Computer Operations Technology
Is a Computer Operations Major for Me?
In today’s world, computer skills are a vital part of any successful business career. A bachelor of science degree in computer operations technology will provide you with outstanding computer application skills. The computer operations degree at Southwestern College is functional, flexible and creates a graduate with advanced computer operations skills. Networking is stressed along with advanced skills in the complete Microsoft Office software package.
Computer operations technology is offered online and in the classroom through Professional Studies.
Program Outcomes
Computer Operations Technology educates future technology professionals and business administrators in the application of emerging computer operations, productivity and operating systems software, project management, and networking and communications topologies. The program has been developed to be both functional and flexible with student centered, project orientated, and laboratory based learning of network and administration systems that are relevant and connected to the needs of business and the computer industry. Expansion of business transactions through standards compliant web site design, security applications and data movement across the Internet is presented. Technology education is further extended with applying critical thinking and problem solving with fundamental project management and ethics to solve business related challenges and meet technology needs.
Program Outcomes:
- Apply computer and networking terminology, theory and concepts, tools and emerging technologies to a wide array of industries including banking, education, retail, health care, manufacturing, and transportation.
- Evaluate and integrate computer hardware, software and networking solutions to a variety of environments.
- Install, configure, manage, and document the use, troubleshooting and repair of computer operating systems, applications, and utility software.
- Evaluate, install, configure, troubleshoot, and repair various network topologies.
- Integrate fundamental security concepts to network communications, infrastructures and business operations.
- Evaluate and configure LAN products including access points, bridges, client devices and accessories.
- Apply common productivity software to business functions, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, project management, presentation and communications.
- Code and publish standards-compliant, accessible web documents, business graphics and multimedia using HTML, XHTML, CSS and JavaScript.
- Demonstrate sound project management best practices and principles.
- Apply independent critical thinking and problem solving skills to the completion of projects, labs and case studies associated with the computer operations field.
- Demonstrate effective leadership.
- Utilize ethical reasoning when making decisions.
- Utilize professional and effective written communication.
Required and Core Courses
Required Major Courses
COT 220 Microsoft Access
COT 305 Advanced Microsoft Excel
COT 311 Advanced Microsoft Word
COT 313 Project Administration
COT 410 Local Networking (LAN) Fundamentals
COT 411 Web Site Management
COT 415 Computer Systems Integration
CAPS 493 Senior Capstone
Required Core Courses
HRD 210 Building Academic Success
CLO 320 Critical Thinking
CLO 340 Ethics in Today’s Organization
CLO 410 Decision Sciences
CLO 415 Professional Communication
CLO 499 Responsibility for the Future
Recommended Electives
COT 308 Advanced Microsoft Access
COT 312 Database Development
CPT 323 VBA, the Internet and MS Office Applications
COT 325 Outlook Organizational Techniques
COT 320 Software Integrations
HRD 325 Developing Workforce Talent
SOCS 320 Adults in Transition
All classes are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
Course Descriptions
COT 220 Microsoft Access
This course covers the basic steps of database application development. Using Microsoft Access database software, the student develops database tables, queries, forms and reports to create working Access database application.
COT 305 Advanced Microsoft Excel
This course covers advanced uses of Excel, including layout, formulas, built-in functions, graphing, and secondary and derived sheets. Students also learn to manipulate and summarize lists, publish documents, create charts and data maps, and record macros.
COT 311 Advanced Microsoft Word
Effective preparation of technical documents using Microsoft Word. Covers structure and management of large documents, use of styles and templates, linking and embedding of pictures and drawings, introduces versioning and revisions, and general mark-up.
COT 313 Project Administration
Introduction to project management using Microsoft Project. Covers tasks, phases, milestones, critical path tracing, resource planning, budgeting, and skill mix staffing.
COT 410 Local Networking (LAN) Fundamentals
This course covers the networking of computers within a small geographic area using current and emerging Ethernet protocols and includes the functions of internetworking devices such as routers, switches, hubs, and NICs. Network operating systems, delivery media (both physical and wireless), peer networking, server functions, workstation and server hardware, network addressing, and TCP/IP protocols will also be covered.
COT 411 Website Management
The design and development of websites to support business operations. Includes the study of site design, maintenance, and the integration of databases and other programming functionality to increase the capability of a Web site to support changing business needs.
COT 415 Computer Systems Integration
Comprehensive, hands-on course providing basic computer systems service topics as well as more advanced issues pertaining to hardware and operating system configuration, installation and troubleshooting. Additionally, the course expands the students’ practical experience and knowledge in networking maintenance issues, safety and customer service techniques and management.
HRD210 Building Academic Success
Introduces academic success topics and tools that are intended to establish and strengthen understanding of the learner and academic success coach relationship, critical thinking and reading, institutional policies and procedures, and the basics of online research and academic writing while experiencing the Southwestern College Professional Studies course format on the way to becoming a Southwestern College Moundbuilder.
CLO 320 Critical Thinking
This course prepares learners to critically interpret, synthesize, analyze and evaluate information. It is designed to introduce learners to complex problems and help them come to well reasoned conclusions and solutions.
CLO 340 Ethics in Today’s Organizations
This course will utilize the expertise of professionals working in the various disciplines as well as the moral reasoning of ethicists. An approach to the ethical challenges of a modern society is developed.
CLO 410 Decision Sciences
This course introduces the learner to utilizing and applying both quantitative and qualitative methods for individual, organizational, and societal decision making. A variety of tools and techniques will be examined as the foundation for the development and interpretation of attributes and variables in addition to the use of data sources for the purpose of improving processes and organizational environments.
CLO 415 Professional Communication
A study of the communication processes in situations encountered in organizations and professional environments. Analysis of simulated and real life situations will include the creation of professional documents and various functions of written, oral, and interpersonal communications.
CLO 499 Responsibility for the Future
Seniors with various majors will share learning and approaches from their different disciplines toward dealing holistically with issues that shape the future, seeking to integrate disciplines and to synthesize knowing, caring, and doing.
CAPS 493 Senior Capstone
Learners will be required to develop a portfolio project that demonstrates their knowledge, skills, and abilities in their major discipline. Particular attention will be given to the presentation of evidence and artifacts from their major courses as well as recent research relevant to their specific program outcomes. The purpose of the final portfolio project is to document learner achievement and to ensure learning outcomes are met.
All classes are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
Admission Requirements
Entering students must have earned at least 30 college credits from previous college coursework or ACE evaluated military training, a GPA of 2.0, and have three years of work experience. Transfer hours accepted for Professional Studies admittance should include English Composition I and II, and mathematics (college algebra preferred). These courses may be considered in transfer or completed at Southwestern College.
Contact a program representative to evaluate your options.
Meta
A bachelor of science degree in computer operations technology from Southwestern College will provide today’s employee with outstanding computer application skills. The computer operations degree at Southwestern College is functional, flexible and creates an office professional with advanced computer operations skills.
