This fall, Moraine Park is offering a new Information Technology (IT) associate of applied science degree program specializing in applications support. The IT Applications Support Specialist program is one of the many IT programs offered at Moraine Park.

“The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in information technology occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2021-31 due to growth and replacement needs,” Bobbi Fields, Moraine Park dean of applied technology and trades, said. “This is not just a national trend, but also a trend that we observe in our state and across the Moraine Park district.”

Students in the program will obtain education and training on multiple business applications including Microsoft and Office 365 Administrator; and will be prepared to provide end-user training and support. The college partners with Microsoft to provide students free access to preparation materials and testing for the credentials.

“Regardless of industry, employers are looking for people with strong skills in different office applications,” Deb Clarke, Moraine Park associate dean of business and IT, said. “Students in this program will learn a variety of entry-level technology skills and prepare for Microsoft credentials that district employers are looking for in employees.”

Graduates of the program can leverage entry-level support positions within a variety of industries to master their software support skills and explore opportunities to further focus their IT interests. Some occupations include computer specialist, computer technician, desktop support technician, help desk analyst, technical support specialist and more.

“What makes this program truly unique is that we offer many of the courses through our dual credit program,” Bobbi Fields, Moraine Park dean of applied technology and trades, said. “The Office Software Specialist embedded certificate is designed to provide a pathway for entrance into the IT Application Support Specialist program and gives high school students an opportunity to get a jump-start on college and their future IT careers at no cost.”

Learn more about the program at morainepark.edu/academics/programs/information-technology-applications-support-specialist/.