Operating Systems

The Operating Systems Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who want a career in system administration and support. Computer infrastructure supports all types of businesses in today's economy, and people who can build and maintain computer systems are needed in every industry. Students begin with the fundamentals of information technology and then specialize in the Windows Operating System. Students get hands-on experience with Windows desktop and server operating systems. Flexible courses teach the knowledge and skills necessary to start a career and prepare students for industry certification exams.

Each year a total of 80 students are expected to enroll with approximately 15 earning this certificate. With a strong labor market, the program is expected to grow.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Operating Systems Certificate of Achievement in Career Education. This certificate is designed to train students in the practice of managing server and desktop operating systems. The need for information workers has been advocated by local employers spanning many industries and is supported by labor market research (TOP 0708.00). The certificate is aligned with Cabrillo’s mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways. Approval will benefit regional employers, fulfill the needs of the local community, augment college enrollment, and support non-traditional and underserved minoritized students in a viable career and academic path. Upon completion, students will have the knowledge and skills they need to enter the workforce or continue their studies in the field. The goal is for certificate completers to be employed within a year of program completion or to advance to an associate’s degree. The earning potential of a graduate is promising, with a starting salary of $46,000-$65,000/year in jobs such as Network and Systems Administrators. It is critical to provide community college students with educational and professional experience and opportunities necessary to be successful when they continue on to higher degrees or certificates. 

The certificate requires 25 units in the computer and information systems department. 

The Operating Systems Certificate of Achievement builds on the Computer Information Systems Core Certificate of Achievement for students who want to specialize in management of Microsoft Windows. There are no other programs like it at Cabrillo. All required courses are housed in the Computer and Information Systems (CIS) department.

Hartnell College and Gavilan College have delivered Computer Information System programs for several years and both report that our programs would not negatively affect their respective programs. Contacted for approval: Guy Hannah, Associate Dean of Career Technical Education Hartnell College Office 831.710.7886 ghannah@hartnell.edu and Susan Sweeney, Dean of Career Education, Workforce & Partnerships Gavilan College Office: 831-646-4039 ssweeney@gavilan.edu 408-848-4757.