Program description
The field of microcomputer support technology will be one of the fastest growing career fields in Minnesota for the next ten years. In fact, the field offers so many career opportunities that many students land a job in information technology (IT) before they even finish their degree. Specific jobs that you will be qualified for carry such titles as network support specialist, network analyst, network engineer, PC support specialist, and PC help desk.
The Microcomputer Support Technology program at Century College prepares you to:
- Analyze, design, and implement organizational information needs.
- Recommend appropriate security policy, hardware and software systems.
- Implement or to train others to use these systems.
Microcomputer Support Technology coursework also will prepare you for certification in:
- Microsoft XP/Vista/2003
- CompTia A+ Hardware and Software
- Microsoft Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
- Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA)
- SUSE Linux
In addition to these core concepts, required general education courses help to ensure that you have the necessary verbal, written and critical thinking skills to succeed in this exciting, challenging and growing field.
Program points of pride
This program emphasizes a "try-it-by-hand" approach so that any student attending will take with them a solid grasp of system analysis, design and integration. Student from this program actually works in a real-life environment resolving over hundreds of technical problem for non-profit organization and student community. This is accomplished by teaching the fundamental concepts of computer methodology in a practical approach.
Beginning with foundation concepts such as file system structures, Hardware structures and component, Windows XP/Vista security and configuration, Server configuration and implementation, the content and difficulty level of this track advances rapidly. You will learn more than just how to use a tool; you will be able to show how the tool is able to configure LAN from the scratch, find the bottleneck, and present an efficient LAN while maintaining high security across the network. Student will learn how and when to use various tools in the computer system industry.
Student points of pride
Many of our student get employment in the IT industry even before they complete their degree because of the unique way student are being prepared to face the challenge in today's IT industry.
"I had to tell you how much I like my new job. I can't believe I found this job. I can't believe they offered it to me before I even got home from the interview!!! And it pays pretty well - they offered me a whole lot more than I even asked for. I was surprised considering I haven't completed my degree and have no certifications yet"---Tara Fergusson Wells Fargo
"I was offered a job before I completed my degree in an I company, this is really amazing"…Michelle
Awards
- Microcomputer Support Technology AAS Degree (64 credit)
- Microcomputer Support Technology AAS Degree (48 credit)
- Microcomputer Support Technology AAS Degree (32 credit)
Articulation agreements
Occupational programs
MCST has articulation program with many colleges and university within the MNSCU system. These ensure graduate are able to continue with their education in the future should they decide to do so.
Flexible learning options
MCST provides fully on-line, hybrid classes (half on line, half in class), Saturday classes, fast track classes for MCST and UNIX certificates. This especially serves the needs of students wants to attend college as part-time.