COMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA
Program Course Requirements

Required Core Courses (45 credits)
COMP 1109  Introduction to Operating Systems, 3 credits
COMP 1131  Microsoft Word Comprehensive, 4 credits
COMP 1132  Microsoft Access Comprehensive, 4 credits
COMP 1133  Microsoft PowerPoint Comprehensive, 3 credits
COMP 1134  Microsoft Outlook Comprehensive, 1 credits
COMP 1135  Microsoft Excel Comprehensive, 4 credits
COMP 1204  Computer Repair I – A+ Hardware, 4 credits
COMP 1206*  Computer Repair II –A+ Operating Systems, 3 credits
COMP 1230*  Network Essentials, 4 credits
COMP 1253*  Client Operating Systems Administration, 4 credits
COMP 2111*  Security Essentials, 4 credits
COMP 2160*  Ethics in Information Technology, 3 credits
COMP 2202*  Computer User Support, 3 credits

Students must also select a minimum of one (1) additional credit from any course with a COMP prefix. One of the following courses is recommended:
COMP 2115*  Command Line and PowerShell Administration, 4 credits
COMP 2150*  Windows Server Administration I, 5 credits
COMP 2213*  Computer Careers Internship, 1-6 credits

Required General Education Course (3 credits)
ENGL 1422 Practical Writing, 3 credits

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT - 48 credits
*Denotes Prerequisite

Click here to download the Computer Information Technology Diploma Program Planning Form (PDF)

Career Description: Information Technology (IT) specialists are in high demand. They plan and develop new systems, install hardware, install software, support end user training, and troubleshoot systems. An IT specialist uses skills from multiple areas to plan, configure, repair or troubleshoot end user systems and even server-based systems. IT specialists work closely with network administrators and engineers in larger organizations and carry out the day to day troubleshooting, upgrading and repair of client systems. This program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the IT field, including computer support technician, computer technologist, help desk technician, information technology specialist, IT analyst, Microsoft certified professional, network support technician, PC support specialist, technical support analyst and technical support manager.

Program Information: The Information Technology Specialist program will prepare graduates by introducing them to a wide variety of emerging technologies they will encounter in the workplace. Subjects covered include computer troubleshooting and repair, basic networking, operating systems, supporting common end user applications, as well as soft skills like oral and written communication, and customer service. The curriculum is delivered using currently released industry software including OS, NOS, and applications. This program teaches skills needed to work for companies with small to mid-size help desks or large corporate user support centers. Instructors are industry certified professionals with years of experience in the classroom and industry.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Perform computer information technology practices and procedures required for entry to mid-level employment;
• Perform computer information technology entry to mid-level skill sets and apply theoretical principles;
• Install, manage, configure and use functions and features of current releases of operating systems, network operating systems and applications;
• Install, troubleshoot and repair computer equipment and peripherals;
• Test successfully on competencies required to pass industry certification exams;
• Locate, evaluate and properly utilize the tools and resources appropriate to a computer technology professional;
• Evaluate, identify and apply appropriate security standards; and
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Certification: This program will prepare students for the following certifications: Microsoft MCP, MCITP, and MCSA; Comp TIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+, Project +, Help Desk 2000 CHDP, Help Desk Institute CSS and HDA, and others. Central Lakes College is a Prometric, VUE, and Certiport Authorized Test Center. All certification exams can be delivered onsite.