/desktop management and support. Demand for these workers will result from the increased use of information technology and digital communications technology by individuals and organizations. As technology becomes more complex and prevalent, a greater level of support will become essential to users and their employers.
Certificate

Computer Systems Engineering Technology - Help Desk Technician Certificate

The Help Desk Technician Certificate prepares graduates to work in the information technology field as an entry-level computer support specialist, such as a help desk technician or desktop specialist.  Computer support specialists or help desk technicians “provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists [technical support specialists], support information technology (IT) employees within their organization.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: SECS).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in four semesters.
  • Meet with Academic Advisor about co-enrolling in CSET certificate.
  • Complete CSC 141, CSC 234, ENG 101, and the Mathematics Elective.
Windows Client Operating SystemsCSC 141F/S/SU4 
Networking TechnologiesCSC 234F/S/SU4Coreq: CSC 141
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Mathematics Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total17 

Semester 2

  • Meet with Career Services to discuss the co-op process and leads for co-op placements.
  • If considering transfer, meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer.
  • Complete CIS 111 and ENG 102.
Introduction to Microcomputer ApplicationsCIS 111F/S/SU3 
IT Help Desk ConceptsCSC 105F/S2 
Computer Hardware and SupportCSC 233F/S4Coreq: CSC 141
Windows Server Operating SystemsCSC 241F/S3CSC 141
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
  Total15 

Semester 3

  • Meet with Program Coordinator to discuss readiness for CST 299.
  • Contact Career Services to complete all requirements of CPS 298 (required prior to registration for CST 299). See www.QCC.edu/career-services.
  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process; or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
Advanced Microcomputer ApplicationsCIS 112F/S/SU3CIS 111, Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Introduction to Programming with C++ ORCIS 121F/S3Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score, Coreq: CIS 105 or CIS 111
Introduction to Programming Using Python ORCSC 101MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Systems Programming and ScriptingCSC 201CSC 141, Coreq: CST 245
Pre Cooperative Education SeminarCPS 298F/S0 
Internetworking Principles and ProtocolsCST 231F/S3Coreq: CSC 234
UNIX Operating Systems ICST 245F/S/SU4Coreq: CSC 141
Social Science Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total16 

Semester 4

  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process; or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board and to review industry certification requirements and opportunities.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Mobile Operating SystemsCSC 140F/S3 
IT Security FoundationsCST 205S/SU3Placement into college level English
Cooperative Work Experience & SeminarCST 299F/S/SU3CPS 298, Approval of Program Coordinator
Technical and Workplace WritingENG 205F/S/SU3ENG 102, Computer Literacy
Liberal Arts Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total15 
Total Credits Required:  63 

Program Goals:

The Computer Systems Engineering Technology - Computer Support Option is designed to meet the demand of computer support middle skills in business and industry, while focusing on the technical and human aspect of providing computer support. This program pulls from multiple areas of computer-related programming at QCC and is stackable from the QCC Personal Computer Specialist Certificate.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Know fundamental business methods, including communications, math, and writing.
  • Utilize end user basic software to develop word processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Analyze and apply security in computer and networking infrastructures while detecting any legal and ethical breaches.
  • Analyze and apply operating systems concepts to implement and support multiple industry standard operating systems in enterprise networking environments.
  • Apply networking concepts to design, implement, and maintain LANs and WANs to support modern implementations, including internetworking and data convergence.
  • Design and implement basic and advanced routing utilizing the TCP/IP and other common networking protocols and utilities.
  • Design and develop scripts and/or programs to enhance business processes.
  • Develop documentation appropriate to clearly communicate computer and network specification, configuration, and/or processes.
  • Troubleshoot computer networking infrastructures to resolve user problems.
  • Demonstrate computer support specialist skills in a business environment through cooperative education and seminars or service learning experience.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks may be required. Fingerprinting and drug testing may be required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

  • Students who pursue any of the industry certifications will incur additional expenses for testing fees.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 11.1006.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Additional Information:

  • The Computer Support Option offers extensive coursework, lecturing on theoretical information technology design, principles, and approaches and supplementing the lecture with practical hands-on application in QCC’s state-of-the-art CSET labs.
  • The Computer Support Option offers courses that teach material from several industry standard certifications including:
    • Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA):
      • A+ - CSC 233
      • Network+ - CSC 234
      • Linux+ - CST 245
      • Security+ - CST 205
    • Microsoft’s 365 Certified Associate and Microsoft Certified Windows Server Hybrid Associate in the following topics:
      • Windows Desktop - CSC 141
      • Windows Server - CSC 241