Computer Operations and Security Specialist is a Certificate program (Hybrid) offered by Asher College in Dallas, TX. The program takes 49 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $25,991.
Program Overview
If you’re interested in a career in Information Technology and want to be highly capable in both Windows and Linux Operating Systems used by larger organizations, the Computer Operations and Security Specialist program from Asher College could be a great fit.
Get hands-on training, practical experience, and personalized support. Plus, earn certifications like A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, and Linux+ as you go.
When you train as a Computer Operations and Security Specialist, you’ll gain the fundamental skills you need to pursue your new IT career. Upon graduation, you’ll enter the professional world with hands-on training in the following areas:
- PC Repair and Maintenance
- Networking Fundamentals
- PC and Network Security
- Linux Operating System
Asher College's implementation of Hybrid methodology includes live video events, webinars, one-on-one virtual meetings, discussion boards and other virtual solutions. The hybrid model has an on-campus attendance obligation during each week of a student’s program. Students are monitored by Academic Activities and Regular Substantive Interaction with faculty.
What sets this Program apart
Earn CompTIA & Other Certifications Sooner. Most IT schools require you to complete an entire program before you can pursue industry certifications, which you typically have to do on your own after graduation. Because Asher College is a testing center, our students can pursue important industry certifications as part of their program and in less time. As an IT student with Asher, you can earn certifications while you’re still in school and be qualified to apply for relevant jobs even before you graduate.
Economical. Meet certification eligibility requirements and we cover the cost of your industry exams.
PC Repair Clinic – Get Real-World Experience. Get first-hand practice and job preparation with our PC clinics. Asher College hosts a PC clinic every week onsite, where free repairs are offered to the community. This gives you a chance to see how you would deal with various situations while on the job. You’ll feel confident and capable when you’re able to successfully make PC repairs by yourself.
Admission Requirements and Process
When the student is interested in pursuing admission, they must meet with an Admissions Advisor and Financial Aid Representative or Veteran School Certifying Official and provide proof of eligibility. Following completion of these steps, if the prospective student meets the admissions requirements, as demonstrated through the interview and the ability to meet the financial obligations, they are eligible for admission.
Program prerequisites: High School Diploma, HS Equivalent or Proof of Eligibility. An entrance exam is required only for the Pharmacy Technician and AAS Pharmacy Technology programs (catalog addendum, January 1, 2026).
General Requirements
- Admissions and financial aid meetingYou must meet with an Admissions Advisor and a Financial Aid Representative or Veteran School Certifying Official to explore programs and eligibility.
- Proof of eligibilityPresent proof of eligibility such as a high school diploma, high school transcripts with a graduation date, a GED® or their equivalent (such as the TASC or HiSET, or the…
- AgeYou must be 18 years of age or have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the admissions paperwork on your behalf.
- English proficiencyAll courses are taught in English and Asher College does not provide English-as-a-Second-Language instruction, so students must be able to speak English when instruction requires…
- Computer and internet accessHybrid and IDL students need a laptop computer with internet access, video-conferencing capability and email; Chromebook and Mac computers are not compatible with the learning…
Application Process
- 1Contact UsFill out an interest form, call 888-211-8829, or schedule a career planning session on campus or a virtual appointment.
- 2Understand the RequirementsYour Admissions Representative will ask for a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or equivalent; every student must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
- 3Learn About Your Future Career OptionsAfter a brief phone interview, Admissions schedules a career planning session and campus tour to discuss your goals, the programs and the hands-on training.
- 4Discover Your Financial Aid AvailabilityYour Admissions Representative introduces you to a Financial Aid Representative to explore the aid you may qualify for; use FAFSA school code 040573.
- 5Enroll with Asher CollegeOnce you understand the program details and expectations, you begin the enrollment agreement process and are scheduled for orientation.
- 6Begin Your Asher College Student ExperienceAt orientation you meet the staff and are issued your books, supplies, logins and a student email.
Program Schedule
Student status. Full time = 24 hours/week; ¾ time = 18 hours/week; Half time = 12 hours/week.
Program length. Full time = 49 weeks; ¾ time = 65 weeks; Half time = 98 weeks.
Start dates. Asher College utilizes an open enrollment policy with classes beginning every other Monday (Two Start Dates Each Month at the Dallas campus); program end dates are calculated prior to enrollment and vary by start date, program and hours per week. The next start date listed for the Dallas campus is October 19, 2026.
Attendance. Minimum on-campus attendance each week: Part-Time = 8 hours on campus; Three Quarter Time = 12 hours on campus; Full Time = 16 hours on campus.
Class times. Flexible Scheduling – Day, evening, and weekend class options are available.
Holidays. Asher College closes campus for New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Program cost. Dallas Catalog (eff. Jan 1, 2026) tuition and fee schedule (p.111): tuition $25,991; registration fee $200; books $709; total $26,900.
Payment methods. Check, credit card, third party payments, federal loans and grants, private loans and other methods are accepted. Terms are dependent upon agreement with students and any third-party participants. TFC Credit Corp. processes and manages Asher student notes.
Federal financial aid. Asher College participates in Federal Pell Grants, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford (Direct) Loans, Federal PLUS Loans and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). While filling out your FAFSA connect to Asher College with the code 040573.
Veterans education benefits. Military Benefits Accepted at Asher College include Chapter 31, 33, and 35. Each Campus also accepts GI Bill®, Chapter 31 and is eligible to accept the military spouse My Career Advancement Scholarship program.
Asher Advantage Scholarship. Available based on financial need; students fill out a FAFSA and a Scholarship Request Form. Dallas can approve per quarter 12 scholarships up to $20,000. Scholarships are disbursed to the tuition account once the student has completed 80% of the program with a 2.75 GPA or better; no cash is disbursed in place of the scholarship.
Net Price Calculator. https://asher.edu/net-price-calculator/
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.
Curriculum
The COSS program totals 1,180 clock hours (430 lecture, 750 laboratory) and 80.5 quarter credit hours (CIP 11.1003; SOC 15-1232.00).
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
The COSS certification is appropriate for job roles including:
- Computer Support Specialist
- Technical Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Network Technician
- Jr. Network Administrator
- Help Desk
- Network Operations Analyst
- PC technician
As a graduate of the Computer Operations and Security Specialist Program, you may find work in positions including:
- Help Desk
- PC Support Technician
- Jr. Data Center Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Technician
- Desktop Support
What to expect as a Asher College student
Hybrid Delivery Model. Asher College’s implementation of Hybrid methodology includes live video events, webinars, one-on-one virtual meetings, discussion boards, and other virtual solutions. The hybrid model has an on-campus attendance obligation during each week of a student’s program. Students are provided with any physical course material needed prior to beginning a course and have access to all lesson plans and digital course material for any currently enrolled course or previously taken course through the student portal.
Convenience & Support. Hands-On Learning in On-Campus Learning Labs, Community Interaction On-Campus & Online, and Personalized Support When & How You Need It. Every Asher College campus is open 6 days per week, Monday through Saturday.
A Career Services Department Dedicated to Your Success. We provide the highest level of support to students each and every day. At Asher College, you’ll be known by name, and your professional goals will be embraced by our career training faculty and staff. We offer free tutoring and comprehensive career services assistance designed to help you land that perfect position after you graduate.
The Dallas campus. Asher College is located on the 6th floor of the Prosperity Bank Building off highway 635 on the south end of 635 in between the Greenville and Abrams exits. The campus also has great access to public transportation with a bus stop about a ¼ of a mile away, and 2 light rail stations nearby. Asher College has established connections with employers throughout the region. Our graduates have gone to work for companies such as CompuCom, CSC, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Samsung, BuzzClan, Vazata, AIO Solutions, TekSystems and Frontier Communications.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Asher College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) through December 30, 2028. The Dallas campus is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools & Colleges, Austin, Texas.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
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