Computer Support Specialist Degree

A Computer Support Specialist is a professional that works to best understand a customer’s needs and craft solutions to cure underlying computer issues. These solutions could include system connectivity, technology design, system design, designing network systems, or repairing networks across a wide variety of devices and applications. Get more details below including other New York colleges that offer computer support specialist degrees.

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Dutchess Community College

470 Western Highway, Orangeburg, NY

Dutchess Community College, located in Poughkeepsie, New York, is one of the thirty community colleges that operate under the State University of New York System (SUNY). DCC was founded in 1957, utilizing a location previously occupied by a hospital. The school is situated on a hill overlooking the town.

One third of graduates in the region attend Dutchess Community College and the school has awarded over 35,000 degrees and certificates since its founding, with 75% percent of graduates having remained in the Hudson Valley. The school is dedicated to providing a quality education to its service area and beyond and is actively involved with the community.

Academics

Dutchess Community College offers associate degree and certificate programs aimed at meeting the needs of a large number of students. Over 60 different programs are available, some occupationally oriented and providing the skills necessary to enter the work force immediately after graduating.

Other programs will fulfill the first two years of a four year education and allow for transfer to a bachelor degree granting institute, particularly those with whom the school has transfer agreements with. Certificate programs are generally shorter career oriented programs, and the credits earned are transferable to a degree program if the student chooses to pursue one at a later date.

Programs offered include:

• Architectural Technology
• Business Administration
• Paralegal
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Humanities and Social Science
• Nursing
• Phlebotomist
• Human Services
• Mathematics

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrollment at Dutchess Community College must complete and submit the admissions application prior to the established deadline. Applications may be submitted physically or online. Once completed, students will be asked to submit any pertinent transcripts as well as take a placement exam.

The placement exam, also known as the COMPASS, will be used to determine what levels of courses are required by the student, and an appointment will be given by DCC in order to take the exam. Once these steps are completed, and the application reviewed, students will then be eligible to register for classes.

Financial aid is available in the form of federal and state grants, loans, and scholarships. Individuals interested or in need of financial aid must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and obtain a federal Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Residents of New York may also submit an application to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Once completed the office of financial aid will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from which eligibility and financial aid awards will be determined. Students should check with the school to ensure that financial aid deadlines are met.

Athletics

Dutchess Community College participates in several athletic programs in the National Junior College Athletic Association's Division III, Region XV. The teams are known as the Falcons/Lady Falcons. The school actively supports its athletic teams, as it helps develop skills, such as teamwork and discipline that can be actively applied to life during and after college.

DCC has won numerous regional and national competitions, and maintains a tradition of success on field and in the classroom.

Athletic programs:

• Soccer (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Baseball (Men Only)
• Volleyball (Women Only)
• Softball (Women Only)
• Bowling
• Golf
• Cross Country
• Track and Field

Extracurricular Activities

Dutchess Community College offers students with opportunities to expand their horizons through a variety of activities, trips and clubs that are available. From Friday Night Films to the Lyceum speaker series, students can partake of any of the offerings the school provides.

Student Government allows individuals interested in the betterment of the school or wanting to see politics first hand to participate. Clubs in particular allow for likeminded individuals to gather and discuss ideas and plan events regarding their topic of interest.

Some clubs available:

• Anthropology Club
• Business Club
• Engineering Club
• Game Design/Programming Club
• Outdoor Adventure Club
• Sci-Fi Alliance

Career Options for Graduates

Computer User Support Specialists

Description

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Computer Network Support Specialists

Description

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).