Program Purpose

The purpose of the Microcomputer Support Specialist Program (MSSP) is to train students for entry level computer support positions. Students will develop skills applicable to small to middle size offices and to self-employment. Students will have skills that, with further training, could be used to gain other certification.

One of the Highlights of this program is that the student will rely on local experts, faculty mentors and committee advising to gain the most beneficial opportunity for the individual student. You may be taking distance delivered or on site courses from all three University of Alaska campuses, as well as through local campus centers and will be able to register locally.

Program Skills

Students who earn the Microcomputer Support Specialist Degree or Certificate will learn the following skills:

Applications Skills

Students will learn to use the essential office applications including word processing, databases, graphics, desktop publishing, and the Internet.

Networking Skills

Students will learn to use, configure, troubleshoot, and install networks in a small to intermediate office environment.

Hardware and Software Configuration and Troubleshooting Skills

Students will learn to install, troubleshoot, and configure hardware and software. The skill of troubleshooting will include both research and application.

Independent Thinking and Research Skills

Students will learn to research computer problems, provide computer support, and to learn new computer applications. Students will learn to acquire new skills independently in order to keep their skills current.

Human Relations and Support Skills

Students will learn to help other computer users, develop training and maintenance plans and to translate their knowledge so that others can use it. Students will also learn to respect and meet the diverse technical support needs of computer users.

Enrollment Information & Program Features

Basic Requirements

Students will need minimum computer knowledge in order to be admitted to the Microcomputer Support Program. If students do not have minimum skills, they can take the CIOS 150 Computer Business Applications class or other introductory computer courses.

Admission Procedures

For formal admission Students will follow the normal UAF admissions process to apply for a degree or certificate. One of the highlights of this program is that the student will rely on local experts, faculty mentors and committee members to gain the most beneficial educational opportunities. Students are assigned a faculty advisor who will work with the student to evaluate skills, develop an individual program, coordinate the independent project, and participate in the certification review committee. Students may take distance delivered or on-site courses from any UA campus. Many MSSP courses will be going online Fall Semester 2000

Skill Evaluation

Student’s current computer skills will be evaluated. An individual educational plan will be developed to match student skills and goals. Credit by exam and prior learning will be granted using current UAF procedures. Students with computer experience have the option to "test out" of any course except the core required courses as noted in the certificate or degree checklist.

Individual Program Design

An individual educational plan will be developed with the student's faculty mentor to match the students skills and goals.

Core Sequence

All Microcomputer Support students will be required to take a core sequence of Microcomputer Operating Systems, Networking, Hardware and Software Configuration and Troubleshooting, Computer Technical Support, and an Independent Project. No credit for prior learning, with the exception of Microcomputer Operating Systems, will be granted for these classes. The Independent Project class (CIOS 276) should taken during the final semester to prepare for the certification review.

Independent Project

Students will be required to complete an individual project. The project could be an internship, learning a new computer application, or developing a set of new skills not covered in the classes. The purpose of the independent project is to prepare students for the challenges of providing computer support.

Certification Review Committee

All students are required to pass a certification review committee, which will evaluate the student’s skills. The review could include installing or configuring a computer, troubleshooting computers that are not working, or explaining computer skills to new users. Students may also develop an electronic portfolio which illustrates the program standards.