PROGRAM
Computer Network Support Specialist
Diploma
Computer Network Support Specialist
Program Overview
This program prepares students in computer systems to undertake tasks that are related to hardware maintenance & software troubleshooting. The practical and theoretical fundamentals of designing, implementing, and troubleshooting computer systems are explored and discussed through a practical approach that leverages the instructor’s real-world experience in a controlled environment and hands-on labs.
Program Details
- Total Semester Credits: 36
- Program Length: 12 months
- Next Start Date: July 7, 2025
- Location: Offered in Flagler Campus
- Language of Instruction: English
- Delivery Mode: Standard On-Ground, 100% On-Line and via Hybrid distance education modality.
- Program Certifications Goals: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Computer Network Support Specialist diploma program will be prepared to utilize their acquired knowledge as they enter and expand their careers in the IT field. This program equips students with a solid foundation in network security, troubleshooting, and optimization, ensuring they can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. With hands-on experience and comprehensive training, graduates are ready to tackle real-world challenges, drive technological innovation, and make significant contributions to their workplaces, positioning themselves as professional assets in the tech industry.
In the Computer Network Support Specialist diploma program at CBT Technology Institute, students will:
- Implement Network Security: Learn to configure security settings and access permissions, ensuring robust protection for groups and individuals.
- Respond to Security Breaches: Develop the skills to analyze, report, and respond to computer network security breaches, enhancing network safety.
- Diagnose Networking Issues: Utilize diagnostic testing software and equipment to identify and resolve networking problems effectively.
- Configure and Optimize Networks: Gain expertise in configuring routers and related equipment for WANs and LANs, optimizing network performance.
- Troubleshoot Connectivity Problems: Acquire the ability to troubleshoot and resolve network or connectivity issues for users or user groups, providing essential support.
- Ensure Data Availability: Evaluate network performance data to ensure availability and speed and implement disaster recovery measures to maintain network integrity.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Job outlook for this career-focused program
According to the Department of Labor, overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 66,500 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.Sample of reported job titles
Computer Network Specialist, IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant), Network Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Personal Computer Network Analyst, Systems SpecialistAverage Salary
The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $71,530 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $121,920. The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $59,240 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,690, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,020.Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm 2022 wage data external site and 2022-2032 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CGS1060C – Microsoft Technology Applications (3 Semester Credit Hours)
This course is a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft Office. It will feature four distinct programs: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Outlook. In MS Word, the student will learn how to create and edit and format documents, and format text and paragraphs. In MS Excel, the student will learn to work with formulas and functions, format a worksheet, and to work with charts. In MS PowerPoint, the student will create/modify a presentation, insert objects into a presentation, and finish a presentation. In MS Outlook, the student will be trained in the usage of e-mail and the management of information in the application. There are some activities that integrate some of these applications which are very beneficial for students who will use these applications in the real working environment.
CET1173 – Computer Maintenance and Troubleshooting (3 Semester Credit Hours)
Students will study the different circuitry and switches on the motherboard; additionally, they will learn how to find and repair damaged microchips, memory, CPUs. Students will also learn to analyze compatibility issues between hardware and software and Windows will be used to assure that devices are installed and functioning correctly.
CET1178 – Technical Support Software (3 Semester Credit Hours)
This course will help students to explore available troubleshooting software and use the software effectively. Students will learn techniques through hands-on experience on how to diagnose common computer issues and resolve those issues professionally.
CET1485 – Network Essentials (4 Semester Credit Hours)
In this course, we will take an in depth look at networking concepts and techniques. We will examine theoretical concepts that make the world of networking unique. Also, this course will adopt a practical hands-on approach when examining networking techniques. Along with examining different network strategies, this course will explore the advancement of network implementation, as well as timeless problem-solving strategies.
CET1179 – A+ Certification Preparation (3 Semester Credit Hours)
This course will help students to explore available troubleshooting software and use the software effectively. Students will have exposure to techniques and hands-on experience on how to diagnose common computer issues and resolve these issues professionally.
CET1588 – Network+ Certification Preparation (3 Semester Credit Hours)
This course will help students to explore available troubleshooting software and use the software effectively. Students will have exposure to techniques and hands-on experience on how to diagnose common computer issues and resolve these issues professionally.
CTS2321C – Fundamentals of Linux Operating Systems (3 Semester Credit Hours)
In this course, we will take you into Linux concepts with a focus on System architecture, Installation, GNU, Commands, Devices and File system. We will go through Installation, analysis of file system architecture, Configuration post-Installation, Package management and the most elemental commands to be successful with Linux System; Adopting a series of hands-on activities we will reinforce all necessary skills to be successful in Linux environments.
CET1811 – Administering Windows Professional (3 Semester Credit Hours)
This course prepares individuals to install, configure, and administer Windows 7. The course provides hands-on instruction for students who want to prepare for the Microsoft certification exam and succeed as a Microsoft network and system administrator. Certification track which is designed to be a vendor-neutral exam that measures your knowledge of industry-standard technologies and methodologies in the area of system security.
CIS1081 – Cloud Computing (3 Semester Credit Hours)
This course teaches it professionals how to manage their Azure subscriptions, secure identities, administer the infrastructure, configure virtual networking, connect Azure and on-premises sites, manage network traffic, implement storage solutions, create and scale virtual machines, implement web apps and containers, backup and share data, and monitor your solution.
COP1704 – Intro to SQL (3 Semester Credit Hours)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the language of relational databases: structured query language (sql). Topics covered include entity-relationship modeling, the relational model, the sql language, data retrieval statements, data manipulation and data definition statements. All interactive reading problems involve the use of “live” sql. Homework will be done using databases running in mysql which students install on their machines. Students will develop a real-world database project using mysql during the course.
ENC1100 – English Composition I (General Education Component) (3 Semester Credit Hours)
This course is the first college level English course for students. This course emphasizes the skills necessary to prepare you for college level writing. In this course students will develop an understanding of effective, college level writing with an emphasis on exposition and research essays. Oral and written communications of impressions and judgments concerning assigned readings in the essay and allied genre are required. This course also focuses on the building of an active vocabulary and on correct sentence and paragraph structure.