Computer Software Applications Specialist - Associate in Science

The focal point of this program is to prepare students for the Core and Expert skills required for the Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification. MOUS certification is a globally-recognized standard for validating expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of business productivity applications. The benefits of MOUS certification include: (1) increased productivity at work, (2) greater earning potential, and (3) more employment opportunities in the job market. Earning MOUS certification acknowledges that students have the expertise to work with Microsoft Office programs: Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Springfield Technical Community College is a recognized testing site for MOUS certification.

Students must place in ENGL-100, college-level reading, and MATH-100 (or be exempt) before enrolling in any information technology course.

Computer Software Applications Specialist Program Goals

The Computer Software Applications Specialist program will produce graduates who:

1. Have a mastery of the Microsoft Office suite of business productivity programs (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software).
2. Master the skills necessary to produce professional looking documents utilizing software application (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software).
3. Are prepared with the specialist skills required for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
4. Demonstrate keyboarding speed and accuracy with a minimum touch keyboarding rate of 40 words per minute on a three-minute timed writing with 95% accuracy.
5. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
6. Conduct research from a variety of sources.
7. Demonstrate computer literacy.

Note 1: Suggested Electives:

• OFFS-216 Administrative/Management Communications
• OFFS-497 Office Information Technology Cooperative Education
• SMBE-125 Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Students having certain professional IT certifications may be able to receive college credit for one or more courses in this program. For information, please see http://www.stcc.edu/academics/itcert.asp and your academic advisor.

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Office Information Technologies will be awarded.