Part 1 3.7.qxp - Southwestern Oregon Community College

Computers and Technology/CIS: Software Support
Description: “Computer programmers design and create software applications.
You may analyze, design, develop, test and maintain computer and Internet-based
applications. Possibly, you’ll write specialized applications or make custom programs
to satisfy a user’s particular needs. Not all programmers write code all day. You may
evaluate the project requirements, participate in design meetings, determine the best
solution to a problem or feature, and develop detailed design specifications. You use
development tools and programming languages in creating and testing the software.
You must also be good at documenting your work so others will know what you did
and how. And of course, you have to test your work with real users to make sure it’s
free of errors and meets specifications.” (From the NWCET Skill Standards for
Information Technology at Bellevue Community College, Bellevue, Washington)
Typical Work Functions:
• Perform needs analysis with the users.
• Develop models to meet the needs of
the project.
• Design and develop the software
application.
• Test and validate the application.
• Implement the application and train
the users.
• Help users with software problems.
• Perform minor hardware upgrades.
Program notes
Sample Titles
• Software Support Specialist.
• Software Applications Specialist.
• Computer Programmer Aides.
• Software Engineer.
• Applications Analyst.
Associate of Applied Science CIS: Software
Support (including Certificates)
Notes:
1. OA121 Keyboarding is strongly recommended.
2. Specific electives: May be from any CS or CIS course except CS101. CS120 is
recommended for students with limited computer experience. Students who elect
not to take CS120 should take CS125P fall term.
3. WR123 or WR214 may be substituted for WR214T. WR122 is a prerequisite to
WR123.
The Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems: Software
Support is intended to prepare students for a career as a software support specialist.
The software support specialist has a strong foundation in computer systems concepts
with an emphasis in microcomputer applications, programming, and practical
experience. In general, a person in this occupation applies computer software and
technology to business-related activities and problems. This position may have the
responsibility of managing microcomputer information systems in a small business.
Typical software support specialist job tasks include analyzing and solving business
problems by creating a computerized system using microcomputer application software
such as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation, web development,
other application system, writing a custom program, or integrating several software
applications. This is a very creative process and uses problem solving techniques and
analysis. Additionally, the program will prepare students to interface with users and
function as an integral part of the information technology support team.
Two Certificates of Completion are contained within the AAS in Computer
Information Systems. The certificates will ladder to the AAS, as each is completely
contained within the next.
•The Software Applications Specialist Certificate of Completion is intended to
prepare students for an entry-level job in software customer support. The software
applications specialist provides technical assistance and training to computer system
users, investigates and resolves computer software problems of users, and answers
clients’ inquiries in person and via telephone concerning the use of computer software.
•The Software Certification Examination Preparation Certificate of Completion
is intended to prepare students for the industry examination in software applications.
4. SP100, 111, 112, or 218 may be substituted for SP219.
5. HE250 or three credits of PE185 may be substituted for PE231.
6. See Distribution requirement lists on page 63. Courses must be from outside the
student’s area of concentration and not include courses with prefixes CS or CIS.
7. CS280 or CIS2280 may be taken over several terms but only after completion of
the first-year computer courses. See CS advisor for instructor consent.
8. Developmental and remedial courses, listed on page 62, and CS101 will not fulfill
elective requirement.
9. See CS advisor for instructor consent.
Southwestern Oregon Community College 2006-07 Catalog www.socc.edu Programs 90