System Administrator

This certificate is an Information Communication Pathway that has 4 classes that specialize in System Administration fundamentals and prepares a student for a career or further education in being a System Administrator.

We foresee enrollment increases for students wanting to pursue this certificate and/or the CTIS AS degree. It will attract a market of students who are interested in working with technology, but do not necessarily want to pursue a 4 year degree in MIS, Computer Science or Engineering. The students will be able to apply the classes to the CTIS AS degree, and 1 of the classes that is in the certificate also is a part of the Systems Analyst Professional Certificate, 2 of the classes are part of the Security Professional Certificate. Students will learn Computer Technology skills and be able to use this in the other Computer Tech Certifications and classes.

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 Systems Administrator Certificate.  This certificate will validate a students fundamental knowledge of Systems Administration and allow them to get a job being a Systems Administrator Professional.  The goal of this certificate is: 

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

This certificate is an Information Communication Pathway that has 4 classes that specialize in System Administration fundamentals and prepares a student for a career or further education in being a System Administrator. This certificate is It also goes along with building pathways for Computational Science majors. It complements the CTIS AS degree, and can lead to students getting this degree. It is also a pathway into Computer Science, and can lead students into studying Computer Science degree classes.