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Personal Computer Specialist Certificate

Catalog Year 2022-2023 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type Level 2 Certificate

GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI Must be Complete

This program deactivated September 1, 2023; automatic closure September 1, 2026.​

For more information, visit the Dallas College Computer Information Technology webpage and your success coach at your campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Personal Computer Specialist Certificate. It does not represent a contract, nor does It guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn a Personal Computer Specialist Certificate. Courses from this certificate may apply to the related A.A.S. degree. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

This certificate option is designed to provide in-depth training in suite package software, operating systems, hardware, networking, and Internet/web page development. The graduate will be qualified for a variety of entry-level positions in a PC-oriented environment. Courses that complete the Personal Computer Specialist and Personal Computer User (PC) Certificate are noted below.​

SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 41-46 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

CHOOSE ONE: 

• ITSC 1401 – Introduction to Computers OR
• BCIS 1405 – Business Computer Applications OR
• COSC 1301 – Introduction to Computing AND
• TECHNICAL ELECTIVE* (one course) (Either course also applies to PC)

CHOOSE ONE: 

• ITNW 1425 – Fundamentals of Networking Technologies OR
• ITNW 1458 – Network +

ITSW 1401 – Introduction to Word Processing (Course also applies to PC)

ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of “C" or higher.
 
* Technical Elective must be selected from the following: IMED 1191, ITCC 1191, ITSC 1164, ITSC 1166, ITSC 1171, ITSC 1191, ITSE 1191, ITNW 1164, ITNW 1192, or ITSY 1191

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

1. Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.

2. Meet with your success coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.

    Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 2

CHOOSE ONE:

• ITSC 1405 – Introduction to PC Operating Systems AND
• ITSC 1425 – Personal Computer Hardware OR
• CPMT 1451 – IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software

ITSW 1404 – Introduction to Spreadsheets (Course also applies to PC)

CHOOSE ONE: 

• SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication This is a Core course.
• SPCH 1315 – Public Speaking This is a Core course. OR
• SPCH 1321 – Business and Professional Communication This is a Core course.

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

1. Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.

2. Meet with your success coach for assistance in preparing for job search.

   Total Hours: 11-15

SEMESTER 3

ITSW 1407 – Introduction to Database (Course also applies to PC)

CHOOSE ONE:

• ITSW 1410 – Introduction to Presentation Graphics Software* (Course also applies to PC) OR
• ITSC 1409 – Integrated Software Applications I (Course also applies to PC)

ITSC 2439 – Personal Computer Help Desk Support

Elective (3-4 credit hours) – Any CPMT, GAME, IMED, INEW, ITCC, ITMT, ITNW, ITSC, ITSE, ITSW or ITSY course

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

1. Meet with your success coach to apply for the Personal Computer Specialist Certificate and Personal Computer User Certificate.

    Total Hours: 15-16​  

DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 41-46 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS