Computer Support Specialist

Because IT support has become essential to many businesses and organizations, qualified computer support job seekers can easily find full-time employment.

Overview

Throughout these programs, students gain valuable skills as they learn how to assemble a personal computer from parts, work with various operating systems, terminate and test network cabling and manage network devices, work with security technologies, draft security policies, and learn of systems development methodologies utilized in project management. 

Programs in the Computer Support department can be completed between 1 – 5 semesters. 

Features

Job Stability & Security Icon
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 Icon
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 Icon
Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $100 per credit hour, total costs for Computer Support department programs range from:   

  • Tuition & Fees*: $1,301.00 – $8,205.00
  • Books & Supplies*: $1,780.00 

*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and suppliesCosts are estimated and are subject to change. 

Advancement Opportunities Icon
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

Campuses

Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.

Visit the  OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and the OFTC campus where it is taught, in part or in its entirety.

Dublin Campus (South)
560 Pinehill Road
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: (478) 275-6589
Sandersville Campus (North)
1189 Deepstep Road
Sandersville, GA 31082
Phone: (478) 553-2050
Online
Phone: (478) 553-2149

Admissions

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions!

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.   

 

  1. Submit a completed application and application fee. 
  2. Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at https://studentaid.gov/ and HOPE Application at www.GAfutures.org using OFTC School Code: 031555. 

NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy. 

General Requirements

 

  1. 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: 
    • 478-553-2078 (Sandersville) 
    • 478-274-7774 (Dublin) 
  • For additional information on admission to OFTC, 
contact the Office of Admissions: 
    • 478-553-2064 (Sandersville)
    • 478-275-6589 (Dublin) 
Apply Today

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.

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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.

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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 Icon
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.

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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 Today

Paying 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.  

  • 478-553-2131 (Sandersville) 
  • 478-274-7833 or 478-274-7940 (Dublin)
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$
834
M
Georgia awarded over $834 million in scholarships in AY22
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62
%
of OFTC students have some form of scholarship
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$
7.3
M
OFTC students received over $7.3 million in financial assistance in AY22
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93.6
%
of OFTC's students received some form of Financial Aid in AY22

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.

Contact

Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $100 per credit hour, total costs for Computer Support department programs range from:

  • Tuition & Fees*: $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 suppliesCosts are estimated and are subject to change. 

NET 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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

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 

  • 2021 Median Annual Pay: $57,910 
  • Job Outlook: 6% through 2030 

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
99.78
%
job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY21)
87.30
%
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY21)
57.1
%
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY22)

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 

Leadership Testimonials

“Students in the Computer Support Specialist program receive hands-on training with project management, systems development methodologies, help desk technology, programming, and a variety of software programs to learn key skills used in the IT field. Students gain the employability expertise companies value, so they are prepared to start their career in the IT field with positions such as application support, help desk support, technology support, and programming/analyst.” 

Laura Layfield
OFTC CIS Instructor