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Studies & Degrees in Microcomputer Applications

Microcomputer applications is the study of the software that runs on personal computers and of how to use it at work: word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation tools and the operating system underneath them. The name dates from the years when the desktop PC was called a microcomputer. Today the same content is usually taught as computer applications, office technology or office software. Students learn to produce and format documents, organise and analyse data, manage files and keep a computer and its programs in working order.

The subject is rarely a degree of its own. It is normally one course or a short certificate inside a wider programme in information technology or office administration, or a module of a vocational qualification.

Qualifications and levels

  • A course within a certificate (United States). At Roxbury Community College in Boston, Microcomputer Applications is a three-credit course in the first semester of the Certificate in Information Systems Technology. The certificate runs over three semesters and also covers programming, Linux operating systems and network fundamentals. It is designed for people with little or no background in computer programming, and prepares them for entry-level support positions in training, sales or the use of common workplace computer programs.
  • Office technology certificates and diplomas (United States). Century College in Minnesota has grouped this content in its Office Technology programme, with a Software Applications Certificate, a Computer Skills Certificate, an Office Support Diploma and an Associate of Applied Science for administrative assistants. The college states that it has not admitted new students to this programme since the summer and fall semesters of 2025, so ask the college which computer courses it currently offers.
  • Vocational training (Spain). Two national qualifications cover the field. The Título Profesional Básico en Informática de Oficina is a basic vocational course of 2,000 hours for students aged 15 to 17, with a module on office software and document filing; it trains students to produce documents with word processors and spreadsheets. The Técnico en Sistemas Microinformáticos y Redes is an intermediate course (grado medio) of 2,000 hours, entered with the compulsory secondary education certificate (ESO) or an equivalent. Its modules include computer assembly and maintenance, single-user operating systems, office applications, local networks and computer security.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists four active schools for microcomputer applications: two in the United States, one in Spain and one in Argentina.

The US schools are Roxbury Community College and Century College, both community colleges. In Spain the list has Florida Universitària in Catarroja, in the province of Valencia, which teaches intermediate and higher vocational training courses, including courses in the ICT area, alongside its university degrees. In Argentina it has the Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Course names and contents in this field change often, so confirm with each school what it teaches now, in which language and at what level.

Careers

Skill with office and PC software is used in almost every workplace, and on its own it leads mainly to entry-level jobs. Century College lists administrative assistant, human resource assistant and receptionist or information clerk as job titles for its Office Technology programme. Roxbury Community College names help desk analyst and computer technician among the paths that follow its certificate. In Spain, the ministry's vocational training portal TodoFP gives office assistant and assistant fitter of microcomputer systems as jobs for the basic qualification, and IT support technician for the intermediate one.

The closest occupation in US statistics is the computer support specialist. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), user support specialists typically need some college courses, and candidates may also qualify with a high school diploma plus IT certifications. There were 903,100 such jobs in 2025. The BLS projects employment to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, although about 48,700 openings a year are still expected as workers change occupation or retire. Students who want a longer career in computing can go on to a broader qualification in networks, systems administration or software development.

Frequently asked questions

Is microcomputer applications a degree?

Usually not. It is a course or short certificate within a programme in information technology or office administration. At Roxbury Community College it is a three-credit course inside a three-semester certificate.

What is the equivalent in Spain?

There is no qualification with this name. The nearest are the Título Profesional Básico en Informática de Oficina and the Técnico en Sistemas Microinformáticos y Redes, each of 2,000 hours.

What jobs can I get with these studies?

Entry-level office and support roles, such as administrative assistant, help desk analyst or IT support technician. The BLS projects a 3 percent decline in computer support specialist jobs in the United States between 2025 and 2035, so further training is advisable.