About the Program

The Computer Software Specialist Career Pathway Certificate is designed to give students a comprehensive knowledge of a variety of commonly used software programs. It generally can be completed in two terms. Students will learn industry standard word processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs, as well as gain a strong foundation in operating systems. Students will be prepared for careers where strong computer application skills and computer system navigation are required. This is not an aid-eligible program. The Career Pathway Certificate is the first step towards the Computer Support Technician Associate of Applied Science degree.

Program Learning Outcome

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. The program learning outcome for the Computer Support Technician: Computer Software Specialist Career Pathway Certificate is:

Apply standard business productivity software to support electronic projects.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process. 

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Computer Science Department Chair’s approval. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over five years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chair before being accepted toward core requirements. Students in the high school College Now credit program must meet with the department chair to determine placement.

Credits earned in the successful completion of Career Pathway Certificates can be applied to other certificates and degrees in the Career Pathway. For more information, speak to a program advisor.

Completion Requirements

Students completing the required credits in this program with a grade of “C-” or better will receive a Career Pathways Certificate in Computer Software Specialist. Certain prerequisite and required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a 
student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.