Computer Technology, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3771, Email: computer.tech@nscc.edu

General Information
Course Requirements
Recommended Schedule
Program Website
Course Descriptions

General Information

The goal of the Computer Technology (CPT) program is to prepare individuals to function as entry-level computer technicians. Students become proficient in operating systems, installation and maintenance of a variety of computers, and various hardware and networking components. This degree's objectives parallel and exceed numerous industry-level certifications.

The program emphasizes hardware, software, peripheral devices, telecommunications, operating systems, troubleshooting, PC architecture, and digital interfacing and design. Individual and team- based projects enhance the learning experience and give students vital hands-on job skills. Some of the courses in this program will help the students prepare for the A+ industry certification exam.

Computer Technology program graduates should be able to:
• Install and configure workstation systems and application software.
• Troubleshoot, analyze and repair hardware and software issues.
• Select & install appropriate hardware and software.
• Perform routine upgrade, repair and preventive maintenance on computer system hardware
and software.
• Use various operating environments including Windows command line and GUI,
and UNIX/Linux.
• Establish and maintain a user support/helpdesk environment.
• Communicate technical and non-technical information clearly in both written and oral format.
• Integrate concepts taught in general education courses and reinforced in the Computer Technology curriculum.
• Function competently in entry-level computer technician positions using critical thinking skills to solve systems challenges.

Career Opportunities
• Service technician - configures hardware, software and installs, upgrades and maintains computers and related peripheral equipment
• User support/helpdesk - manages customer problems and requests and provides solutions-oriented support services by telephone, e-mail and/or in person
• Technical sales - analyzes client needs and provides support in choosing the correct information systems solutions for business or personal use
• Engineering aide - works with engineers in the design and development of computer controlled equipment and devices

Second-year students are encouraged to apply
for related work assignments through the Career Employment Center. Many co-op opportunities provide relevant work experience and are strongly recommended.

Transfer/Advising
The A.A.S. degree is designed to prepare a student for employment upon graduation. Some universities, at their discretion, accept some technical courses for transfer. A student who plans to transfer to a university should consult his/her advisor and the receiving university about transfer and articulation policies. Failure to do so could result in loss of transfer credits.

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COURSE REQUIREMENTS

RUBRIC	COURSE	CLASS	LAB	CREDITS
General Education
ENGL 1010	English Composition I	3	0	3
SPCH 1010	Speech	3	0	3
MATH 1630	Finite Mathematics	3	0	3
PHIL 1000	Critical Thinking	3	0	3
	Humanities Elective	3	0	3
	Social Sciences Elective	3	0	3
Computer Networking Technology
CNT 1170 OR CNT 1050	Microsoft Professional OS or NetWare Administration	4 4	0 0	4 4
Computer Technology
CPT 1000	Operating Systems	3	0	3
CPT 1010	User Support/Helpdesk	3	0	3
CPT 1400	Digital Systems Interfacing	2	2	3
CPT 1500	Microprocessor Sys Principles	3	0	3
CPT 2320	Telecommunications	4	0	4
CPT 1510	A+ Computer Hardware	4	0	4
CPT 2425	UNIX/Linux	4	0	4
CPT 2430	Systems Troubleshooting	4	0	4
CPT 2460	Advanced Topics	3	0	3
CPT 2500	Computer Technology Capstone	1	0	1
Programming Elective
CIS 2215 or CIS 2216	Basic Programming for Eng. Tech or C Language for Eng. Tech.	2 2	2 2	3 3
Technical Elective
	Technical Elective	3	0	3
TOTAL REQUIRED - ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE				60
Approved Technical Electives
CNT 2350	Windows Server Administration	4	0	4
CNT 2450	Advanced UNIX/Linux	4	0	4
CNT 2050	NetWare Advanced Admin	4	0	4
CNT 2120	Network Cabling Installation	4	0	4
COM 1010	Basic Web Design	3	0	3
CIS 1040	Business for Information Tech.	2	2	3
CIS 1060	Project Management	2	2	3

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Recommended Full-Time Schedule

First Year

Fall Semester	Course	Credits
MATH 1630	Finite Mathematics	3
PHIL 1000	Critical Thinking	3
CPT 1010	User Support/Helpdesk	3
CPT 1000	Operating Systems	3
CPT 1400	Digital Systems Interfacing	3
Spring Semester	Course	Credits
CNT 1170	Microsoft Professional OS	4
ENGL 1010	English Compositon I	3
CPT 1500	Microprocessor Sys. Principles	3
CPT 1510	A+ Computer Hardware	4

Second Year

Fall Semester	Course	Credits
SPCH 1010	Speech	3
	Humanities Elective	3
CPT 2320	Telecommunications	4
CPT 2425	UNIX/Linux	4
	Social Sciences Electives	3
Spring Semester	Course	Credits
CPT 2430	Systems Troubleshooting	4
CPT 2460	Advanced Topics	3
CPT 2500	Computer Tech Capstone	1
	Technical Elective	3
	Programming Elective	3

 

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