Computer Maintenance & Service Technology
Business & Technology
Degree awarded: Associate in Applied Science;
Certificate also awarded
Program Narrative
With every aspect of our lives dependent on computers and information technology, there's a continuing demand for the professionals who can modify, repair and upgrade personal computers, computer peripherals and local area networks (LAN). Northampton's Computer Maintenance and Service Technology program helps meet that demand by producing graduates who have the latest knowledge and hands-on skills.
Graduates of the program go well beyond the A+ certification standards in their ability to solve computer-related problems effectively, minimizing downtime in the organization. We offer both an associate's degree and a certificate option. If you already have a degree and are looking to retrain or expand your skill set, the certificate option can put you on the fast track to a career growth. Our associate's degree is also designed for accelerated completion. No matter which option you select, it's good to remember that keeping up with the constant changes in technology beyond graduation is essential to a successful career over the long term.
Some of the jobs for which you will be prepared include computer technician, LAN technician, computer field service technician, computer helpdesk representative, and technical sales consultant.
Program Features
Courses in circuit analysis and digital electronics provide the fundamental knowledge of electronic concepts. Courses in microcomputer applications and operating systems improve your familiarity with using the computer and its basic software. Building upon that foundation, students learn the hows and whys of equipment selection, installation techniques, testing, diagnostics, and repair and upgrade methods of the latest PC and netware technology. Coursework includes computer systems and applications, networking, and systems maintenance.
Industry-experienced instructors teach effective problem solving, from data collection to corrective action and testing. Students carry out lab work in all electronics courses in NCC's Hartzell Technology Hall facility, using the latest equipment to keep you current and job-ready. Two practicums provide a work-based internship experience for you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world situations either within the College campus or in a local company. For those completing an associate's degree, our general education courses are also an investment in your growth. These required courses improve your ability to communicate, relate to other people and cultures, and solve fundamental problems.
By enrolling in a combination of day and evening courses, full-time students can complete the degree requirements within 68 weeks or the certificate requirements in 52 weeks. Because the full-time program is accelerated, it is also intensive. Full-time students are advised to prepare to commit the extra time and effort needed to graduate in 17 months. All course-work is provided during the evening for part-time students.
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Apply a working knowledge of AC and DC circuits and understand the physical principles of passive circuit devices.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the physical principles, theory and operation of solid state devices that commonly apply to computer system repair.
- Apply knowledge of digital number systems, logic gates, combinational and sequential logic circuits.
- Describe the internal structure of a microprocessor and electrical signals it processes.
- Interface external devices to a microprocessor system and write appropriate software to obtain desired interface performance.
- Describe the structure, function and operation of a computer system and its interrelated components and networks.
- Demonstrate proficient research and computer skills in data gathering and analysis.
- Measure data accurately and safely using standard test equipment and analyze and present data in an acceptable and standardized manner.
- Solve common service related problems using both a reactive and proactive approach.
- Demonstrate a basic framework of technical vocabulary and graphics interpretation as it applies to computer systems.
- Demonstrate observational, integrative, and synthetic skills.
- Construct and troubleshoot digital electronic circuits from schematic diagrams.
- Perform service-related administrative functions.
- Service and maintain computerized equipment at subsystem and component level.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
| Course Code | Course Title |
Credits
|
| First Semester |
|
|
| CISC 100 | Computer Technology I |
4
|
| ELEC 101 | DC/AC Circuit Analysis I |
4
|
| ELEC 130 | Computer Systems and Applications I |
4
|
| ELEC 131 | Introduction to Networking Hardware |
2
|
| ENGL 101C | English I |
3
|
|
17
|
||
| Second Semester | ||
| CISC 105 | Microcomputer Operating Systems |
4
|
| CMTH 102 | Speech Communication |
3
|
| ELEC 126 | Digital Electronics I |
3
|
| ELEC 251 | Network Installation and Maintenance |
3
|
| ENGL 151C | English II + |
3
|
|
16
|
||
| Summer I Semester | ||
| ELEC 254 | Computer Systems and Applications II |
3
|
| ELEC 271 or ---------- |
Computer Electronics Practicum I or Technical Elective ++ |
3
|
|
6
|
||
| Summer II Semester | ||
| ELEC 255 | Computer Systems Maintenance |
3
|
| ELEC 272G or ---------- |
Computer Electronics Practicum II or Technical Elective ++ |
3
|
|
6
|
||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 152 | Physical Science II +++ |
3
|
| MATH___ | Mathematics Elective (QL) ++++ |
3
|
| ---------- | General Education Elective |
3
|
| ---------- | General Education Elective |
3
|
| ---------- | Elective |
3
|
|
15
|
||
| Total Credits: |
60
|
+ Students are strongly advised to select the Report Writing option of ENGL 151.
++ Technical Elective options: CISC 115, 125, 128, 150, 158, 262, 265, 267, 270; ELEC 208, 226.
+++ CHEM 120 or PHYS 101 (and higher levels) may be substituted for PHYS 152
++++ Mathematics Elective (QL) options: MATH 103, 120, 140, 145, 150, 160, 165, 175, 176, 180, 181, 210, 211
- Completion of ELEC 272G satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement. If ELEC 272G is not taken, a General Education course must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section.
- For the General Education Electives, students must choose two courses from the lists of approved courses in two of the following categories: Arts & Humanities (AH); Social Science: Society and Institutions over Time (SIT) or Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
- One course should be designated as Diversity (D).
Certificate
| Course Code | Course Title |
Credits
|
| Fall Semester |
|
|
| CISC 100 | Computer Technology I |
4
|
| ELEC 101 | DC/AC Circuit Analysis I |
4
|
| ELEC 130 | Computer Systems and Applications I |
4
|
| ELEC 131 | Introduction to Networking Hardware |
2
|
|
14
|
||
| Spring Semester- First Year | ||
| CISC 105 | Microcomputer Operating Systems |
4
|
| CMTH 102 | Speech Communication |
3
|
| ELEC 126 | Digital Electronics I |
3
|
| ELEC 251 | Network Installation and Maintenance |
3
|
|
13
|
||
| Summer I - First Year | ||
| ELEC 254 | Computer Systems and Applications II |
3
|
| ELEC 271 or ---------- |
Computer Electronics Practicum I or Technical Elective ++ |
3
|
|
6
|
||
| Summer II Semester | ||
| ELEC 255 | Computer Systems Maintenance |
3
|
| ELEC 272G or ---------- |
Computer Electronics Practicum II or Technical Elective ++ |
3
|
|
6
|
||
| Total Credits: |
39
|
+ Technical Elective options: CISC 115, 125, 128, 150, 158, 262, 265, 267, 270;
ELEC 208, 226
Career Potential: Computer Technician, LAN Technician, Helpdesk Operator, Technical Sales Consultant