Computer Support and Administration Technology (CSA)

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.cincinnatistate.edu.

Computer Support and Administration Technology (CSA)

Computer Support and Administration program graduates are troubleshooters responsible for interpreting problems and providing technical support assistance and advice to customers.

Students learn to install, set up, and maintain hardware and software for microcomputers. Courses include computer operating systems, data communications, networking, and support center management. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Career opportunities for program graduates are diverse, for several reasons:

  • The sheer number of computers and users in business and industry creates ever-changing work environments and challenges.
  • Also, gaining assistance in using software effectively is generally a high priority for businesses and users.
  • Finally, the graduate’s knowledge and skills are applicable to a class of computers, rather than to a particular company, so graduates have significant job mobility as well as opportunities for entrepreneurial work.

Job titles for Computer Support and Administration graduates include senior PC support technician, PC system coordinator, or helpdesk manager.

For more information, please contact the Center for Innovative Technologies at (513) 569-1743.

To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.

Computer Support and Administration Technology (CSA)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
CIT 190Career Preparation: Engineering and Information Technologies ( B) 101
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
IT 105Information Technology Concepts ( B) 233
IT 115Operating Systems Administration 1 ( B) 233
MAT 121Technical Algebra and Geometry with Statistics ( G) 223
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
Semester 2  
CSA 111Computer Repair 1 ( T) 233
EET 101Electronic Fundamentals 1 ( B) 233
NETA 125Open Source Operating Systems and Applications ( B) 233
ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G)  303
NETX XXX Networking Elective (T)  233
Semester 3  
CSA 291Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Computer Support and Administration ( T) 1402
Semester 4  
CSA 112Computer Repair 2 ( T) 233
COMM 110Public Speaking ( B) 303
NETA 135Information Technology Support Desk Concepts ( T) 324
PSY 110Introduction to Psychology ( G) 303
IT XXX Programming Elective (T)  233
Semester 5  
CSA 213Computer Repair 3 223
CSA 290Computer Support and Administration Capstone ( T) 223
NETA 155Server Administration 1 ( T) 324
XXX XXX Arts/Humanities Elective (G)  303
Semester 6  
CSA 292Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Computer Support and Administration ( T) 1402
Total Credits:  4711462

Electives

First Year Experience Elective
FYE 100College Survival Skills1
FYE 105College Success Strategies2
FYE 110Community College Experience3
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3
ENG 105English Composition 2: Business Communication3
Networking Elective
NETA 115Networking Essentials3
NETC 121Network Communications 13
Programming Elective
IT 101Programming 13
IT 110HTML with CSS and JavaScript3
IT 111Database Design and SQL 13
Arts/Humanities Elective
Any ART, CULT, FRN, LIT, MUS, PHI, REL, SPN, THE, or COMM 1303

The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum. 

G = General Education course in this curriculum

B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum

T = Technical course in this curriculum

Computer Support and Administration Technology (CSA)

  • Ability to use resources to solve technical problems involving operating systems and hardware components.
  • Ability to manage multiple hardware components and operating systems.
  • Ability to understand compliance issues and corporate and federal compliance regulations.
  • Ability to function independently and as a member of a team.
  • Ability to effectively communicate technical information verbally, in writing, and in presentations.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Ability to demonstrate professionalism in the workplace and maintain user/client confidentiality.

Courses

CSA 111 Computer Repair 1
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on theory and operation of computer systems. Topics include: operating systems, interface of operating systems and hardware, central processing unit (CPU) structures and evolution, bus structures, memory, data storage, input/output devices, motherboard structures, number systems, and USB/IEEE 1392 data transmission.
Prerequisites: ENG 085 and MAT 093, or appropriate placement test scores

CSA 112 Computer Repair 2
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A continuation of CSA 111. Topics include: examining the board/component level of computer systems while using diagnostic software and instrumentation to isolate failures and restore systems to normal operation.
Prerequisites: CSA 111

CSA 191 Part-Time Cooperative Education 1: Computer Support and Administration
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CIT 190

CSA 192 Part-Time Cooperative Education 2: Computer Support and Administration
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CSA 191

CSA 193 Part-Time Cooperative Education 3: Computer Support and Administration
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CSA 192

CSA 194 Part-Time Cooperative Education 4: Computer Support and Administration
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fourth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CSA 193

CSA 195 Part-Time Cooperative Education 5: Computer Support and Administration
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fifth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CSA 194

CSA 196 Part-Time Cooperative Education 6: Computer Support and Administration
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their sixth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CSA 195

CSA 198 First Year Special Topics in Computer Support and Administration
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on selected topics related to Computer Support and Administration, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: Vary by section

CSA 199 First Year Independent Project in Computer Support and Administration
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A project related to Computer Support and Administration that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Computer Support and Administration faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section

CSA 213 Computer Repair 3
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A continuation of CSA 112. Topics include: specialized hardware, peripheral devices, system optimization, driver installation, internet connectivity, and printer maintenance.
Prerequisites: CSA 112

CSA 290 Computer Support and Administration Capstone
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

Students work in teams to complete a design project using analog and digital concepts, and prepare a presentation of results. Topics include: design theory, feasibility study, project economics, team building, and effective presentations.
Prerequisites: CSA 112, and NETA 115 or NETC 121

CSA 291 Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Computer Support and Administration
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CIT 190

CSA 292 Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Computer Support and Administration
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CSA 291

CSA 293 Full-Time Cooperative Education 3: Computer Support and Administration
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CSA 292

CSA 294 Internship 1: Computer Support and Administration
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first unpaid field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow applicable policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CIT 190

CSA 295 Internship 2: Computer Support and Administration
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second unpaid field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow applicable policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: CSA 294

CSA 298 Second Year Special Topics in Computer Support and Administration
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on selected topics related to Computer Support and Administration, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: Vary by section

CSA 299 Second Year Independent Project in Computer Support and Administration
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A project related to Computer Support and Administration that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Computer Support and Administration faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section

Faculty

Program Chair/Advisor

Professor Jeffrey Vetter, BS, BA
jeffrey.vetter@cincinnatistate.edu

Co-op Coordinator

Professor Noelle Grome, ME, MA
noelle.grome@cincinnatistate.edu

Advisor

Bernell Prince, BS
bernell.prince@cincinnatistate.edu