Online Application Software Support Specialist Certificate
Program Overview
The Application Software Support Specialist Certificate program at the University of Cincinnati Online helps students learn job-ready skills in the computer support workforce.
Application Software Support Specialist
Earn the credentials and skills required to become a key team player within a business needing advanced skills in computer support, spreadsheets, web development, data analysis, and Internet marketing. The Certificate can be completed in less than one year and also affords students a seamless pathway into an Associate Degree in Information Technology or Business Applications Technology. This certificate can also be an additional qualification that Associate degree students in Business or Paralegal can acquire.
Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Associate Degree Transfer Program: graduates can transition into UC’s (100% online) Associate of Applied Business Information Technology program or Associate of Applied Business Applications Technology to further their education.
Flexibility
- 100% online: no campus visits are required
- Part-time and full-time scheduling: have the flexibility to balance work and family obligations while completing your degree
- Three start dates per year: with courses offered year-round, students are offered the convenience of beginning their certificate in Fall, Spring, or Summer
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Curriculum
The online Application Software Support Specialist Certificate is 18 credit hours and provides part-time and full-time options to all students. The program accepts students 3 time a year in Spring, Summer or Fall. Upon gaining your certificate, you will be able proficient in creating professional spreadsheets, web development, data visualization, and utilizing multimedia (specifically for internet marketing).
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| IT1001C | Computer Applications In this course, students perform basic business and academic tasks on a PC running the Windows operating system. Students are provided instruction in the Microsoft Office suite that covers Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Students learn how to work with a word processor, spreadsheet, data tables, and presentation software. |
3 |
| IS2080C | Digital Technologies for Business Information Systems (IS)-and the enabling digital technologies-constitute integral and critical resources for all aspects of a business, from operational efficiency and managerial decision making, to the implementation of transformative business strategies. Businesses spend over $1 trillion annually on technology and related information systems. This course is designed to help students develop a working knowledge of digital technologies, to understand business opportunities created by digital technologies, and to gain awareness of how organizations leverage digital technologies to improve organizational processes and enhance related business strategies.The course also has a hands-on component-students will develop specific competencies in using spreadsheet, database, and web development tools to make informed business and financial decisions. |
|
| IT1050 | Fundamentals of Information Technology This course is an introduction to the field of Information Technology including technology concepts, terminology, hardware components and software applications. Students will be introduced to and asked to apply basic skills in the core areas of information technology such as programming, database management, networking, systems administration, and web development and the basic research, problem solving and decision making skills required to be successful in this field. The course emphasizes the role of technical communication, project management, languages, tools, models and application architectures within the IT development process. |
3 |
| IT2040C | Fundamentals of Web Development This is a foundation course in Web Technology that covers the underpinnings of the technology and a variety of modern standards. The course covers modern web standards, well-formed and valid documents, semantic HTML, user-centered design of static web sites, styling and layout of Web documents with CSS, common tools for Web Site development. Emphasis is on coding syntactically correct Web documents which are also visually appealing, and accessible to users using assistive technologies. You will learn HTML5, CSS3, responsive and user-centric design, XML, and SVG. Hands-on active learning required. |
3 |
| IT1051C | Fundamentals of Digital Media This course provides an introduction and overview of software tools and techniques for creating digital media including text, images, sound, video, and interactive media. The focus is on using multimedia to communicate technical information effectively to technical and non-technical audiences. Hands-on active learning required. |
|
| BIT2020C | Spreadsheet Applications Hands-on course that covers intermediate skills associated with spreadsheet software. The course consists of examination of spreadsheets concepts, planning, modifying and creating spreadsheets and charts, and applying knowledge to solve business problems. |
3 |
| IS2060 | Fundamentals of Data Visualization This course focuses on the fundamental principles of data analysis, visual presentation, chart types and how to acquire and process data. The course will present a variety of methods to gather data, analyze data, and visually present data. |
3 |
Admission Requirements
UC Online’s Application Software Support Specialist Certificate welcomes applicants from various educational backgrounds.
Prerequisites
First-Year:
High school diploma, final official high school transcript, GED or home-school equivalent.
There are two courses that must be taken before enrolling in the certificate:
- IT 1050- Fundamentals of Information Technology
- IT 1001C- Computer Applications OR IS 2080C- Digital Technologies for Business
Transfer:
Transferability is based on school accreditation, course/content comparability, year taken, and final grade.
Submit all official transcripts for every school attended.
Application Process
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees*:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
*Application fees for online programs are waived through Spring 2027 for all applicants.
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Application Deadlines
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Spring 2027 Summer 2027 Fall 2027 |
November 15, 2026 March 15, 2027 July 15, 2027 |
January 11, 2027 May 10, 2027 August 23, 2027 |
Tuition & Fees
The University of Cincinnati's online programs allow students to pursue degrees without having to quit their jobs. Our online courses offer the same quality education found on campus in a modern format that fits students’ tight budgets and busy schedules.
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Accreditation & Rankings
- The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Careers & Outcomes
Who Is This Program For?
This program may be a good fit for:
- Students preparing to enter the information technology field
- Career changers seeking practical computer-support skills
- Administrative or business professionals expanding their technical abilities
- Professionals who support workplace software and business applications
- Students planning to continue into an information technology associate degree
Career Opportunities
Application software support professionals help users work effectively with computer programs, digital tools and workplace technology. They may install or configure applications, troubleshoot user issues, document solutions, analyze data and train employees on new software.
Depending on previous experience, technical skills and employer requirements, certificate graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Application support specialist
- Computer user support specialist
- Help desk technician
- Service desk specialist
- Software support technician
- Technical support specialist
- Business applications support specialist
- IT support specialist
Graduates may find opportunities with technology companies, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, manufacturers, schools, retailers and other organizations that depend on business software and technical support.
With experience and additional education or credentials, professionals may advance into roles such as senior application support specialist, systems support analyst, business systems analyst, application administrator, IT project coordinator or technical consultant. Longer-term opportunities may include application support manager, service desk manager, IT operations manager or director of business applications.
Systems architecture, engineering, cybersecurity and senior leadership positions generally require broader technical experience and may require an associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer user support specialists earned a national median annual wage of $61,860 in May 2025, while computer network support specialists earned a median annual wage of $76,220.
Approximately 48,700 openings are expected each year as workers transfer to other occupations or leave the workforce.
BLS notes that education requirements vary. User-support positions may require college coursework or relevant technical certifications, while network-support positions more commonly require an associate degree. These figures cover a broad occupational category and are not program-specific salary or employment outcomes. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Computer Support Specialists
Build Your Credentials
Depending on their career goals, professionals may complement the certificate with certifications related to technical support, operating systems, business applications, networking, cloud platforms or service management. Examples may include:
- CompTIA A+, Network+ or Security+
- Microsoft application or cloud credentials
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- ITIL® Foundation
- Vendor-specific software support certifications
The most useful credential will depend on the technologies used by the employer and the student’s intended specialization. Some employers require support specialists to earn certifications for specific products or platforms.
Continue Your Education at UC
Graduates can transition into UC’s Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology, with certificate credits applying directly toward the associate degree. The program provides a broader foundation in software development, networking, systems administration, database management, digital media, technical support and cybersecurity.
Students interested in applying technology to business processes can also continue into UC’s Associate of Applied Business in Business Applications Technology.
After completing an associate degree, students may pursue additional education in information technology, cybersecurity, software development, data or technology management. Professionals who later earn a bachelor’s degree may consider UC’s Master of Science in Information Technology for advanced technical specialization and leadership preparation. Admission and transfer-credit requirements vary by program.
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