COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Technical
CONTACT PERSON: Matt Frohlich • Armory 128 • 224-5581 • Matthew.Frohlich@bsc.nodak.edu

The Bismarck State College Computer Support Specialist program provides two years of highly 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 extensive training in computer operating systems, networking environments, and security.

BSC developed this program to fill a growing need in the marketplace. Technology is driving today’s businesses, especially health care, financial services, public utilities and sales. These businesses need computer and network specialists to upgrade equipment, maintain data networks, manage servers, and secure company IT resources. 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 and network administrator occupation is expected to increase significantly in upcoming years, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the state.

Career possibilities: Computer support specialist, computer technician, computer operator, help desk support, computer systems analyst, data communications analyst, systems administrator, security administrator, network administrator, network systems analyst, information systems manager

INFORMATION PROCESSING SPECIALIST
Associate in Applied Science
Technical - Online Option
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 - Technical - 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. Completion of the one-year program leads to a Program Certificate in Information Processing Specialist.

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

All program required classes in BSC's Web Page Development and Design AAS (2 years) and Program Certificate (1 year) program are offered online. BSC's general course requirements for AAS degrees may or may not be offered online. This curriculum is designed for students who want to specialize in Web Page Development and Design. Successful completion of the 2 year program leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Web Page Development and Design and successful completion of the 1 year program leads to a Program Certificate in Web Page Development and Design.

This curriculum offers nationally recognized CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster) Certifications and Paths - http://www.ciwcertified.com. Over the course of their study, Web candidates take a series of five CIW exams based on their study of Internet Business, Site Development and Network Technology Foundations, Site Design Methodology, E-Commerce , CIW Database Design and JavaScript. In some courses, these exams may be required for completion of the course requirements, although passing the exam is not required for a passing grade in the course. Candidates can earn individual certifications in CIW Foundations, CIW Site Designer, CIW E-Commerce, CIW Database Design and CIW JavaScript. Successful completion of any of these five exams results in the designation of Certified Internet Webmaster. The level of mastery depends on the exam taken and how many exams are taken in a particular CIW track. Certain CIW exams are prerequisites for others. Web languages covered in the Web Page Development and Design curriculum are XHTML, JavaScript, XML, Java, and PHP. Students also receive training in Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The curriculum offers training and certification in software Adobe Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Acrobat, InDesign, llustrator, and Photoshop.

Special Note: Some courses are software based and will require the student to either purchase the appropriate software or utilize the computer labs on-campus in order to complete course requirements. Students are responsible for securing access to the required software for the duration of the course. Please review software requirements closely before enrolling in any course online. Questions on software requirements for the Web Page Development and Design curriculum may be directed to Amy Helgeson at Amy.Helgeson@bsc.nodak.edu, 701-224-5616 or Lynette Borjeson-Painter at Lynette.BorjesonPainter@bsc.nodak.edu, 701-224-5755.

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. Placement includes working as a Web developer or Web designer in a variety of business and government settings. View Program Requirements and Course Descriptions

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is a recognized student business organization on BSC's campus. This organization offers opportunities for competition at the state and national level in Website Development, Network Design, E-business, Desktop Publishing, Business Communication, as well as many other business-related categories. Students in the Web Page Development and Design Program are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the PBL chapter on BSC's campus as a résumé-building opportunity.