Computer Support Specialist

AAS

Cert. A

Cert. B

A program that prepares individuals to provide technical assistance, support, and advice to computer users to help troubleshoot software and hardware problems. Includes instruction in computer concepts, information systems, networking, operating systems, security, cloud computing, computer
hardware, the Internet, software applications, help desk concepts and problem solving, and principles of customer service.

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This program aligns with the Kansas Board of Regents curriculum and is in alignment with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). CIP Code: 11.1006 CIP Name: Computer Support Specialist

Program Details

Enrollment Steps

Meet the Team

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM COST

$TBD*

Tuition & Fees: $TBD
Additional Costs: $TBD
Detailed Estimated Cost Sheets

*Based upon AAS degree option

AVERAGE KANSAS SALARY

$50,870

Salary, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

FINANCIAL AID

Pending Approval

Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).

HOW YOU'LL LEARN & START DATES

On-Campus/Hands-On Lab

August Semester

Explore Our Program

Schedule a campus visit to tour the program and experience what it’s like to be a student at Manhattan Tech!

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Degrees in Computer Support Specialist

Associate of Applied Science

AAS

Prepares students for careers in information technology support by developing skills in computer systems, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, troubleshooting, and customer service.

Course List

Credits

Certificate B

Cert. B

Builds on foundational IT skills with training in computer systems, networking, security, cloud computing, and help desk support to prepare students for technical support and IT service roles.

Course List

Credits

Certificate A

Cert. A

Introduces students to foundational computer support skills, including basic hardware, software, operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting concepts used in entry-level IT support roles.

Course List

Credits

MORE INFORMATION...

Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance

COMING SOON

Manhattan Tech also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.

Office of Financial Aid

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Call: 785-320-4559
Text: 785-377-5210

APPLY TO MANHATTAN TECH

Submit an undergraduate admissions application and pay the applicable application fee.

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MANHATTAN TECH EMAIL & MATC ONLINE ACCOUNT

Once your application has been processed and you are a new student, you will receive an email to the personal email address listed on your application. This email will provide instructions on accessing your student portal and setting your password. This will be the only communication with your personal email, which will be with your Manhattan Tech email address after that.

For assistance, refer HERE for password reset information.

FINANCIAL AID/MILITARY EDUCATION BENEFITS

Federal financial aid is available through grants, loans, and work studies. To be considered for federal and state financial aid programs, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can submit the FAFSA online through the Department of Education’s site: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Manhattan Tech's school code is 005500. We accept various military education benefits. Please refer to our website for details.

SUBMIT OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Official high school and college transcripts can be mailed or transferred electronically (registrar@manhattantech.edu) directly from the issuing institution and received by the Registrar before registration. Additional questions can be directed to our Registrar page.

Mailed transcripts may be sent to:

Manhattan Area Technical College
ATTN: Registrar
3136 Dickens Ave
Manhattan, KS 66503

PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT

Manhattan Tech requires the Accuplacer Assessment to determine placement for all students entering a program. You can schedule
the assessment test through our website. If you have already completed college-level math and English classes, you may not need to take the Accuplacer.

Scheduling an Accuplacer assessment test can be completed on our website.

SUBMIT ONLINE INTENT & SEAT DEPOSIT

Students must submit a $100.00 non-refundable seat deposit and intent form for enrollment into program classes.

Note: This form will be sent to your Manhattan Tech email address upon completing the applicable admission requirements.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR

After all applicable admissions requirements have been completed, you will be provided notice by admissions to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor for enrollment. To schedule an advising appointment, book online.

PROGRAM ORIENTATION

Additionally, during the Program Orientation, computer requirements will be covered. For a general list of requirements, visit our website.

PURCHASE TEXTBOOKS

Visit the Manhattan Tech Virtual Bookstore to order your textbooks.

SUBMIT PAYMENT & ATTEND CLASS

Students must have set up a payment option by the first day of class or have communicated with our Student Account Coordinator regarding payment options. If you have questions about tuition, please check out the business office webpage or contact Student Accounts for more information. Manhattan Tech requires regular and punctual attendance in all classes.

The Computer Support Specialist program is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: (800) 621-7440 or (312) 263-0456
Website: https://www.hlcommission.org

To get a clear understanding of how our students perform, check out our Student Achievement Data. Here, you'll find detailed information on important metrics like graduation rates, job placement success, and licensure exam pass rates. Exploring this data will show you how well our programs prepare students for successful careers in their fields.

Student Achievement Data

IT Support Specialist
Help Desk Technician
Desktop Support Technician
Computer Technician
Technical Support Specialist
Network Support Technician

Some academic programs require you to have equipment, tools, supplies, and uniforms on the first day of class. Other programs have compiled a toolkit that is required for the students attending those programs. The tool kits and supplies will be available on the program orientation day. On program orientation day, students must submit a non-refundable seat deposit. Refer to the information below for each program's seat deposit and tool requirements.

Programs that Provide Tool Kits

Program	Non-Refundable Seat Deposit	Tool Kit Provider
Automotive Technology	$500.00	MAC Tools
Construction Technology	$100.00	Mead Lumber
Electric Power & Distribution	$500.00	Anixter, Inc
Electrical Technology	$350.00	Stanion
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning	$350.00	Grainger
Industrial Maintenance Technology	$100.00	Milwaukee®
Plumbing Technology	$250.00	Milwaukee®
Welding	$250.00	Matheson

Programs with Tool/Supply Lists

Program	Non-Refundable Seat Deposit	Tool/Supply Information
Associate Degree of Nursing	$100	Information supplied at program orientation
Business Administration	N/A	N/A
Early Childhood Education	N/A	N/A
Medical Laboratory Technology	N/A	Information supplied at summer program orientation
Practical Nursing	$100	Information supplied at summer program orientation

Graduates will be able to…

Design, implement, and secure SMB network architectures, integrating firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols to ensure robust cybersecurity and operational efficiency.
Install, configure, and manage virtualized computing environments (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) with a focus on optimizing resource allocation, securing virtual machines, and ensuring high availability.
Deploy, configure, and manage cloud-based infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), implementing security best practices such as identity access management (IAM), data encryption, and compliance with industry standards.
Deploy, configure, and maintain physical computing infrastructure, including servers, workstations, and peripherals, while applying hardening techniques to mitigate physical and cyber threats.
Leverage scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Python, Bash) and programming languages to automate routine security tasks (e.g., log analysis, patch management) and enhance system administration efficiency.
Demonstrate proficiency in using AI-driven tools (e.g., threat detection platforms, anomaly recognition systems) to proactively strengthen cybersecurity defenses and optimize IT support workflows.
Diagnose and resolve complex issues across hardware, operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux), and network systems, using advanced troubleshooting methodologies and tools like packet analyzers and diagnostic software.
Exhibit strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and clear communication, to effectively support end-users and collaborate with stakeholders in a service-driven IT environment.
Contribute effectively to multidisciplinary IT teams, demonstrating collaboration, conflict resolution, and shared accountability in achieving cybersecurity and support objectives.
Evaluate and recommend cost-effective technology solutions, balancing performance, security, and scalability with budget constraints, and justifying decisions with data-driven analysis.
Produce detailed, user-friendly technical documentation (e.g., network diagrams, security policies, incident reports) that meets industry standards and supports operational continuity.
Conduct thorough research on emerging cybersecurity threats and technologies, and deliver clear, persuasive verbal presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
Propose actionable security solutions tailored to SMB needs, integrating risk assessments, threat intelligence, and cost-benefit analyses to enhance system resilience.
Identify, analyze, and mitigate cyber threats (e.g., malware, phishing, DDoS) using incident response frameworks (e.g., NIST, SANS) and real-time monitoring tools.
Apply ethical and secure practices when using internet-connected devices, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and safeguarding sensitive data across platforms.
Assess and remediate prevalent security risks in SMB environments (e.g., weak passwords, unpatched systems, insider threats), implementing layered defenses and employee training initiatives.

Graduates earn the following industry certifications...
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Cloud+

Graduates can earn the additional following industry certifications...
CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
CompTIA CySA+
CompTIA PenTest+