Computer Support Specialists

Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators Do you enjoy solving problems, working with people and have good technology skills? Computer support or systems administration may be good career choices for you. The career education information presented here will help you learn more about careers in computer support and systems administration, the job outlook, the education required, and the career opportunities.

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Computer Support Specialists

Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators Do you enjoy solving problems, working with people and have good technology skills? Computer support or systems administration may be good career choices for you. The career education information presented here will help you learn more about careers in computer support and systems administration, the job outlook, the education required, and the career opportunities.

Learn more in the career education information listed below:

• Job Description
• Employment
• Job Outlook
• Related Occupations
• Working Conditions
• Education, Training & Qualifications
• Salary Expectations
• Associations, Resources & Accreditation

Overview

• Computer support specialists and systems administrators are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2000-10 period.
• Job prospects should best for college graduates who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies; certifications and practical experience are essential for persons without degrees.

Job Description

In the last decade, computers have become an integral part of everyday life, used for a variety of reasons at home, in the workplace, and at schools. And almost every computer user encounters a problem occasionally, whether it is the disaster of a crashing hard drive or the annoyance of a forgotten password. The explosion of computer use has created a high demand for specialists to provide advice to users, as well as day-to-day administration, maintenance, and support of computer systems and networks.

Computer support specialists provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and other users. This group includes technical support specialists and help-desk technicians. These troubleshooters interpret problems and provide technical support for hardware, software, and systems. They answer phone calls, analyze problems using automated diagnostic programs, and resolve recurrent difficulties. Support specialists may work either within a company that uses computer systems or directly for a computer hardware or software vendor. Increasingly, these specialists work for help-desk or support services firms, where they provide computer support on a contract basis to clients.

Technical support specialists are troubleshooters, providing valuable assistance to their organization's computer users. Because many nontechnical employees are not computer experts, they often run into computer problems they cannot resolve on their own. Technical support specialists install, modify, clean, and repair computer hardware and software. They also may work on monitors, keyboards, printers, and mice.

Technical support specialists answer phone calls from their organizations' computer users and may run automatic diagnostics programs to resolve problems. They also may write training manuals and train computer users how to properly use the new computer hardware and software. In addition, technical support specialists oversee the daily performance of their company's computer systems and evaluate software programs for usefulness.

Help-desk technicians assist computer users with the inevitable hardware and software questions not addressed in a product's instruction manual. Help-desk technicians field telephone calls and e-mail messages from customers seeking guidance on technical problems. In responding to these requests for guidance, help-desk technicians must listen carefully to the customer, ask questions to diagnose the nature of the problem, and then patiently walk the customer through the problem-solving steps.

Help-desk technicians deal directly with customer issues, and companies value them as a source of feedback on their products. These technicians are consulted for information about what gives customers the most trouble as well as their concerns. Most computer support specialists start out at the help desk.

Network or computer systems administrators design, install, and support an organization's LAN, WAN, network segment, Internet, or Intranet system. They provide day-to-day onsite administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government, and large corporations. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure availability to system users. These workers gather data to identify customer needs and then use that information to identify, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements. Administrators also may plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures.

Systems administrators are the information technology employees responsible for the efficient use of networks by organizations. They ensure that the design of an organization's computer site allows all the components, including computers, the network, and software, to fit together and work properly. Furthermore, they monitor and adjust performance of existing networks and continually survey the current computer site to determine future network needs. Administrators also troubleshoot problems as reported by users and automated network monitoring systems and make recommendations for enhancements in the construction of future servers and networks.

In some organizations, computer security specialists may plan, coordinate, and implement the organization's information security. These and other growing specialty occupations reflect the increasing emphasis on client-server applications, the expansion of Internet and Intranet applications, and the demand for more end-user support.

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Working Conditions

Computer support specialists and systems administrators normally work in well lit, comfortable offices or computer laboratories. They usually work about 40 hours a week, but that may include evening or weekend work if the employer requires computer support over extended hours. Overtime may be necessary when unexpected technical problems arise. Like other workers who type on a keyboard for long periods, computer support specialists and systems administrators are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Due to the heavy emphasis on helping all types of computer users, computer support specialists and systems administrators constantly interact with customers and fellow employees as they answer questions and give valuable advice. Those who work as consultants are away from their offices much of the time, sometimes spending months working in a client's office.

As computer networks expand, more computer support specialists and systems administrators may be able to connect to a customer's computer remotely using modems, laptops, e-mail, and the Internet to provide technical support to computer users. This capability would reduce or eliminate travel to the customer's workplace. Systems administrators also can administer and configure networks and servers remotely, though it not as common as with computer support specialists.

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Employment

Computer support specialists and systems administrators held about 734,000 jobs in 2000. Of these, about 506,000 were computer support specialists and about 229,000 were network and computer systems administrators. Although they worked in a wide range of industries, about one-third of all computer support specialists and systems administrators were employed in business services industries, principally computer and data processing services. Other industries that employed substantial numbers of these workers include banks, government agencies, insurance companies, educational institutions, and wholesale and retail vendors of computers, office equipment, appliances, and home electronic equipment. Many computer support specialists also worked for manufacturers of computers and other office equipment and for firms making electronic components and other accessories.

Employers of computer support specialists and systems administrators range from start-up companies to established industry leaders. With the continued development of the Internet, telecommunications, and e-mail, industries not typically associated with computers-such as construction - increasingly need computer-related workers. Small and large firms across all industries are expanding or developing computer systems, creating an immediate need for computer support specialists and systems administrators.

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Education, Training & Qualifications

Due to the wide range of skills required, there are a multitude of ways workers can become a computer support specialist or a systems administrator. While there is no universally accepted way to prepare for a job as a computer support specialist, many employers prefer to hire persons with some formal college education. A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems is a prerequisite for some jobs; however, other jobs may require only a computer-related associate degree. For systems administrators, many employers seek applicants with bachelor's degrees, though not necessarily in a computer-related field.

Many companies are becoming more flexible about requiring a college degree for support positions because of the explosive demand for specialists. However, certification and practical experience demonstrating these skills will be essential for applicants without a degree. Completion of a certification training program, offered by a variety of vendors and product makers, may help some people to qualify for entry-level positions. Relevant computer experience may substitute for formal education.

Beginning computer support specialist start out at an organization dealing directly with customers or in-house users. Then, they may advance into more responsible positions in which they use what they learn from customers to improve the design and efficiency of future products. Job promotions usually depend more on performance than on formal education. Eventually, some computer support specialists become applications developers, designing products rather than assisting users. Computer support specialists at hardware and software companies often enjoy great upward mobility; advancement sometimes comes within months of initial employment.

Entry-level network and computer systems administrators are involved in routine maintenance and monitoring of computer systems, typically working behind the scenes in an organization. After gaining experience and expertise, they often are able to advance into more senior-level positions in which they take on more responsibilities. For example, senior network and computer systems administrators may present recommendations to management on matters related to a company's network. They also may translate the needs of an organization into a set of technical requirements, based on the available technology. As with support specialists, administrators may become software engineers, actually involved in the designing of the system or network, not just the day-to-day administration.

Persons interested in becoming a computer support specialist or systems administrator must have strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills because troubleshooting and helping others are a vital part of the job. The constant interaction with other computer personnel, customers, and employees require computer support specialists and systems administrators to communicate effectively on paper, via e-mail, or in person. Strong writing skills are useful when preparing manuals for employees and customers.

As technology continues to improve, computer support specialists and systems administrators must keep their skills current and acquire new ones. Many continuing education programs are offered by employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions. Professional development seminars offered by computing services firms also can enhance one's skills.

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Job Outlook

Computer support specialists and systems administrators are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2000-10 period.

Employment is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technology. Job growth will continue to be driven by rapid gains in computer and data processing services, which is projected to be the fastest growing industry in the U.S. economy.

The falling prices of computer hardware and software should help businesses expand their computing applications and integrate new technology into their operations. To maintain a competitive edge and operate more efficiently, firms will continue to demand computer specialists who are knowledgeable about the latest technologies and able to apply them to meet the needs of the organization.

Demand for computer support specialists is expected to increase because of the rapid pace of improved technology. As computers and software become more complex, support specialists will be needed to provide technical assistance to customers and other users. Consulting opportunities for computer support specialists also should continue to grow as businesses increasingly need help managing, upgrading, and customizing more complex computer systems.

Demand for systems administrators will grow as a result of the upsurge in electronic commerce and as computer applications continue to expand. Companies are looking for workers knowledgeable in the function and administration of networks. Such employees have become increasingly hard to find as systems administration has moved from being a separate function within corporations to one which forms a crucial element of business in an increasingly high-technology economy.

The growth of electronic commerce means more establishments use the Internet to conduct their business online. This translates into a need for information technology specialists who can help organizations use technology to communicate with employees, clients, and consumers. Explosive growth in these areas also is expected to fuel demand for specialists knowledgeable about network, data, and communications security.

Job prospects should be best for college graduates who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies, particularly if they have supplemented their formal education with some relevant work experience. Employers will continue to seek computer specialists who possess a strong background in fundamental computer skills combined with good interpersonal and communication skills. Due to the rapid growth in demand for computer support specialists and systems administrators, those who have strong computer skills but do not have a bachelor's degree should continue to qualify for some entry-level positions. However, certifications and practical experience are essential for persons without degrees.

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Salary Expectations

Median annual earnings of computer support specialists were $36,460 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,680 and $48,440. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,480. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer support specialists in 2000 were:

• Professional and commercial equipment $42,970
• Computer and data processing services $37,860
• Personnel supply services $34,080
• Colleges and universities $32,830
• Miscellaneous business services $21,070

Median annual earnings of network and computer systems administrators were $51,280 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $40,450 and $65,140. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,150. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of network and computer systems administrators in 2000 were:

• Computer and data processing services $54,400
• Telephone communication $52,620
• Management and public relations $51,340
• Elementary and secondary schools $45,450
• Colleges and universities $44,010

According to Robert Half International, starting salaries in 2001 ranged from $30,500 to $56,000 for help-desk support staff, and from $48,000 to $61,000 for more senior technical support specialists. For systems administrators, starting salaries in 2001 ranged from $50,250 to $70,750.

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Related Occupations

Other computer-related occupations include computer programmers; computer software engineers; systems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators; and operations research analysts.

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Associations, Resources & Accreditation

For additional information about a career as a computer support specialist, contact:

• Association of Computer Support Specialists
• Association of Support Professionals

For additional information about a career as a systems administrator, contact:

• System Administrators Guild

Further information about computer careers is available from:

• National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies

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Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ Return to top

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The Curriculum and Instruction Program is a graduate degree for bachelor prepared individuals who wish to develop and enhance their curriculum and instruction. The program encompasses the study of curricular planning and development with an integration of technology, assessment and evaluation practices, strategies for effective classroom instruction for a variety of learners and critical issues within the field of education. The English/language arts specialization focuses on the effective curricular, teaching, and assessment practices of the field, the process of language development, reading and phonological theories, and structured English immersion strategies.

The Curriculum and Instruction Program is a graduate degree for bachelor prepared individuals who wish to develop and enhance their curriculum and instruction repertoire. The program encompasses the study of curricular planning and development with an integration of technology, assessment and evaluation practices, strategies for effective classroom instruction for a variety of learners and critical issues within the field of education. The English as a second language (ESL) specialization focuses on instructional methods and materials for teaching English as a second language; theories for the acquisition of a second language; testing and evaluation of students studying English as a second language; and developing curriculum for English as a second language students.

The Curriculum and Instruction Program is a graduate degree for bachelor prepared individuals who wish to develop and enhance their curriculum and instruction. The program encompasses the study of curricular planning and development with an integration of technology, assessment and evaluation practices, strategies for effective classroom instruction for a variety of learners and critical issues within the field of education. The mathematics specialization focuses on the effective curricular, teaching, and assessment practices in the content areas of algebra, geometry, and statistics.

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The College of Education works closely with other departments responsible for providing and administering academic programming at the University and with each campus to ensure the quality delivery of all courses and programs.

The Master of Arts in Education degree program is designed to meet the specific needs of educators through specialization in several areas - Administration and Supervision, Adult Education and Distance Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, Curriculum and Technology, Early Childhood Education, Educational Counseling, Special Education, and Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education. Each area of specialization offers courses developed to enhance and refine the skills of the individual whether an administrator, educational counselor, classroom teacher, or corporate trainer.

The Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education is a graduate degree for educators seeking knowledge and expertise in the field of early childhood development and teaching. The curriculum includes instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, theories of early childhood growth and development, and the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood.

The Master of Arts in Education degree program involves a variety of learning formats, depending upon the subject matter and competencies to be developed. These formats include lecture, group work, and self-directed learning. Additional time is required outside of the formal class sessions for homework, learning team meetings, and project activities.

The Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education (MAED/TED-E) program is a degree program leading to teacher licensure. The guiding philosophy of the MAED/TED-E program is to provide the adult student, who already has a degree in a discipline other than education, with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to become a competent and effective educator. This program focuses on elementary student learning by improving the educator's responsibility for that learning.

Student teaching is an integral component of the Teacher Education Program. It provides students with a field-based experience at the appropriate grade and content level. Student teachers work with a cooperating teacher from a school site and with a University of Phoenix faculty advisor. The student teaching experience is designed to emphasize the achievement of state standards leading to certification and to present individuals with growth opportunities that best prepare them to assume the duties of a certified classroom teacher.

The Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education (MAED/TED-S) program is a degree program leading to teacher licensure. The guiding philosophy of the MAED/TED-S program is to provide the adult student, who already has a degree in a discipline other than education, with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to become a competent and effective educator. This program focuses on secondary student learning by improving the educator's responsibility for that learning.

Student teaching is an integral component of the Teacher Education Program. It provides students with a field-based experience at the appropriate grade and content level. Student teachers work with a cooperating teacher from a school site and with a University of Phoenix faculty advisor. The student teaching experience is designed to emphasize the achievement of state standards leading to certification and to present individuals with growth opportunities that best prepare them to assume the duties of a certified classroom teacher.

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon.

The Master of Arts in Education degree program with a specialization in Special Education prepares candidates to be cross categorical special educators. The program curriculum includes a survey of exceptional students, foundations and methodologies of mild disabilities, diagnosis and assessment of disabilities, management of student behavior, instruction in the content areas, and collaboration and resource management for the special educator. A supervised student teaching experience in special education is incorporated into the degree.

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program prepares leaders who can effectively respond to the dynamic and ever-changing health care industry. These individuals have a capacity to critically examine and evaluate issues and trends and are empowered to influence the destiny of the global health care system. Curriculum is tailored to the needs of the health care leader/manager by providing content in finance, policy, research, technology, quality improvement, economics, marketing and strategic planning. In addition, students will also be asked to complete course work related to their area of concentration such as public health, long-term care, and health informatics.

Graduates of the MHA program will have enhanced their management/administrative background and specialty area through the completion of a curriculum that provides students with the latest theories and contemporary practice applications. Graduates are able to define their role within the health care system and understand how to make necessary changes to create a work environment, which is team oriented and motivating to others.

This program specialization is designed to provide health care professionals with diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds with the knowledge and process of aging. Content is designed to provide students with relevant information related to the physical, mental, and social aspects of gerontology as well as human services, economic and legal factors that influence elders.

This program specialization is designed for health care and nursing professionals interested in pursuing careers in educational or service settings. Current educators can update or expand their knowledge in curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, and revitalize their teaching and learning strategies. Combining your current professional expertise with the knowledge of teaching and learning strategies, assessment and evaluation and curriculum, and program design will expand and enhance your role as a health care educator. Content can be applied to patient teaching, continuing education or in-service education, community health education, as well as to the role and delivery of academic education.

This program specialization is designed for health care and nursing professionals interested in pursuing or advancing in careers associated with health care informatics and technology. Individuals with no background in informatics receive an overview of informatics as it relates to delivery within a health care facility. The program is designed to provide the learner with current knowledge in concepts of health care informatics, systems life cycle, and data management.

The Master of Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students learn to synthesize business concepts and practices presented in this program to develop solutions for specific managerial situations found within the organizational environment. Areas of focus include development of human capital, implementation of organizational initiatives, managing conflict, fostering creativity, innovation through organizational design, and managing in a cross-cultural environment.

The Master of Management program at University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem-solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information-utilization, and critical-thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem-solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical-thinking skills during their presentations. Learning teams will apply the principles of benchmarking throughout the program to research the most creative solutions to a problem. This will enrich the alternatives that learners consider in evaluating possible solutions to the problems.

Throughout the program, students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Management/Human Resources Management program (MM/HRM) is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students focus on leadership, management-or the human side of an organization. This program places emphasis on emerging management theory, techniques, and practices.

The College of Graduate Business has created interactive, multimedia, case-based simulations that place students in real-world environments and require them to apply critical thinking skills to decision-making situations. Each simulation offers learners the opportunity to identify the information required to solve the problem, assess alternative solutions, and receive feedback on their choices.

The MM/HRM program develops management skills in defining business problems, assessing information, considering alternatives, and choosing the best solutions. Graduates attain the skill sets necessary to evaluate and manage the challenges facing contemporary organizations.

The Master of Management/Public Administration program (MM/PA) is designed to enhance the management skills needed to function effectively within an organization. Students focus on leadership and management-the human side of an organization. This program emphasizes emerging management theory, techniques, and practices.

The College of Graduate Business has created interactive, multimedia, case-based simulations that place students in real-world environments and require them to apply critical thinking skills to decision-making situations. Each simulation offers learners the opportunity to identify the information required to solve the problem, assess alternative solutions, and receive feedback on their choices.

The MM/PA program develops management skills in defining business problems, assessing information, considering alternatives, and choosing the best solutions. Graduates attain the skill sets necessary to evaluate and manage the challenges facing contemporary organizations.

Program Description Coming Soon

The Master of Business Administration program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

The Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting (MBA/ACC) is designed to develop or enhance the financial management skills necessary to function effectively within private businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies. The program concentrates on managing human and fiscal resources within the structure, culture, and mission of any organization. The curriculum addresses advanced costing techniques, accounting theory, accounting information systems, issues in corporate taxation, executive management, budgeting, human resources management, organizational development, conflict management, strategic planning, information management, and decision making, among other subjects.

Globalization has increased the need for individuals with specialized knowledge and skills necessary to manage multicultural and multinational workforces effectively in a rapidly-changing environment. The MBA / Global Management program has been developed to provide those individuals the opportunity to study in a program specifically designed for their needs as current or future managers.

The Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within a health care organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at the University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

The MBA/HCM specialization is designed to provide students with the business management skills needed to manage successfully in today's health care delivery systems. The MBA/HCM program emphasizes the identification, analysis, and solution of complex management problems. Also addressed are health care concepts and decision models used by managers in today's health care environment. The MBA/HCM specialization is based upon courses in health care organizations, health care infrastructure, and current issues in health law and ethics.

The Master of Business Administration/Human Resources Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

In the MBA/HRM specialization, students will create complex business problem solving scenarios drawing upon skills and competencies mastered during the program. Students will gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined business problem to exploit management-based opportunities for an organization of their choice. They will apply business tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions, and will receive feedback on the choices they make. They will defend their solutions and recommend a course of action and performance-based evaluation metrics for the business problem.

The Master of Business Administration/Marketing program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within a marketing organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at the University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

In the MBA/MKT specialization, students will create complex business problem solving scenarios drawing upon skills and competencies mastered during the program. Students will gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined business problem to exploit marketing-based opportunities for an organization of their choice. They will apply business tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions, and will receive feedback on the choices they make. They will defend their solutions and recommend a course of action and performance-based evaluation metrics for the business problem.

The Master of Business Administration/Technology Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within a technology organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to technology-based problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

In the MBA/TM specialization, students will create complex business problem solving scenarios drawing upon skills and competencies mastered during the program. Students will gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined business problem to exploit technology-based opportunities for an organization of their choice. They will apply business tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions, and will receive feedback on the choices they make. They will defend their solutions and recommend a course of action and performance-based evaluation metrics for the business problem.

Learning teams will apply the principles of benchmarking throughout the program to research the most creative solutions to a technology problem. This will enrich the alternatives that learners consider in evaluating possible solutions to the problems.

The Master of Psychology program focuses on the general rather than clinical psychological study of individuals, including their behaviors, thought processes and emotions. The program will provide supervisors in a variety of disciplines with an understanding of the cognitive and affective processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior; research methodologies by which this knowledge is acquired; critical thinking and problem solving necessary to evaluate behavior; and the application of theoretical principles to inter- and intra-personal issues. The courses in this program do not have a clinical emphasis and do not lead to professional licensure.

The Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security degree provides the required knowledge for the student to develop competence in administering criminal justice or security programs. While distinctions between the roles of justice and security organizations are understood, the degree emphasizes an understanding of administrative responsibilities common to both disciplines. The value of cooperative interaction is also addressed. The degree provides the student with administrative program development and problem solving skills in preparation for promotional or transitional opportunities in the management of police, corrections, security or court operations.

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MIS) program is focused on the acquisition of information technology theory and the application of theory and practice to real world business opportunities and challenges. The courses provide current theory and knowledge of essential information technology components, as well as interpersonal and intra-organizational communication. While courses examine a broad range of information technology resources, the courses emphasize the management of such resources in order to meet an organization's challenges and goals. The program has six main threads: Business Management, Business Systems Analysis and Development, Programming Management, Databases, Networks and Telecommunications, The Web, and Admission to the MIS program requires a Business Degree. The mission of the MIS is to graduate the professional adult learner with the following competencies: An ability to successfully perform and obtain desired outcomes in a variety of information system and technology environments in a business; An ability to provide leadership and management to develop, support, and execute the strategic use of information systems and technology to meet the mission, goals, and objectives of a business; An ability to apply sound business principles to maximize the effectiveness of information systems and technology physical, financial, and human resources in support of the day-to-day operations of a business. Graduates of the MIS program will be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas: Effective communication; Management of hardware, software, human, and financial resources associated with information technology of an organization; Application of the principles of the system development life cycle; Comprehension of the interrelation of business and information technology, Awareness of the environmental factors, functional relationships, and business issues that affect information technology decisions within an organization, Comprehension of the dynamic nature of technology and the requisite need to maintain currency of knowledge; and Application of information technology to solve business problems.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), enhances the knowledge and skills of registered nurses with baccalaureate-degree preparation. The program prepares advanced practice nurses to function in leadership roles in practice and educational settings. Advanced nursing theory and research provide the foundation for nurses to influence the future of nursing and health care. Students complete core courses in advanced nursing content and process, as well as on leadership skills. Specializations assist students to concentrate on developing increased knowledge and/or skills in a specific area of content or advanced practice role. Thirty-nine credits are required for completion of the degree.

This online program focuses on developing leaders and educators to fill critical roles in nursing. Based on educational and professional guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Nurses Association, this program uses nationally known experts to help you acquire the knowledge to educate nursing students, staff and patients-and prepare for current and future career opportunities. The program is available to RNs with a BSN, ADN, or Diploma.

• Specializations include:Education
• Leadership and Management

The Master of Health Administration program is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to effectively respond in today's health care industry. The Health Care Education concentration is designed to enable current or potential educators to update or expand their knowledge in curriculum development, assessment, and evaluation, and revitalize their teaching and learning strategies.

The MSN/MHA program is designed to provide nurses with a unique blend of advanced nursing and healthcare related business skills to manage in today's evolving health care delivery systems. The program combines essential elements from both degree programs to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively examine and evaluate issues and trends impacting health care. Additionally, this program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.*

The MSN/MBA/HCM program is designed to provide nurses with a unique blend of advanced nursing and business management skills needed to manage today's innovative health care delivery systems. The program combines essentials from both degree programs to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance and support patient services. The MBA/HCM program emphasizes the identification, analysis, and solution of complex management problems that require technical understanding and balanced decision making. Although a functional knowledge of accounting, finance, and management underlies the program, equal attention is given to the development of report writing, oral reporting, and group process skills.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Fast Track Program Option provides nurse practitioners (NP) with a baccalaureate degree an opportunity to enhance their educational qualifications and complete their graduate degree in nursing without leaving their current employment or home community. Because of the past diversity of nurse practitioner educational tracks many NP's obtained their licensure through certificate programming that did not provide a graduate degree component. In recognition of the nurse practitioner's prior educational learning the College has developed an accelerated graduate degree completion option for this target audience. Student's complete core courses in advanced nursing content and process, finance, change management as well as content in evidence based nursing research. Twenty- five graduate credits are required for completion of the degree.

The Master of Psychology program focuses on the general rather than clinical psychological study of individuals, including their behaviors, thought processes, and emotions. The program will provide supervisors and managers in business, marketing, human resources, government services or education with an understanding of the cognitive and affective processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior; research methodologies by which this knowledge is acquired; critical thinking and problem solving necessary to evaluate behavior; and the application of theoretical principles to inter- and intra-personal issues.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), is a program designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of working registered nurses. The curriculum is built upon a foundation of biological, physical, and social sciences, which contribute to the science of nursing. The liberal arts components enhance the development of the intellectual, social, and cultural aspects of the professional nurse. This

instructional program includes behavioral objectives that concentrate on the development of the nurse's role as caregiver, teacher, and manager of care. Utilizing a self-care framework, working registered nurses are prepared as generalists who are able to apply progressional skills and knowledge to nursing, client, and health care systems.

One hallmark of the BSN program is that there is no testing of prior nursing knowledge if the RN is in good standing within the state practice. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program has a 39-credit required course of study - 36 credits in the nursing major and 3 credits in the integrating course. These courses fulfill only part of the 120-minimum-credit requirement for degree completion. skills and knowledge to nursing, clients, and health care systems.

Courses and degree programs at University of Phoenix Online are available entirely online. The University of Phoenix Online is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.