Information Technology - Technical Support Specialist

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/information-technology-technical-support-specialist/

Program Number: 10-154-4
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Fond du Lac, West Bend
This program is eligible for financial aid

Do you like figuring things out and helping others? Gain hands-on skills and start working in the field in less than two years with an Information Technology - Technical Support Specialist associate degree from Moraine Park!

About the Program

A career as a technical support specialist balances both IT and customer service. Students in the Information Technology – Technical Support Specialist program provide technical assistance either in person, through email or over the phone. Typical work consists of computer setup, troubleshooting, writing procedures or staffing a help desk.

What You'll Learn

Students in the Information Technology - Technical Support Specialist program gain both theoretical and hands-on training. 

Students learn to perform a variety of computer functions such as installing hardware and software, troubleshooting, and providing system and computer maintenance. Graduates of this program have a strong knowledge of common software applications. Students in this program must have strong communication and time management skills and pay strong attention to detail. A Technical Support career may require long work hours and mobility. This program leads toward the A+ certification.

Earn Two Information Technology Degrees at Once!

With an additional 12 credits, students can earn both the Information Technology - Technical Support Specialist and Information Technology - Network Specialist Associate of Applied Science degrees in only five terms (less than two and a half years). Those interested should follow the Dual Degree Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology - Technical Support Specialist program guide.

Earn Three Information Technology Degrees at Once (3-in-3)!

With an additional 30 credits, students can earn the Information Technology – Technical Support Specialist, Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist Associate of Applied Science degrees in only six terms (three degrees within three years!). Students should follow the Triple Degree Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist, Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology – Technical Support Specialist program guide.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
150-107 IT Fundamentals 1 3
150-108 IT Fundamentals 2 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
890-101 College 101 2
Behavioral Science Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
150-120 Microsoft Servers 3
150-143 Linux Network Administration 3
154-113 Help Desk Concepts 3
154-116 Computer Software Support 3
801-197 Technical Reporting 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits18
Semester 3
150-130 IT Administration and Microsoft 365 Administrator 3
150-145 Active Directory/Group Policy Management 3
154-117 Computer Hardware Support 3
196-188 Project Management 3
Mathematics Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 4
150-115 Emerging Innovations in Technology 3
150-141 Computer Network Installation 3
154-128 Scripting 3
154-134 IT Technical Support Specialist Capstone 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits63

Program Outcomes

  • Manage information technology hardware.
  • Manage software.
  • Support computer networks.
  • Provide end user support.
  • Solve information technology problems.
  • Demonstrate customer service skills as an IT professional.

Pathways 

Earn a technical diploma and associate degree along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Career Opportunities

  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Help Desk
  • Support Technician
  • PC Technician

Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates

$39,516