College of Western Idaho is proud to be part of Business Professionals of America (BPA), the leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology, and...
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Overview
Do you enjoy working with technology and feel a sense of satisfaction when helping others? Computer support specialists use the combination of information technology, problem solving, and customer service soft skills to help individuals and organizations overcome technical challenges and maintain productivity. In the Computer Support Specialist program, we take pride in teaching and learning these skill sets needed to be successful in the IT support field. At the College of Western Idaho (CWI), we will develop your understanding of technology from the ground up giving you the computer, networking, and security knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the IT support industry.
Information technology professionals are held to a higher standard than many professionals, which is why many employers require a background check before hiring any new IT personnel. A felony or misdemeanor still appearing on a background check can become a severe barrier to working as an IT professional at a government or private organization.
Mission
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) provides a Computer Support Specialist program that will prepare you with advanced, market-relevant skills that employers recognize and respect as well as opportunities to connect with a global community of industry professionals.
Why This Program
Every business has computers and their supporting hardware and software so IT support technicians will continue to be in demand. This program covers soft skills, such as customer service and professionalism, and skills needed for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications that will be taken during the course of the program. Attaining these certifications will show potential employers your ability to learn and readiness for the workplace and give you the confidence to excel in your career. Depending on your level of completion, you may earn an Intermediate Technical Certificate, Advanced Technical Certificate, or Associate of Applied Science degree in this field.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Develop the soft skills that assist the diagnosis of and solving of customer technology issues
- Build, install, repair, and maintain PCs, servers, networking equipment, and peripherals including laser and 3D printers
- Learn how to protect from and safely remove viruses, malware, and other threats from computers, networking components, and mobile devices
- Train users to work with new computer hardware or software such as 3D printers, word-processing software, and email
- Test and evaluate existing wired and wireless network systems while performing regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure that networks operate correctly
- Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet Systems
- Evaluate the security posture of and secure IT hardware and software
Clubs
The Esports Club at College of Western Idaho promotes competitive gaming and teamwork. Learn how to better yourself through perserverence and a willingness to grow while enhancing your educational experience at CWI.
College of Western Idaho's Gaming Club is for anyone who plays video games, board games, tabletop, or even card games! Join us as we build and establish the gaming community on campus and connect and build friendships with fellow gamers. Check...
College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training. Students join thousands from...
Additional Opportunities
Cyber Defense Center
College of Western Idaho's Cyber Defense Center offers cybersecurity awareness, best practices, news, events, and activities for Idaho communities, businesses, partners, and students while striving to advance U.S. Federal Government, State of Idaho, and industry initiatives in cyber defense.
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Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs
Congratulations to Student Success Advisor, Jessica Chapple, named College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for January 2022.
Allied Business Solutions donates $5,000 to empower Information Technology students at CWI.
Ada County Center hosts Super Smash Bros Wii U Tournament and Party with prizes, food and fun
CWI students earned one gold medal, three runner-up finishes, and a third-place award at the Business Professionals of America National Conference.
CWI earned 32 top-five finishes at the 2016 Idaho Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference.