1) What Types of Computer Technician Degrees Exist and What are They
Called?
Because the field of computer technology is ever evolving and changing, so too
is the computer technician degree. With entries ranging from certificates to
doctorate degrees, students can spend as little as a few weeks to eight years
obtaining the degree that is right for them. To help narrow your search, we have
included a wide range of degrees available in the area below.
Associate of Science in Computer Technology (A.S. Comp Tech): This undergraduate
degree takes two years to earn and focuses on general aspects of computer
technology. A good choice for the non-specified computer technician.
Associate in Information Technology (A.I.T.):
Information technology is a rapidly growing field and often involves the
creation and management of databases, as well as other technical aspects. This
degree is usually thought of as the starter to information technology.
Associate of Computer Engineering (A.S. Comp Eng):
A beginning entry level degree, this is for technicians who want to go into
the entry level aspects of engineering.
Certification in Comp TIA A+:
The Comp TIA is one of the most recognized and utilized forms of computer
technician certificates. It measures the skills learned and education of an
entry level technology professional and even offers specialties in other areas
such as security, server, and Linux.
Certification in Cisco:
Cisco remains one of the leaders in the computer technology field and is
often utilized by many employers. The provider itself offers five different
levels of certification from entry to architect.
Certification in Apple:
If looking to work with an employer that uses some, mostly, or all Mac
computers, this is the certification for you. Computer technicians can choose to
support the operating systems, servers, and much more.
Bachelor in Computer Science (B. Comp S.):
This four year undergraduate degree is another choice that covers general
areas of science and computers. Several sub-specialties are also available.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (B.S.C.I.S.):
Computer Information Systems is also another large area of computer
technology. The bachelor’s is currently the most common offered undergraduate
degree in the area.
Masters in Information Technology (M.I.T.):
The graduate degree takes six years to earn and focuses heavily on
information systems. A benefit of the degree is that it is offered by many
schools both online and in person.
Doctorate in Computer Science (Ph.D. Comp S.):
If looking to become a computer technician at the highest level, this degree
may be for you. Taking six to eight years to complete, a Ph.D. is the only
degree that can earn you the title of “Dr.”
Each degree can go onto have one or even several specialties. For example a
Bachelor of Science in computers can be for networking, database administration,
security, web development, and communications. Most schools are likely to offer
several degrees and programs in computer technician, so it is important to do
some digging before choosing the one that is right for you.
2) Where Can I Find Computer Technician Rankings?
Rankings for computer technician schools vary by what type of degree is being
earned and at what level. For example, there are various standards for
undergraduate degrees when being ranked by an entity such as “U.S. News and
World Report.” They often use a cost versus quality of education but can
overlook aspects such as demand for the degree in the private and public
sectors. Be sure to identify the factors that are most important to you when
looking through rankings, as those who do the ranking may not have the same
priorities.
Graduate programs that offer a masters or doctorate degrees in computer
technology are also capable of confusing potential students by offering online
programs. Because a graduate degree is such a complex education to obtain, some
feel that only an in-person program will do. However, with the growth of online
schools, a degree obtained over the internet is becoming more and more accepted.
It is ultimately up to the student which degree or program they will choose by
ranking schools according to their needs. Cost, time spent studying, appropriate
learning facilities, and even student to teacher ratio can all be deciding
factors when ranking a computer technician education.
3) Can I Transfer Computer Technician School Credits?
If you already have a college level degree or completed courses, transferring
them to the appropriate school is of great importance. This can allow you to
move along faster in a computer technician degree while saving hundreds to
thousands of dollars. The trick is knowing what credits can transfer and where
they can transfer to.
The easiest way to know the answer to the above is to speak with a counselor at
the school in which you have earned the credits. It is their job to keep up to
date with who is accepting what, what courses to transfer, and how many will
transfer. For example, someone who wants to obtain a Bachelor of Science in
Computer Technology from a university can begin at a junior or community
college. Basics courses such as math, science, and history are taken at a
fraction of the cost and then transferred to the university for the same degree
given to those who took first and/or second year classes there.
Another option for transferring computer technician school credits is using one
degree to supplement another. Someone with an associate’s degree in the sciences
can apply that towards a bachelor in science or even vice versa and between
specialties. If looking to get a masters or doctorate degree, having a four year
undergraduate cannot only cut time spent studying by years but is sometimes a
requirement. Generally, if one has an applicable bachelor’s degree, it takes two
years to get a master’s or four years to get a doctorate depending on the degree
or program.
Finally, the difference between nationally and regionally accredited computer
technician schools can often be a point of contention. The U.S. Department of
Education has a widely used database of accredited schools and agencies. When
clicking on the search by institutional accrediting agency, note that there are
two sections: national and regional. Know that just because a school is
regionally accredited doesn’t mean that it is necessarily accredited nationally,
which means that credits may or may not be transferred. Ultimately, the best way
to avoid surprises when transferring credits is to contact the school beforehand
so you can make an informed decision before taking a class.
4) What sorts of careers are common for students with this degree?
Upon completing a computer technician degree or program, there are literally
hundreds of careers to choose from. Below, we have gathered just a few of them.
Computer Repair Technician: Ever had a computer freeze or break down on you?
These are the professionals that fix them. The job usually requires an
associate’s degree or certification.
Computer Technical Support Specialist: These techs work on a more full time
basis and are often employed in the information technology side of a business.
Support may come in the form of in person, over the phone, or over the web.
Network Support Technician:
The entire computer system is the focus of this tech. Servers, security, and
more are often part of the job.
System Administrator:
They ensure the efficient operation of a computer system and often
anticipate problems before they happen. Design, software, security, and more are
involved in this career.
Computer Security Specialist:
Stopping hackers, viruses, etc. is the main focus of this career. They are
responsible for installing the security software, monitoring for break-ins, and
even identifying vulnerabilities in the system.
Web Developer:
Because even mom and pop stores have a website nowadays, web developers are
more in demand. They plan and implement the entire website from homepage to the
latest updates.
Database Administrators:
These computer technicians determine ways to store, organize, analyze, use,
and present data. Switching from old to new databases or maintaining internet
access are just some of the tasks assigned to them.
Computer Engineer:
They work on the more mechanical aspect of computers. Often having the
ability to pull them apart and put them back together, computer engineers can
also be tasked with designing and building a computer from the ground up.
Computer Systems Programmer:
Once a computer has been built, it must be programmed. Different from an
engineer, the programmer actually writes software and programs it into the
computer.
Computer Developer:
If a computer is built fine, the software is okay, but it needs to be
updated, a developer may be tasked with this. The upgrading and cost control
aspects of the job are often found.
As the technology changes, so too will the careers available. With Microsoft,
Apple, and Linux constantly competing with each other, a computer technician who
knows more than one can also move ahead of the others. Most employers require
some form of education, typically an associate’s degree, for entry level
positions. Those looking to start in a more managerial or developmental role can
often be asked for a graduate degree. Certifications in one or many areas may
also be asked of by a potential employer.
5) How Do I Become a Computer Technician?
If you want to be a computer technician, a degree is usually required at the
associate level or higher. In order to obtain this or any undergraduate degree,
students must apply to a postsecondary institution, college, or university. The
application almost always requires a high school diploma or equivalent, entry
level exams, or even a minimum grade point average.
Certification in a relevant computer technician area can also be an important
step. One of the most common certifications is the Comp TIA A+. It requires the
passing of the Essentials and Practical Application exams, each of which consist
of 100 questions and take about 90 minutes each to complete. They recommend the
candidate have a relevant education and 500 hours of hands on experience in the
field or laboratory. Visit the site to get more information, such as pricing or
to look at practice questions. You can also view information on the other ten
certifications they offer.
The above is by no means the only certification offered in computer technology.
Another popular choice is the Cisco Certification. Everyone from engineers to
security administrators may be asked to obtain this certification. They offer
them in the entry, associate, professional, expert, architect, and specialist
level. Take the “Is it for you?” quiz to learn more. If you know which
certification you need, check with the vendor itself.
If you know what kind of computer technician career you would like, research it
a little more. Look over those who are hiring in the area you would like to work
in and see what their requirements are. They may ask for anywhere from a
certification for entry level positions to a doctorate degree for the
managerial. If you currently are employed in an area of computer technology or
have a department and can make a lateral move, check with your supervisor. The
cost of an advanced education or relevant certification may be shouldered if not
paid for entirely by them.
6) What is the Average Salary for a Computer Technician?
As with all careers, whether or not you work full or part time hugely
affects pay. Those who work as a computer repair technician on a part time basis
in a superstore, as a sub-contractor, or other area usually make $13.35 per hour
according to Payscale. They are also eligible for overtime pay and bonuses for
completing work on or ahead of schedules. Although many full time employees may
not qualify for overtime pay, bonuses, health insurance, and other benefits can
be factored in.
Another common career for someone with an education as a computer technician is
network support technician. Their median pay ranges from $30,315 to $47,384 with
the average at $38,849. Other similar careers include computer technical support
specialist and system administrator with average annual salaries of $41,782 and
$51,584, respectively. Factors such as experience, employer, and location are
most likely to influence how much a career can pay.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics includes this sort of data when
factoring in their average salaries for computer network, systems, and database
administrators. The highest paying employers for administrators were management
and computer system design companies with offerings a little higher than
$70,000. Collegiate, elementary, and secondary schools were the lowest paying
employers offering an average annual salary of about $56,500.
If looking to learn more about the highest paying computer technician jobs,
check out security, engineer, or chief information officer. Often earning over
six figures per year in average annual salary, they are required to have
everything from a Ph.D. to the ability to hack into a well-guarded system.
Security computer technicians can work exclusively for one company or hire
themselves out as individuals to test the systems of those who hire them.
Because computer engineers are involved in both the designing and building of a
system, the time and knowledge they put into their work is invaluable. The chief
information officer often runs the entire information technology department of a
company and is tasked with the overall performance of the computer systems,
which requires loads of education and experience, but can also pay very well.
Paying for college can be a daunting task, but don’t let that stop you from
pursuing an education in a field you truly want to go into. The best course of
action is to apply to many schools, even if they have an application fee, to see
which ones you get into. After being accepted, fill out the FAFSA and any other
financial aid forms asked of you. If turned in by deadline, the school will tell
you how much tuition will cost out of pocket, which can make choosing one far
easier.
Many new students can feel overwhelmed by the process, but the counseling and
financial aid offices at just about every school are tasked with easing
student’s fears and answering questions. If you need help filling out a form,
contact them or visit the website associated with the form. Do not pay anyone
for their help in filling out a FAFSA or other government form, as many
professionals will do it for free.
Also use caution when and if taking out a student loan. Unlike a scholarship or
grant, it is money that does have to be paid back. Once qualified, a student can
receive money to be applied towards tuition, books, and other expenses. It does
not have to be repaid until graduation and can often have a low interest rate.
However, many are dependent upon graduation and can also require a minimum grade
point average.
Computer Technician is the only resource dedicated to providing individuals
interested in becoming a computer technician with unbiased information about
different degree and school options as well as career, job and salary
information. To that end, we provide an updated FAQ as well as the only
comprehensive database of computer technician schools on the web.
