AA in Information Technology - Desktop Support

Official Program Name:

Associate of Arts in Information Technology with a concentration in desktop support

School Offering Program:

University of Phoenix

Degree Level:

Associate's

Program Prerequisites:

Individuals who are interested in this program should have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. They may have advanced knowledge when it comes to using computers and may find it easy to install and configure software programs or run routine maintenance on computer systems.

Program Description:

Students enrolled in the Associate of Arts in Information Technology with a concentration in desktop support program have the opportunity to learn theoretical and practical techniques for diagnosing and troubleshooting personal computer issues related to software, hardware, security, information storage, and file management. The curriculum is designed to cover topics specific to networks, operating systems, and databases. In addition, students have the opportunity to learn to use popular document, data, and presentation programs as well as develop skills for navigating the Web. Participants also have the chance to learn to develop in-person and virtual communication skills so that they can provide effective technical support to a variety of users. What's more, the program is designed to provide students with a strong general education foundation, which is intended to help develop critical-thinking and writing skills. University of Phoenix offers two degree program tracks: Track A is for students who have already earned 24 or more undergraduate credits; Track B is for those who have earned less than 24 credits.

Accreditation:

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org).

Learning Format:

On-campus

Program Length / Total Credits Required:

60 credits. The total credits are divided among general education and concentration area courses, 18 credits of which are in the desktop support specialization.

Financial Aid Available:

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Aid opportunities include federal and state financial aid, grants and loans, employer tuition reimbursement, internal and external scholarship sources, and access to other resources.

Required Courses for an Associate of Arts in Information Technology with a Concentration in Desktop Support:

Degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Contact University of Phoenix to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.

Desktop Support

• CIS 207: Information Systems Fundamentals (3 credits)
• CIS 211: Office Software Support Fundamentals (3 credits)
• CIS 290: Personal Computer Hardware Support (3 credits)
• CIS 292: Personal Computer OS Support (3 credits)
• CIS 294: Personal Computer Customer Support (3 credits)
• CIS 296: Computer Systems Maintenance (3 credits)

General Education

• Communication Arts (6 credits)
  • Track A students must take:
    • COMM 215: Essentials of College Writing (3 credits)
  • Track B students must take:
    • COM 170: Elements of University Composition and Communication I (3 credits)
    • COM 172: Elements of University Composition and Communication II (3 credits)
• Humanities (6 credits)
  • Track B students must take:
    • HUM 114: Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving (3 credits)
    • HUM 186: Media Influences on American Culture (3 credits)
• Mathematics (6 credits)
  • Track A and B students must take:
    • MTH 209: College Mathematics II (3 credits)
• Science and Technology (6 credits)
  • Track B students must take:
    • SCI 163: Elements of Health and Wellness (3 credits)
• Social Sciences (6 credits)
  • Track B students must take:
    • PSY 211: Essentials of Psychology (3 credits)
• Additional Liberal Arts (3 credits)
  • Track A students must take:
    • GEN 200:Foundations for General Education and Professional Success (3 credits)
  • Track B students must take:
    • GEN 195: Foundations of University Studies (3 credits)
• Interdisciplinary Studies (9 credits)
  • Track B students must take:
    • FP 120: Essentials of Personal Finance (3 credits)

Furthering Your Education:

After earning an Associate of Arts in Information Technology with a concentration in desktop support degree, graduates may decide they'd like to continue their training. This could be accomplished in several ways, including seeking specialty computer industry certifications. Another option could be to pursue a related IT major. Obtaining a bachelor's degree could provide graduates with an opportunity to take on additional workplace duties.

Bachelor's degree options include, but are not limited to:

• Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in information systems
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in business systems analysis
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in software engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in networking and telecommunications
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in database administration