COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Job readiness
CONTACT PERSON: Nicklos See • Jack Science Center 101B • 224-5528 • Nicklos.See@bsc.nodak.edu

The computer support specialist program provides two years of technical computer education, leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Students will prepare to work in various business and institutional settings. Their experiences at BSC will provide training in computer operating systems, networking environments, programming and Web design.

BSC developed this program to fill a growing need in the marketplace. Technology is driving businesses today, especially health care, financial services, public utilities and sales. These businesses need computer specialists to upgrade equipment, maintain data networks, build Web sites and design business applications. In addition to these technical skills, employers are seeking computer personnel who can communicate well with people, since these computer specialists work with end-users to solve problems and provide assistance.

Employment opportunities are expected to grow, as research shows computer-oriented careers are among the fastest growing in the country. In North Dakota, the computer support specialist occupation is expected to increase by over 60% from 2000 to 2010, making it the third fastest-growing occupation in the state.

Career possibilities: Computer technician, computer operator, network administrator, network technician, cable installer/technician, and technical support.

INFORMATION PROCESSING SPECIALIST
Associate in Applied Science
Job readiness
CONTACT PERSON: Lynette Borjeson Painter • Armory 109 • 224-5755 • Lynette.BorjesonPainter@bsc.nodak.edu

The two-year program of study in Information Processing Specialist leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to meet the ever changing technology of small businesses or corporate offices.

Computer technology has profoundly influenced the kinds of jobs available and the way work is organized and performed. Information Processing Specialist students must possess a variety of communication, business, keyboarding, and technological skills. Students receive concentrated training on various applications of the personal computer including keyboarding, word processing, database, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, electronic presentations, world wide web research, electronic publishing (creation of web pages), and operating systems.

Placement includes working as an information-processing specialist in government agencies, educational institutions, law offices, sales offices, service agencies, insurance companies, or bank and investment firms.

INFORMATION PROCESSING SPECIALIST
Certificate   Job readiness   Online Option
CONTACT PERSON: Lynette Borjeson Painter • Armory 109 • 224-5755 • Lynette.BorjesonPainter@bsc.nodak.edu

The curriculum is designed for students who want to upgrade their microcomputer application background. Students must complete 30 credits from the courses listed.

WEB PAGE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
Job readiness
CONTACT PERSON: Amy Helgeson • Armory 128 • 224-5616 • Amy.Helgeson@bsc.nodak.edu

This curriculum is designed for students who want to specialize in Web page development and design. Completion of the 2 year program leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Web Page Development and Design and completion of the 1 year program leads to a Certificate in Web Page Development and Design.

This curriculum includes industry standard CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster) Certification and Tracks. Over the course of two years, Web candidates take a series of four CIW exams based on their study of Web languages such as HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, XML, Java, and JSP. Candidates can earn individual certifications in CIW Foundations, CIW Site Designer, CIW E-Commerce, and CIW JavaScript. Successful completion of any of these four exams results in the designation of Certified Internet Web Master. The curriculum also offers training and certification in software Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash, and Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Students should have a working knowledge of word processing and basic concepts of the personal computer. This program is designed for an entry-level student. Students completing the program will be able to create and maintain Web pages for most organizations. View Program Requirements and Course Descriptions