Computer Systems Professional

This certificate is an Information Communication Pathway that has 4 classes that specialize in Computer Systems fundamentals and prepares a student for a career or further education in being a Security Professional.

The enrollment and completer projects are to have at least 5 students complete this certificate the first year, and doubling this number for the next 5 years. So topping out at having a total 20-30 students per year completing the certificate.

This program provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level CTIS professionals.  In the process of taking the needed courses for this degree the student will be able to gain standardized certificates and local Merced College Certificates.  This is one of those certificates, the Computer Systems Professional Certificate.  This certificate will validate a students fundamental knowledge of Computer Systems and allow them to get a job being a Computer Systems Professional.  The goal of this certificate is: 

1. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer hardware and software and the advanced concepts of computer systems networking responsibilities of an Computer Systems Professional.
2. Demonstrate competency in client computing and user support including the ability to configure, install, diagnose, and support hardware and software issues in Computer Systems. 
3. Demonstrate competency in working with servers, storage, and virtualization including implementing and evaluating network security solutions.
4. Demonstrate an ability to read and interpret technical information, as well as communicate with and write clearly for a wide ranges of audiences.
5. Demonstrate competency in utilizing Math skills to assist in the solving of complex business, security, and networking problems in Computer Systems.

The purpose of this certificate is in direct alignment to the UNESCO ICT Competency Standards: “to prepare learners, citizens, and a workforce that is capable of taking up new technologies so as to support social development and improve economic productivity.” 

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001562/156207e.pdf

The jobs are forecasted to be abundant in the near future. “Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 557,100 new jobs. Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.

The student will need to take 4 classes for a total of 12 units for this certificate.  These classes are the 4 core classes: 

• CPSC-01 Business Information Systems, Computer Information Systems (4) TIS-120, CSP AP Explore
• CTIS-02 Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design (3) ITIS-140
• CTIS-09 
Cloud Computing Infrastructure and Services (3) CompTIA Cloud+
• CPSC-10 Introduction to Database Management Systems (3) ITIS-180