Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Personal Computer Information Specialist

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 64 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers & Information Systems/ Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Graduates of this program are adept in personal computer software and hardware as well as the application of PC’s to business and office systems. Those pursuing this program have the option to become Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certified in one or more areas.

Work and employment

Graduates of the program find work in computer user support, help desk operation, computer user training, computer technical writing, office technology, and computer facilities management.

Certificates available
–    Basic PC Skills
–    Advanced PC Skills

PC Information Specialist Courses:                    (21 credits)
*    PCI    106    Microcomputer Applications/Windows         (4)
*    PCI    206    Advanced Microcomputer Applications/Windows                 (3)
*    PCI    200    Microcomputer Information Systems Practicum                     (3)
    CIS    102    Introduction to Computers and Information Systems                 (3)
*    PCI    226    Post Advanced Microcomputer Applications/Windows                 (3)
*    PCI    228    MOS Certification Preparation             (1)
*    OFF    294    Office Internship                     (1)
*    PCT    261    PC LANs/Repairs, or    
*    PCT    262     Computer Service and Repair             (3)

PC Information Specialist Electives:                (12 credits)
Choose at least one of the following:
*    PCI    180    Introduction to Computer User Technical Support, or                (3)
*    PCI    185    Introduction to Training for Personal Computers, or                (3)
*    CIS    180    Visual Basic Programming, or            (4)
*    PCT    110    Networking Essentials                (3)
Select other courses from above, or other PCI, OFF, CIS, PCT or WEB courses approved by the Business/CIS director for the remaining 9 credit hours.

Business and Office Technology Requirements:            (13 credits)
*  ATG    110    Financial Accounting                (4)
    BUS    101    Introduction to Business                (3)
*  BUS    103    Business Math, or
    BUS    223    Business Statistics                    (3)
    BUS    170    Human Relations In Business            (3)

Business and Office Technology Electives:                (3 credits)
Select 3 credits from the following courses:
    BUS    200    Legal Environment in Business, or
*  BUS    201    Business Law, or
*  MGT    270    Principles of Management, or
*  OFF    231    Office Procedures - General, or
*  BUS    207    Virtual Company                    (3-4)

General Education Course Requirements:                (15 credits)
*    ENG    101    Composition I                    (3)
*    ENG    105    Business Communications, or
*    ENG    110    Introductory Technical Writing            (3)
*    SPH    131    Fundamentals of Speech                (3)
*    MTH    115    General Education Mathematics, or
*    MTH    120    College Algebra                    (3)

General Education Electives:                        (3 credits)
Select any other ENG, SPH, MTH, PSY, or SOC course approved by the Business/CIS Division director.

*Course has a prerequisite—refer to course description.