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IT Support Specialist, Baccalaureate Certificate

The primary purpose of the IT Support Specialist Certificate Program is to prepare students to earn the CompTIA A+ certification and enter into entry level information technology careers. The program is designed to provide foundational IT knowledge and excellent customer service skills, equipping students to troubleshoot user’s hardware, network, and cloud computing challenges in roles such as a help desk technician or IT support specialist. This program is designed to be offered to undergraduate level students who are interested in working with one of Accelerate U’s employer partners immediately following the completion of the program.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

  1. Mobile Devices: Demonstrate proficiency in setting up, installing, configuring and supporting laptop and mobile devices.
  2. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: Use knowledge of hardware, wired and wireless network, and problem solving best practices to proficiently troubleshoot hardware and network issues.
  3. Virtualization and Cloud Computing: Summarize cloud computing concepts and client-side virtualization.
  4. Security: Using best practices, securely configure SOHO wireless and wired networks, MS windows OS, browsers, workstations, and mobile devices. Utilize tools and methods for detecting, removing and preventing malware.
  5. Operating Systems and Troubleshooting: Describe operating system types, configure networks and perform installations. Troubleshoot Windows, mobile OS issues, and PC security.
  6. Operational Procedures: Utilize best practices in documentation and IT support ticketing systems. Implement effective change management, workstation backup, and recovery methods.
  7. Artificial Intelligence: Identify fundamental AI concepts, business applications, tools, and ethical considerations. Utilize AI to improve work processes.
  8. Customer Service: Demonstrate the following durable skills to provide excellent customer service - problem-solving, collaboration, reliability, confidence, and social awareness.
  9. Career and Exam Preparation: Develop a career plan and prepare the necessary artifacts (i.e. resume) and skills (i.e. interviewing skills) needed to pursue an initial career in IT support. Demonstrate effective study strategies in preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Program Details:

  • Requires 25qh for completion
  • Requires a min grade of C in all courses in the program
  • Requires completion of all courses in the certificate
  • Students must have a GPA of min of 2.0.
  • Students must sit for both parts of the CompTIA A+ exam in order to complete the program.
    • Students will need to have taken both CompTIA A+ Exam Part 1 and Part 2, as indicated by an official score for both CompTIA A+ Exam Part 1 Official Score (CTP1OS) and CompTIA A+ Exam Part 2 Official Score (CPT2OS)
    • Note: While students are required to take the certification exam for program completion, passing is not required.

Program Details

  • Requires 25qh for completion
  • Requires a min grade of C in all courses in the program
  • Requires completion of all courses in the certificate at NLU
  • Students must have a GPA of min of 2.0.
  • Students must sit for both parts of the CompTIA A+ exam in order to complete the program.
    • Students will need to have taken both CompTIA A+ Exam Part 1 and Part 2, as indicated by an official score for both CompTIA A+ Exam Part 1 Official Score (CTP1OS) and CompTIA A+ Exam Part 2 Official Score (CPT2OS)
    • Note: While students are required to take the certification exam for program completion, passing is not required.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Mobile Devices: Demonstrate proficiency in setting up, installing, configuring and supporting laptop and mobile devices.
  2. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: Use knowledge of hardware, wired and wireless network, and problem solving best practices to proficiently troubleshoot hardware and network issues.
  3. Virtualization and Cloud Computing: Summarize cloud computing concepts and client-side virtualization.
  4. Security: Using best practices, securely configure SOHO wireless and wired networks, MS windows OS, browsers, workstations, and mobile devices. Utilize tools and methods for detecting, removing and preventing malware.
  5. Operating Systems and Troubleshooting: Describe operating system types, configure networks and perform installations. Troubleshoot Windows, mobile OS issues, and PC security.
  6. Operational Procedures: Utilize best practices in documentation and IT support ticketing systems. Implement effective change management, workstation backup, and recovery methods.
  7. Artificial Intelligence: Identify fundamental AI concepts, business applications, tools, and ethical considerations. Utilize AI to improve work processes.
  8. Customer Service: Demonstrate the following durable skills to provide excellent customer service - problem-solving, collaboration, reliability, confidence, and social awareness.
  9. Career and Exam Preparation: Develop a career plan and prepare the necessary artifacts (i.e. resume) and skills (i.e. interviewing skills) needed to pursue an initial career in IT support. Demonstrate effective study strategies in preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Admission Requirements

  • Successful completion of an interview with a member of the program Admissions Committee.

Required Courses

IT Support Specialist Certificate - 25qh

CAR 204Your Professional Story

1 TO 5
ITSS 100IT Essentials: Hardware and Device Management

5
ITSS 110IT Essentials: Networking, Infrastructure and Cloud Computing

5
ITSS 200IT Essentials: Operating System Support & Cybersecurity

5
ITSS 210IT Essentials: IT Support Specialist Capstone

5

Note: CAR 204 must be taken for 5 qh.

Total Credit Hours: 25