Computer Support Specialist
settingsBecause IT support has become essential to many businesses and organizations, qualified computer support job seekers can easily find full-time employment.
Overview
OFTC’s Computer Support Specialist programs equip students with the hands-on skills needed to support today’s technology-driven workplaces.
Students learn how to build a personal computer from the ground up, work with multiple operating systems, install and test network cabling, manage network devices, and implement security technologies. They also gain experience drafting security policies and exploring systems development and project management methodologies.
Programs in the Computer Support department can be completed in as little as 1 to 5 semesters.
Programs
Computer Support Specialist Associate of Applied Science Degree
Computer Support Specialist
Associate of Applied Science Degree
5 Semesters
The Computer Information Systems – Computer Support Specialist associate degree program is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and techniques required in computer information processing.
Computer Support Specialist Diploma
Computer Support Specialist
Diploma
4 Semesters
The Computer Support Specialist diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and techniques required in computer information processing. Graduates are to be competent in the general areas of technical areas of computer terminology and concepts, program design and development, and computer networking. Program graduates are qualified for employment as a computer support specialist.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Help Desk Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit
Computer Support Specialist
Certificate of Credit
2 Semesters
The Help Desk Specialist technical certificate of credit program is designed to provide on-call technology guidance and support to individuals and organizations via email, telephone, video conference, or through other technology tools. They may work during regular office times or on shifts at night or on weekends.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Microsoft Excel Application Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit
Computer Support Specialist
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Microsoft Excel Application Specialist technical certificate of credit program provides students with the knowledge and skills to perform intermediate and advanced Microsoft Excel. Students are prepared with the skills necessary to obtain the expert user certification.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Microsoft Word Application Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit
Computer Support Specialist
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Microsoft Word Application Specialist technical certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to perform word processing, and presentation applications in an office environment. It is designed to provide hands-on instruction for developing foundation skills for office assistant careers.
Features
Job Stability & Security
Computer Support Specialists are in high demand and can find work across a multitude of industries. Though these are entry-level roles, they begin with a living-wage salary and typically allow for regular, daytime work hours in a comfortable and professional work environment.
Little or No Cost to You
With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.
Tuition & Fees
With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Computer Support Specialist department programs range from:
- Tuition & Fees*: $1,231.00 – $7,855.00
- Books & Supplies*: $1,780.00
*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change.
Advancement Opportunities
People who work in tech support have in-demand skills in hardware, software and user experience that set the stage for fast-track promotions. As technology evolves and becomes more diverse, so does the opportunity for advancement in this field. This career field can provide a foundation for advancing into higher-paying career tech jobs in the future.
Locations
Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.
Online
Admissions Process
Your admissions application can be submitted online with your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and takes just a few minutes to complete.
- Submit a completed application and application fee.
- Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable.
- Submit official entrance score on a validated assessment instrument, if applicable. Visit the OFTC Catalog Program Page to view each individual program and its required minimum scores.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and HOPE applications online using OFTC School Code: 031555.
NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.
General Requirements
Be at least 16 years of age.
Additional admissions requirements unique to each program are listed on each individual program page in the OFTC Catalog.
Need More Info?
For more information about any of these programs, contact a program advisor:
Sandersville Program Advisor
Dublin Program Advisor
For additional information on admission to OFTC, contact the Office of Admissions:
Sandersville Office of Admissions
Dublin Office of Admissions
Learning Format
Students can enter the Computer Support Specialist programs any semester — because when you’re ready to start on your path towards a new career and change your life, there’s no reason to wait.
Classes are offered in a variety of formats: on campus, blended, online asynchronous, and synchronous technology.
On Campus
These are courses that are taught primarily in the classroom or lab with less than 50% of instruction online. On campus courses may include lecture, labs, internships, clinicals, and other in-person instructional modalities.
Blended
Blended courses are distance learning courses with the majority of the course content, activities, and interactions occurring online but may require students to come to campus for specific assignments, activities, or events.
Online Asynchronous
These are courses that are taught fully online asynchronously with course content, activities, and interactions occurring entirely online. This delivery method does not require students to be online at a specific date or time, and students may participate in class activities and complete course assignments asynchronously. Online asynchronous courses require proctored events.
Synchronous Technology
OFTC also utilizes synchronous technology to offer courses via distance education means. The course is taught on one campus and then broadcast simultaneously to a classroom on a different campus that is monitored by a class proctor.
Flexible Schedule
We want you to get the most out of college and understand the pressure it adds to your life. At OFTC you can achieve your career goals and fit college into your lifestyle. We offer small class sizes and flexible scheduling.
Courses for our programs are offered during the morning, afternoon, and evenings – plus many are online where you can do your work any time of day.
And the personalized hands-on attention you receive in a small classroom setting allows you to get individualized support, focus and feedback from your instructors. Your instructors will get to know you and help you build the foundation and confidence needed for success in your field.
Apply TodayPaying for College
At OFTC, we realize that many students require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. We’ll work with you to help you obtain financial aid to assist you in funding your education. We’re committed to helping you find ways to pay for this life-changing investment.
With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.
Financial Aid
OFTC offers several financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Most students apply for federal and state aid, including the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship & Grant, and HOPE Career Grant.
OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.
Sandersville
Dublin
Georgia awarded over $934 million in scholarships in AY24
of OFTC students have some form of scholarship in AY24
OFTC students received over $8.4 million in financial assistance in FY25
More than 75% of OFTC students received some sort of Financial Aid in AY24
Contact
Sandersville
Dublin
Tuition & Fees
With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Computer Support department programs range from:
- Tuition & Fees*: $1,231.00 – $7,855.00
- Books & Supplies*: $1,780.00
*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
New Price Calculator
You can also use the Net Price Calculator to get estimated net price information based on what similar students paid in a previous year.
Career Outlook
Graduates of OFTC’s CIS programs may be eligible for employment in areas of computer hardware and software sales, installation and repair, computer networking, software and technical support, data-entry, and maintaining and repairing computer systems and equipment.
BLS.GOV
Computer Support Specialists
- 2024 Median Annual Pay: $61,550
- Job Outlook: 6% growth through 2033
What does this mean to you?
Careers in Computer Support offer the excitement of learning emerging technologies and opportunities to work remotely. Career advancement opportunities are available in this industry – so graduates can be confident they’ll find employment after graduation.
Learn More
job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY23)
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY23)
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY24)
Program Benefits
Skills Learned
- Analyze customers’ computer problem to diagnose it and determine the cause
- Document customers’ descriptions of their computer problems
- Guide customers through the recommended problem-solving steps
- Set up or repair computer equipment and related devices
- Install and train users on new hardware or software
- Inform team members and managers of major problems or of customers’ recurring concerns
Job Titles
- Computer hardware and software sales
- Installation and repair
- Computer hardware design
- Computer development and programming
- Software and technical support
Diverse Settings
- Computer systems design and related services
- Educational services; state, local, and private
- Temporary help services
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Data processing, hosting, and related services
- Telecommunications
- Finance and insurance
"At OFTC, our Computer Information Systems students do more than learn IT—they gain real-world skills through hands-on projects, problem-solving, and tech support scenarios. By the time they graduate, they’re not just ready for a job—they’re ready to lead in roles like help desk support, application support, and systems analysis."