Computer Studies and Information Processing, Computer Support Specialist - Associate in Science
Stem
CMSD
Knight Campus, Warwick only
Computers and networks continue to expand in all aspects of our personal activities which also includes business, manufacturing, education, and health care. This program provides balanced coverage of technology fundamentals, computer hardware, computer software, and networking technology. Emphasis is placed on operating principles of hardware and software, networking models, operating systems, and industry standards along with hands-on laboratory activities for developing practical problem-solving skills. Students develop the ability to configure and troubleshoot basic PCs, local area networks (LANs), and basic information technology. Integrated into the program are courses that prepare students to sit for both the CompTIA A+ and the MCITP.
Note: Students in this program must earn a grade of at least C in all computer course requirements and must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 1010 | Composition I | 3 |
| or ENGL 2100 | Technical Writing | |
| COMM 1100 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| or COMM 1180 | Oral Interpretation | |
| MATH 1200 | College Algebra (or Above) | 3 |
| or MATH 1139 | Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students | |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities, Math/Science OR Social Science Elective 1 | 9 | |
| Subtotal | 21 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CNVT 1000 | Computer Repair A+ Hardware | 3 |
| CNVT 1010 | Computer Repair A+ Software | 3 |
| CNVT 2300 | Desktop Technician-Consumer 2 | 3 |
| CNVT 2310 | Desktop Technician-Business 3 | 3 |
| COMI 1150 | Programming Concepts | 3 |
| COMI 1415 | Personal Computer Operating System | 1 |
| COMI 1800 | Computer Networking Software Linux | 3 |
| COMI 1840 | Microsoft Windows Server | 3 |
| COMI 2020 | Network Security Software Fundamentals | 3 |
| COMI 2031 | Computer Support: Concepts 2 | 3 |
| COMI 2033 | Computer Support: Network and Virtual Machine 3 | 3 |
| COMI 2036 | Introduction to Computer Ethics | 3 |
| COMI 2037 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| COMP 1230 | Systems Analysis and Design 4 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 41 | |
| Total Hours | 62 | |
| 1 | MATH 1139 or above recommended. |
| 2 | This course is offered in the Fall semester only. |
| 3 | This course is offered in the Spring semester only. |
| 4 | Computer Studies Department recommends Systems Analysis and Design (COMP 1230) in your final semester. |
Recommended Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
| CNVT 1000 | Computer Repair A+ Hardware | 3 |
| COMI 1150 | Programming Concepts | 3 |
| COMI 1415 | Personal Computer Operating System | 1 |
| COMI 2031 | Computer Support: Concepts | 3 |
| ENGL 1010 or ENGL 2100 |
Composition I or Technical Writing |
3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CNVT 1010 | Computer Repair A+ Software | 3 |
| COMI 1840 | Microsoft Windows Server | 3 |
| COMI 2033 | Computer Support: Network and Virtual Machine | 3 |
| COMM 1110 or COMM 1180 |
Voice and Articulation or Oral Interpretation |
3 |
| MATH 1200 or MATH 1139 |
College Algebra (or Above) or Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students |
3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| CNVT 2300 | Desktop Technician-Consumer | 3 |
| COMI 1800 | Computer Networking Software Linux | 3 |
| COMI 2020 | Network Security Software Fundamentals | 3 |
| COMI 2036 | Introduction to Computer Ethics | 3 |
| Humanities, Math/Science OR Social Science Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CNVT 2310 | Desktop Technician-Business | 3 |
| COMI 2037 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| COMP 1230 | Systems Analysis and Design | 4 |
| Humanities, Math/Science OR Social Science Elective 1 | 6 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 62 | |
| 1 | MATH 1139 or above recommended. |
Transfer
If you are interested in earning a bachelor's degree, please meet with an Academic Advisor who can help you select the courses that best prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university. For more information, you can also visit ritransfers.org with resources on course and program transfer to Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island, or visit CCRI's Transfer Articulation page for information on articulation agreements with colleges and universities throughout New England.