Certificate of Achievement in Information Technology

This certificate program provides students with a solid background in the field of information technology, covering essential concepts in operating systems, networking, and cloud architecture. The program courses are designed to help students prepare for entry-level information technology positions, such as Network Administrator, Information Technology Support Specialist, Cloud Administrator and Computer Systems Analyst. Topics include computer networking fundamentals, computer and network security, introductory programming, server administration, cloud architecture, and security policies and procedures. The program courses emphasize hands-on and technical writing assignments to help students develop in-demand skills for the information technology workforce.

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The certificate program goal is Career Technical Education (CTE) with emphasis on careers in the field of information technology. The program is not selective and does not have any mandatory fees.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

1.      Demonstrate the ability to locate technical resources to solve problems with networking, systems, and cloud solutions.

2.      Demonstrate proficiency with various software packages to solve common networking, system, and cloud problems to design and implement a workable solution.

3.      Build and maintain secure systems, networks and cloud infrastructure.

The associated occupations related to the program include Network Administrator, Computer Support/Help Desk Specialist, Computer Information Systems Manager, and Network Technician. All of the annual openings for these computer networking related occupations have entry-level wages above the California Family Needs Calculator hourly wage (living wage) for one adult($20.63 in Orange County). Typical entry-level hourly wages are in a range between $21.38 and $40.96. Experienced workers can expect to earn wages between$35.60 and $71.00, which are higher than the living wage estimate. Orange County’s average wages are below the average statewide wage of $41.03 for the occupations. {Center of Excellence, Program Endorsement Brief, November 2021).

Program completers are anticipated to acquire competencies in the areas of computer networking

fundamentals, computer and network security,introductory programming, server administration, and security policies and procedures.

The required core courses may be taken in any order, but it is recommended that students take these courses in the order listed below.

 Required units – 19 units in Major area

Projected labor – 2,000 estimated new positions

FTE faculty workload – 1.8

Additional costs for training, equipment, facilities, and library – no additional costs anticipated.

Place in Program –Part of Information Technology (IT) Department.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
IT C104	IT Fundamentals	4	Y1 S1
CYBR C101	Intro. to Cyber Security	3	Y1 S1
IT C128 OR IT C201	Computer Networking Principles (Network+) OR IT C201 Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1)	3	Y2 S1
IT C158	Contemporary Operating Systems	3	Y2 S1
IT C198	Cloud Foundations	3	Y2 S1
1 Elective		3	Y2 S2
2 Electives		6

The certificate will be in the Technology department. a) Do any active inventory records need to be made inactive or changed in connection with the approval of the proposed program? If yes, please specify. The AS in Information Technology under Technology Should be moved to be under Information Technology with the Above Modifications. b) Does the program replace any existing program(s) on the college’s inventory? Provide relevant details if this program is related to the termination or scaling down of another program(s). This program replaces the AS in Information Technology under the Technology Department. c) What related programs are offered by the college? The program is related to a variety of others at the college, including IT Foundation, IT Support Specialist, and the IT Certificate of Achievement.

Similar programs currently exist at, Irvine Valley College, Saddleback College. Cypress College. Fullerton College.

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