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What is a Computer Support Specialist?

Computer Support Specialist degree holders are trained as individuals focused on understanding a customer’s needs to create viable solutions to cure underlying computer issues.  This may include system connectivity, technology design, system design, designing network systems, and repairing networks across a wide variety of devices and applications.

Earning a college degree in Computer Support Specialist will strike a balance between hardware and software knowledge in addition to systems connectivity and integration.  As an ever-growing field of study, Computer Support Specialist programs may bend towards devices and software while others a deep dive into computer hardware, diagnosis, installation, repair, and administration.  In either case, a Computer Support Specialist will have exposure and knowledge with a wide variety of operating systems, networks, devices, applications, and computer coding labs.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$56,600

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

34.51%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

791,580

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2025 Best Computer Support Specialist Degree

Laurus College is a career school devoted to providing quality education and experience for each student. The college resides in a city in Santa Maria, CA. Laurus follows a continuous academic calendar, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1.

Information Support Systems Management is a Bachelor’s Degree structured similar to a support specialist role to develop students’ skills necessary for a successful professional career as an IT professional. This program tackles the fundamental and intermediate skills development in an assortment of IT-related fields while imparting them knowledge on the concepts and principles of Information Technology to respond to real challenges and opportunities. At Laurus College, students taking the program engage in extensive classwork on Operating System Fundamentals, Technical Certifications, Networks Administration Services, Database Management, and furthermore. Additionally, students at Laurus College It Systems Management are prepared for various certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network A+, and Security A+, to establish strong credentials necessary for employment. The program is also offered as an Associate Degree or Occupational Associate services degree. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$33,100 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Whether you're looking to upgrade your skills, reenter the job market or begin a new career, TechSkills of California has the comprehensive, hands-on program offerings to get your career moving in the right direction. You can choose from several in-demand fields. These fields include:

  • IT and Computer Training
  • Health Services
  • Business Skills

With so many program choices, flexible schedules and convenient locations, there's never been a better time to change your life. There's never been a better time to choose TechSkills of California!
TechSkills of California is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit: https://student.techskills-ca.com/login.asp

*Not all programs are available at TecSkills of Sacramento.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$27,708 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Providing post-secondary education has been the core of YTI’s mission. It is an institute that provides educational opportunities for higher education to the residents of south-central PA and northern MD. It offers Associate in Specialized Technology Degrees and programs leading to professional diplomas and certifications.  The Computer Systems Specialist degree at YTI Career Institute-York is preparing competent students who excel in providing technical support to corporate offices, retail businesses, and other organizations concerned. Students are trained to setup, maintain, and troubleshoot computer systems. Moreover, students can accomplish this program within twenty-one months with 92 credits.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$30,191 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Providing academic opportunities for students in Martinsburg and its neighboring areas has been at the core of Valley College Martinsburg Campus’s mission. Valley College Martinsburg campus offers small and specialized classes for students; the institution provides computer-related technical programs.

The Cybersecurity program at Valley College-Martinsburg prepares students to identify, respond to, and prevent cyber-attacks and analyze problems to create a more secure IT environment. Students can select from two choices, which are the Associate’s Degree and the Bachelor’s Degree. The Associate’s Degree is a 16-month degree structured to provide students skills needed for entry-level positions in IT-related areas. The Bachelor’s Degree delves deeper into Cybersecurity with additional units and a digital practice laboratory that gives real situations to solve and navigate.  Students may check the department’s website for additional details.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,575 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology: Jackson is one of the 27 technical training schools in a state-run educational center in Tennessee. The college was initially named the Jackson State Area Vocational-Technical School. It later became the Tennessee Technology Center at Jackson in 1994, and then it was once again renamed Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson in 2013.

The Computer Support Technology program is structured to equip students with hands-on receive hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students enrolled in the program will learn about the computer's functions, data processing, and providing solutions to computer-related problems. In this program, students build their credentials through the certifications they are prepared for. Moreover, this program is offered with a full-time commitment for twenty-months, and classes are held during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville offers competency-based training to students with its full-time programs and distance learning education. The campus consists of a single building that serves the students around the East Tennessee regions that encompasses Knoxville.

The Computer Information Technology at TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville offers two curriculum choices. The first choice is for students interested in industry-accredited certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and other-related certifications to join the Computer Information Technology track. While taking the CIT track, students may also enjoy the Pearson VUE certification center. Both the CIT program and the Pearson VUE testing centers provide convenient opportunities with cutting-edge IT training and certification testing. This program is offered with a full-time commitment for twenty months.  Students may view TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville’s program webpage to gain additional information.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Ripley is a training school structured to provide career-oriented programs for employment. TCAT-Ripley serves students in Northwest Tennessee and its neighboring areas.  The Computer Support Techn at TCAT Ripley is structured to equip students with hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students in this program learn about operating systems, diagnostics, computers' configuration, and related peripheral devices. Also, students build their credentials through the certifications they are prepared for. Moreover, this program is offered with a full-time, part-time commitment or at the students' own pace for twenty-months, and classes are held during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$43,990 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Empire College School of Business operates as a two-year career school, which offers career oriented education for its students. Students can choose from several areas of study, including:

  • Health and Clinical Professions
  • Legal Professions and Studies
  • Computer and Information Sciences
  • Mechanic and Repair Technology

Over a thousand students have completed their education in the last few years with more than 73% of students who start the program continuing on to complete it. Over twenty different programs are offered at Empire College School of Business, with an Associates degree being the highest degree offered. Below is a list of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Medical Assistant
  • Paralegal
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Installation and Repair Technology
  • Accounting

To help students and alumni succeed, Empire College School of Business may provide some services to students including:

  • Weekend and night classes available
  • Counseling assistance
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Employment search assistance

The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can learn about admissions information, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$21,355 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown (TCAT) is one of the 27 operating institutions of the TCAT educational system under the Tennessee Board of Regents' direction. TCAT Morristown aims to help students improve the quality of being of every individual and their society.

The Computer Information Technology and Support Specialist program is structured, so students receive hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students in this program learn about operating systems, diagnostics, computers' configuration, and related peripheral devices. Networking students are immersed in networks through discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. The services computer program is offered with a full-time or part-time commitment for twenty months with classes during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

YTI Career Institute, located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1967. The institute was established by local businessmen in York, Pennsylvania in order to provide career education to individuals and meet the needs of the economic community. The school is a two year institution and currently operates five campuses in the state of Pennsylvania. The school has grown since its inception, adding more professional programs as well as expanding and upgrading its facilities. The institute currently serves approximately serves 2,500 students a year, including residents of northern Maryland.

Academics

YTI Career institute offers a number of programs through its five campuses that may result in an associate degree, certification, or diploma. These programs serve to educate individuals in a particular field of study, providing the individual with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the work force as a professional immediately after graduation. Graduates will be eligible for entry level positions and will be assisted in job placement through the institute's career placement assistance program. Not all campuses offer the same programs, and thus students should check for program availability for their desired campus.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrolling at YTI Career Institute should complete the online form for additional information available on the school's website. Once submitted, potential students will be sent an information packet, including the application for admission, which will allow students to review and decide which program they wish to enter. Students are also encouraged to speak to a counselor and visit the campus to receive a full view of the school.  Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and work study programs. Students must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine family contribution, the difference of which will be used to determine financial aid awards and assistance.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$25,172 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Western Kentucky University is a public research institution in Bowling Green, KY. It offers an assortment of degree programs that provide a vast amount of academic opportunities for students. WKU is known for its programs including, journalism, education, business, broadcasting, engineering, and more.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology is an online degree that prepares students to become a computer support specialist.  Qualified support specialist students get the credentials required to establish a firm grounding in the computer information technology industry within the WKU CIT program. Students in the program learn about Information Technology, CIT Foundations, Web Development, Database Administration, and more. WKU-CIT program has an arrangement with top companies like Microsoft Imagine, Testout, and VMware, to support students with exceptional training tools at a little or no additional cost. The CIT program at WKU is mostly selective in its admissions through its student qualifications, and students in the program should complete their courses with a grade of “C” or better.

Acceptance Rate

97.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Paris is a training school structured to provide career-oriented programs for employment. TCAT-Paris serves students in Henry County and nearby places in West Tennessee.  Providing quality instruction needed to develop skills necessary to excel in the information technology areas has been the steadfast mission of TCAT-Paris’ Support Specialist and Information Technology Systems Management Program. Students taking the program are taught to configure, install, and manage IT system infrastructure. Moreover, the program prepares students for several certifications, including A+, Network+, Security+, C-Tech, and MCSA. TCAT IT Systems Management is a diploma degree with a program length of twenty months and a full-time commitment, with classes during the day.

Students may look at the TCAT-Paris IT System Management link to get further details about the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Covington is a training school structured to provide career-oriented programs for employment. TCAT-Covington serves students in Tipton County and its neighboring places in West Tennessee.

The Computer Support degree at TCAT-Covington is structured to equip students with hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students in this program learn about operating systems, diagnostics, computers' configuration, and related peripheral devices. Also, students build their credentials through the certifications they are prepared for. Moreover, this program is offered with a full-time commitment or at the students' own pace for twenty-months, and classes are held during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Covington is a training school designed to provide career-oriented programs for employment. TCAT-Covington serves students in Trousdale County and its neighboring places in northern Middle Tennessee.

The Computer Information Technology program at TCAT-Covington is structured to equip students with hands-on learning on software, hardware, and processes of personal computers used in the industry and business in the present time. Students in this program learn about operating systems, diagnostics, computers' configuration, and related peripheral devices. Also, students build their credentials through the certifications they are prepared for. Moreover, this program is offered with a full-time commitment for eighteen months, and classes are held during the day.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$16,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Founded in 1915, the College of Westchester operates as a for-profit and private school in White Plains, NY. The school offers a vast choice of Bachelor’s degree, Associate degrees and diploma support specialist choices during the day, evening, Saturday, and online.  The Computer Support Specialist diploma program provides a full curriculum in computer support Network Administration. Students in the Computer Networking Specialist program take courses in PC Technology, Operating System Technologies, CISCO Networking Basics, and more. Additionally, this curriculum integrates mathematics courses. Students can also select from the different choices for their electives.  To know more about the program, you may check the department’s webpage.

Acceptance Rate

94.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Formerly named as the Whiteville Area Vocational-Technical School, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Whiteville first opened its doors to students in 1976. But it was only renamed as TTC-Whiteville in 1995 thus making it one of the newest of the 26 technical schools under the Tennessee Technical Center Systems. Today, the school helps in empowering the local community by providing technical trainings to students and ensuring that they become part of the skilled manpower as soon as they graduate.

TTC-Whiteville offers practical programs and over the years, programs have been dropped and added in order to meet the demands of the local industries. Currently, the programs offered in TTC-Whiteville include computer electronics, practical nursing, business systems, technology foundations, adult basic education, machine shop technology, welding, CAD technology and adult basic education. Aside from the fulltime programs, the school also offers evening classes which are geared to students who do not have the liberty of time to attend full classroom instructions.

The tuition fee rate of TTC-Whiteville is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This means that the rate remains the same for all technical centers accredited by TBR.  Since the academic year of 2012-2013, the tuition rate is $183 non-inclusive of other fees such as technology fees and student insurances.

Students who graduate from the TTC-Whiteville usually proceed to a community college in order to proceed to higher education.  Since the school is accredited by TBR, students can proceed to community colleges like Motlow Community College, Nashville State Community College and Pellissippi Community College.  Students can have their TTC-Whiteville units credited easily if they apply in these schools.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

UM or the University of Montana offers an array of degree programs available for students to select from. It operates as a public research institution in Missoula, MT, and the institution is the flagship campus of the Montana University System.

The Certificate of Applied Science in Computer Support is a 31-credit program that trains students for careers in the computing field. At UMT, the Computer Support majors take required classwork in programming, networking, operating systems, support specialist, PC hardware, web services technologies, and data modeling. Furthermore, they complete one of the following mathematics classes as a requirement, including Probability and Linear Mathematics, College Algebra, and Precalculus. The University of Montana requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to obtain the diploma.

Acceptance Rate

93.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Morrisville State College is a state-funded college in New York with two locations in Morrisville and Norwich. The U.S. News and World Report rank Morrisville 25th as Best Regional Colleges in North, 13th in Best Colleges for Veterans, and 13th in Best Value Schools.

The Bachelor of Computer Support program at Morrisville prepares students to design, manage, and troubleshoot computer systems for corporations and organizations. The department provides its students with state-of-the-art technologies for them to utilize in their classwork. At Morrisville, the Bachelor of Technology majors culminate its education through a semester-long professional support services internship. Moreover, students can improve their college experience through an array of related clubs and student-led organizations.

Acceptance Rate

74.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public land-grant research institution situated in College, Alaska. UAF is the flagship campus among the seven campuses across the state, and it offers some degree programs to help students in their personal development and career goals.

The Information Technology Specialist and Support Specialist at UAF is offered as an Associate of Science degree and a Certificate program that prepares students to utilize, sustain, execute, and troubleshoot information technology systems found in governmental, educational, and corporate services. Students following the certificate track are prepared for entry-level IT careers and continuing education in information technology and other related areas. On the other hand, the A.A.S majors are trained as future IT professionals. Students planning to take the program are advised to meet with a faculty advisor to tackle the program requirements and create an educational plan that correlates the enrollee's current abilities and objectives.  Interested students may check the UAF Information Technology Specialist program link.

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Lawyer's Assistant School of Dallas is a less than two-year private career college, which provides a rewarding education for its students located in and around Dallas. The primary program offered is the less than one year certificate program in legal administrative assistant, with more than thirty students graduating in the last several years. The last reported accreditation for Lawyer's Assistant School of Dallas was done by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Please visit the school's website for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,425 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Serving the community of Crump in Tennessee, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Crump has been around for 48 years providing excellent technical education to students.  TTC-Crump is also active in helping local industries within the city to train their personnel and this is the reason why most programs offered in TTC-Crump are inclined to the local market scene.  With its drive and passion to excellence, TTC-Crump is also accredited with the Council on Occupational Education.

In 2012, TTC-Crump placed high percentile in the COE requirements.   The licensure rate of students taking up licensure exams last year was a record-breaking 100% while job placement of new graduates is 94.9%. This certainly indicates how competent graduates from TTC-Crump are.

The school offers fulltime programs that can be easily completed within two years or less. The programs in TTC-Crump include business systems technology,  collision repair technology, computer information systems, computer graphics design, CAD technology, electronics technology, industrial electrics, HVAC, welding, practical nursing and industrial tools repair.

TTC-Crump is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents which means that its tuition fee is the same as other technical schools in the state.  As of 2012, the tuition fee in TTC-Crump is $183. On the other hand, students who wish to transfer to other universities and community colleges can take advantage of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway where community colleges like Motlow College and Nashville State Community College welcome students and accept their credit units taken at TTC-Crump

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,140 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,140 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Top Computer Support Specialist Degrees

A computer support specialist (CSS) will be trained to work on stand-alone computers as well as networked computer devices. Graduates will be taught how to effectively manage computer software and hardware across a number of different devices along with the skills to troubleshoot a variety of issues.

Helping users effectively solve computer-based problems will take exceptional customer service skills, active listening, and an attention to detail. We have summarized the most popular undergraduate programs in CSS below. To learn more about a specific degree or college program, simply request information on this portal page to make the most of your time.

Certificate Programs for Computer Support Specialists

Undergraduate certificate programs in CSS are designed to provide students with the essential elements of computers. Foundational knowledge and skills include knowledge about hardware, software, networking, data management, security, hacking, computer coding, emerging technologies, and customer service.

Certificate programs can take students one to two years to complete depending on the program type and course load. As you explore certificate programs, make sure to understand the skills you will be learning and the totality of the program. Once you have those pieces in-hand, you will be able to overlay a schools program with your career objectives.

Associate Degrees for Computer Support Specialists

An associate degree in CSS will be conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Associate degrees are typically 2-year programs that meld core curricula with general education classes. Examples of general education classes that you may find in a course catalog include: communications, psychology, statistics, philosophy, history, and math.

Core curriculum for students enrolled in a computer support specialist degree program will vary by school. That being said, students will take an array of similar classes in a CSS degree program. A sampling of classes may include:

  • Introduction to Linux
  • IT Concepts
  • Networking Essentials
  • Desktop Management
  • Computer Applications and Software
  • Desktop Repair and Maintenance
  • Windows Power Shell Scripting
  • Information Technology and Information Assurance
  • IT Customer Service
  • Emerging trends and technology
  • IT Customer Service Desk Management
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Windows Servers

Support Specialist Jobs

For students that earn a college degree in Computer Support, there are several services fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from research scientist, information research scientist, computer network architect, computer support services, computer programmer, database administrator, information security analyst, network administrator, computer systems architect, software developer, and web developer in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Technical support specialists are a specialist in the computer field trained to provide support to end users. These support specialists that support computer issues via technical assistance and software support & assistance as issues arise. The assistance and support may be short in nature with an update or long-term support with new products. A support specialist can be a part-time employee or full-time employee. In fact, a support specialist may provide support on site or remotely. A specialist in technical support can be a direct hire or contractor depending on the needs of the company and internal support needed.

A support technician is also known as computer specialist, computer user support, user support specialists, network support specialists, computer support, or a support specialist network administrator. The services provided in support of each discipline will vary by need, capacity and budget. A support specialist salaries are illuminated below to give you a baseline of the top states and expedite your job salary search.

Support Specialist Computer Jobs & Sci Occupation Growth

The median annual income of computer support specialists is currently $49,390 which equates to $23.74 per hour. The top 10% support specialist jobs will earn approximately $105,910 while the bottom ten percent will earn just over thirty-seven thousand dollars a year.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates growth of 13% through the next decade for computer support specialists. This employment growth is estimated to add some 150,500 services and repair jobs during the coming reporting period. Growth of this size should create ample opportunities for jobs and upward mobility for qualified services professionals.

States with the Highest Employment of Computer Support Specialists

  • California 19,320
  • Texas 17,730
  • New York 10,940
  • Illinois 9,810
  • Ohio 9,630

Top Paying States for Computer Support Specialists

  1. District of Columbia $89,460
  2. Massachusetts $83,410
  3. New Jersey $83,260
  4. Connecticut $79,600
  5. California $77,690

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