The Computer Support Technician (CST) program is offered entirely online and can be taken on a full- or part-time basis.
This program will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the theoretical and applied uses of information technology (IT) in various business applications.
The program prepares students to enter the IT workforce as computer system support technicians or network technicians.
After one year of full-time studies, students will have gained detailed knowledge of several PC applications and operating systems. They will be able to install, configure and troubleshoot software in both stand-alone and networked environments. The coursework will also provide them with customer service skills and an understanding of IT in a business environment.
Three areas of concentration are available through the certificate:
- web development
- system administration
- database administration
Online course delivery
The program is delivered entirely online but is not self-paced. Course scheduling is not unlike scheduling of face-to-face courses with start and end dates. Online delivery of courses provides additional opportunities but also some challenges and does require significant commitment from students. Benefits include:
- flexible hours of study
- availability of the program in remote communities
- increased course availability for those students who work part-time
Students will work mostly on their own without the benefit of the classroom experience. Students who enroll in the program must have exceptional organizational skills, be motivated to schedule their own time for study and submit assignments on time.
The courses in this program will have schedules that must be adhered to in order to complete them successfully.
Upon completion of the certificate, students will have achieved:
- Competency in the use of various software applications, including operating systems.
- Basic understanding of computer networking theory.
- Competency in applying the basic technological knowledge and skills to plan, implement and maintain a network.
- Basic understanding of business functions as they relate to information technology professionals.
- Competency in public and customer relations skills.
- Concrete knowledge and practice in installing, diagnosing and maintaining computer hardware.
- Skills and knowledge to write various industry certification examinations, such as Cisco IT Essentials, CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Networks+.
- Foundational skills in programming and scripting.
- Basic website development and mark-up language programming skills.
- Ability to work successfully as part of a team to complete a project; configure basic web; demonstrate familiarity with web standards; demonstrate effective problem definition and solving within a good customer service context.
- Ability to create basic systems requirements for existing or desired business processes.
- Math 10 (Applications, Principles, or Foundations and Pre-Calculus) (min. 75%) and English 12 or Communications 12 (min. 65%); OR
- Students who have a math credit more than three years old must write the Mathematics Skills Assessment.
- Part-time students not fully meeting the above criteria may be admitted to courses, but must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 (C average) or better to continue in the program.
It is strongly recommended that students have exposure to computers before commencing the program. It is also beneficial to have some experience with programming.
Students are required to own their own computer, communications headset or microphone and have access to the internet in order to participate in this online program.
Yukon University recognizes that a greater understanding and awareness of Yukon First Nations history, culture and journey towards self-determination will help to build positive relationships among all Yukon citizens. As a result, you will be required to achieve core competency in knowledge of Yukon First Nations.
For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency
The potential of a career in computer services, support or associated fields is both great and varied. Computers are in widespread use in almost every work site including:
- small businesses
- municipal and territorial governments
- non-profit organizations and associations
As well as the office environment, computer sales and service companies are in need of qualified technicians to support the ever-increasing demand for computers. A Computer Support Technician certificate will qualify students for entry-level hardware technician, network technician or junior programmer positions.
Fees
Tuition for credit programs is calculated per course credit. See money matters for more information.
Some programs and courses have additional fees - see Ancillary Fees.
Student financial awards
Education is an investment in your future, your family and your community. Yukon University is pleased to support that investment by offering some of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, as well as several student financial awards to help offset your educational and living costs.
Financial assistance
There are government programs, scholarships, bursaries, awards and First Nation funding available to financially support you throughout your academic career.
See money matters for more information, or talk to our financial advising staff in the Student Services Centre. Email or call 867 668 5209 to make an appointment.