Computer Technical Support Program | Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, Pennsylvania

Learn to Troubleshoot and Repair Computer Hardware and Software

Rick is a graduate of the Tech Support program who works at the college's IT Help Desk

Why Choose Computer Technical Support as a Career?

Students interested in computer technical support are those who are meticulous in their work habits and are very patient. They are strong problem solvers and critical thinkers. While thinking outside the box can be valuable, following instructions and analyzing problems are strong assets.

The most important traits for students in the technical support option are the ability to work both as an effective team member and be able to work independently with little supervision. They must be excellent communicators both verbally and in writing.

The technical support program provides students with a strong foundation in computer applications, including operating systems, PC hardware, productivity applications and networking.

Emphasis will be placed on the installation, configuration, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of computer hardware systems, operating systems, websites and application software.

What Will I Learn?

Computer Technology, AAS - Technical Support Option

The Technical Support option at Westmoreland prepares students to understand the concepts of computer design and operation install, configure, and troubleshoot popular computer applications.

The option teaches students to troubleshoot and repair computer hardware and software and develop competency in the Microsoft Office productivity suite.

Students will learn to describe the principles of WAN/LAN network administration and maintain website content. Students will develop oral, written and listening communication skills, and integrate and apply mathematical skills to solve quantitative problems. View Computer Technology, AAS - Technical Support Option in the College Catalog

What Will I Earn?

If you plan to stay in the region, there are many occupations related to this program degree and certificates. In the 10-county region* surrounding Westmoreland County Community College, the earnings for occupations range from $19.16 - $56.69 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $37.72. 

It is important to remember that wages vary based on level of education, experience, job location and other factors. 

Source: Data provided by Lightcast™ (https://lightcast.io/) 2026.1

* 10-county region includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment as technical support technicians, network technicians, junior systems analysts, technical sales representatives, customer service technicians, help-desk analysts, IT trainers and web content developers.

Job opportunities will be available with companies in the fields of hardware manufacturing, software publishing, PC consulting, IT engineering and sales, and any company deploying microcomputers in the workplace.

Program Fees

Tuition
  • $143 per credit (Westmoreland County Residents) - $4,433 for 31 credits
  • $280 per credit (Out-of-County Residents) - $8,680 for 31 credits
  • $420 per credit (Out-of-State Residents) - $13,020 for 31 credits
Fees
  • General Fee $72 per credit (Westmoreland County Resident) - $2,232 for 31 credits
  • General Fee $70 per credit (Out-of-County and Out-of-State Residents) - $2,170 for 31 credits
    • Computer Technology Technical Support Courses First Semester - 6 credits
    • General Education Courses First Semester - 10 credits
    • Computer Technology Technical Support Courses Second Semester - 9 credits
    • General Education Courses Second Semester - 3 credits
  • Capital Fee $6 per credit (Out-of-County/Out-of-State Residents) - $186 for 31 credits
  • Lab Fee Computer Technology Technical Support Courses - $70-$80 per course
    • First Semester - 0 courses
    • Second Semester - 0 courses
  • Lab Fee Non-Computer Technology Technical Support Courses - $70-$80 per course
    • First Semester - 0 courses
    • Second Semester - 0 courses
  • *Software Fees - None
Textbooks
  • *Estimated textbooks - $700
  • *Estimated textbooks , general education - $1,000
Materials (estimated)
  • Laptop - Windows 11 OS, 16 GB RAM - $900
  • Flash Drive - 8GB min - $15
  • Raspberry Pi 5 Cana Starter Kit - $170
 

*Fees, excluding college established Tuition Fees, are estimates and subject to change without notice.

Tuition
  • $143 per credit (Westmoreland County Residents) - $4,433 for 31 credits
  • $280 per credit (Out-of-County Residents) - $8,680 for 31 credits
  • $420 per credit (Out-of-State Residents) - $13,020 for 31 credits
Fees
  • General Fee $72 per credit (Westmoreland County Resident) - $2,232 for 31 credits
  • General Fee $70 per credit (Out-of-County and Out-of-State Residents) - $2,170 for 31 credits
    • Computer Technology Technical Support Courses First Semester - 12 credits
    • General Education Courses First Semester - 4 credits
    • Computer Technology Technical Support Courses Second Semester - 12 credits
    • General Education Courses Second Semester - 3 credits
  • Capital Fee $6 per credit (Out-of-County/Out-of-State Residents)  - $186 for 31 credits
  • Lab Fee Computer Technology Technical Support Courses - $70-$80 per course
    • First Semester - 0 courses
    • Second Semester - 0 courses
  • Lab Fee Non-Computer Technology Technical Support Courses - $70-$80 per course
    • First Semester - 0 courses
    • Second Semester - 0 courses
  • *Software Fees - None
Textbooks
  • *Estimated textbooks - $950
  • *Estimated textbooks , general education - $1,000
Materials (estimated)
Same as year one - one time purchase
  • Laptop - Windows 11 OS, 16 GB RAM - $900
  • Flash Drive - 8GB min - $15
  • Raspberry Pi 5 Cana Starter Kit - $170
 

*Fees, excluding college established Tuition Fees, are estimates and subject to change without notice.