Which Schools Offer Computer Technician Degrees in California?

Important Information on a Computer Technician Career in California

Computer technician programs are offered at the certificate and associate's degree level in California. Titles of these programs may range from computer technology certificate programs to associate's degree programs in computer information systems. These programs will prepare you for a range of professional roles in the field of computer technical support, such as help-desk technician and technical support specialist. Although you may need to eventually earn a bachelor's degree to gain more advanced employment, you should be able to find entry-level positions with an associate's degree and/or a certificate.

Salary and Job Outlook Information for Computer Technicians in California

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the outlook for these professionals is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all the other occupations nationwide. In 2011, the mean annual wage for computer support professionals nationwide was about $52,000, less than the approximately $59,000 for those professionals working in California.

Computer Technician Certificate Programs in California

City College of San Francisco

• Program Name: Computer Technician Certificate
• Program Length: 14 credits
• Tuition: $46 per credit hour for in-state students; $233 per credit hour for out-of-state students (costs as of 2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; more than 34,500 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112
• Phone: 415-239-3000

City College of San Francisco's computer technician certificate program comprises a series of courses, such as computer hardware, operating systems and Windows technology, in addition to one credit of real-world work experience. You'll learn a variety of professional skills necessary to identify, install, update, maintain, configure and improve computer systems. Once you've completed the program, you'll be ready to sit for the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Los Angeles City College

• Program Name: Computer Technology Certificate
• Program Length: 45 credits
• Tuition: $46 per credit unit for in-state students; $258 per credit unit for out-of-state students (costs as of 2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; more than 21,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 855 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029
• Phone: 323-953-4000 ext. 2810

Los Angeles City College's computer technology certificate program will provide you with both theoretical and practical training in a variety of computing areas, such as robotics, automation, industrial control and networking. Once you complete this program, you will be prepared to sit for the CompTIA A+ certifying exam. You may also be well-positioned to pursue the college's associate's degree in computer technology.

Computer Technician Associate's Degree Programs in California

City College of San Francisco

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Computer Networking and Information Technology
• Program Length: two years
• Tuition: $46 per credit hour for in-state students; $233 per credit hour for out-of-state students (costs as of 2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; more than 34,500 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112
• Phone: 415-239-3000

City College of San Francisco's associate's degree program in computer networking and information technology will prepare you for entry-level employment in a variety of fields, including network administration, comport support and Web development. The curriculum covers topics in computer technical support, Web development, network security, Cisco networking, wireless networks and Microsoft Windows. Additional topics covered in the program include firewalls, computer forensics, routing protocols, operating systems and computer technical support.

Laney College

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems
• Program Length: two years
• Tuition: $36 per credit unit for in-state students; $177 per credit unit for out-of-state students (costs as of 2011-2013 catalog)
• School Type: 2-year, public; more than 12,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 900 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94607
• Phone: 510-834-5740

Laney College's associate's degree program in computer information systems comprises technical and theoretical instruction in a range of areas related to information technology, such as programming languages, data communications, operating systems, network security and game theory. The computer programming language and systems courses offered in this program can be transferred to 4-year colleges and universities within the California university system.

Los Angeles City College

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Computer Technology
• Program Length: two years
• Tuition: $46 per credit unit for in-state students; $258 per credit unit for out-of-state students (costs as of 2012)
• School Type: 2-year, public; more than 21,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 855 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029
• Phone: 323-953-4000 ext. 2810

Los Angeles City College's associate's degree program in computer technology is essentially an extension of the certificate program with the addition of general education requirements. You'll pursue courses that explore areas such as digital circuits, microprocessors, data communications, circuit boards and computer hardware. Unlike the certificate program, the associate's degree program prepares you for the CompTIA Network + certification, a more advanced designation than the CompTIA A+.