Computer Support Specialist Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

The Computer Specialist Certificate is designed to provide students with skills in advanced computer technology pertaining to a wide variety of industry specific and government agency career paths. Students are required to have a basic knowledge of reading and writing as well as have completed Math 095 or assessed at a higher level.

Career Outlook: The rapid spread of computers and information technology has generated a need for highly trained workers proficient in various job functions. These jobs are categorized under the heading of Computer Specialist in the EDD Labor Market Information Occupational Projection Report. The Computer Specialist designation constitutes 97 percent of the Computer and Mathematical Occupations category. There are many career paths available mainly because employers' needs are so varied.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Mathematics, Business & Computer Technology

Department

Computer Information Technology

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Business, Information Technology, Hospitality

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Recognize computer hardware and software concepts and recognize appropriate hardware and software to address an identified; Develop competency with Internet searching technology.

  2. Apply Computer Information Technology analysis concepts by writing an analytical comparison of the various solutions discussing relative merits in terms of effectiveness of solution, ease of implementation.

  3. Explain security implications in each organization and prepare a security policy document.

  4. Explain which ethical judgement option is the most ethical.

  5. Develop a computerized solution to a problem that uses different applications within the suite.

  6. Utilize automation capabilities of the suite to create an integrated query using Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve information.

  7. Identify the various components of computer network technology and describe their basic function within the context of the network.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

9 units
CIT 091
Computer Network Fundamentals (Cisco Networking Academy)
This course is the first course in the Cisco Academy Program sequence and introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IP (Internet Protocol) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for further study of computer networks. It uses the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) layered models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers.

Course Details:

CIT 101
Introduction to Computer Literacy
This course is an introduction to fundamental Information Technology / Information Systems concepts and Information Security. The course includes practical exercises with spreadsheet, database, and Internet applications.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Advisory: CIT 010
    2. or
  2. Departmental Advisory: CIT 031
  • Transfers to CSU
    • CIT 155 or CIT 128
    This course will provide a student with the knowledge and skills required to build, maintain, troubleshoot and support server hardware and software technologies. The student will be able to identify environmental issues; understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical / software security procedures; become familiar with industry terminology and concepts; understand server roles / specializations and interaction within the overall computing environment.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: CIT 110
  • Transfers to CSU
    • OR
    This is an introductory course to the LINUX Operating System and basic Linux Operating System environment and commands. These course will cover file system navigation, Graphic User Interfaces (GUI) such as GNOME and KDE, file permissions, the Linux text editors, command shells, and basic network commands. This course is mapped to LINUX LPI Level 1 guidelines.

    Course Details:

    2nd Semester

    10 units
    CIT 092
    Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials CCNA (Cisco Networking Academy)
    This course is the second course in a three-course sequence preparing students to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification examination and prepares students to take the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician certification exam. This course teaches comprehensive networking concepts and skills from network applications to the protocols and services provided to those applications by the lowe layers of the network.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: CIT 091
    CIT 110
    Information and Communications Technology Essentials
    This course provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level ICT professionals. The fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as advanced concepts such as security, networking, and the responsibilities of an ICT professional will be introduced. Preparation for CompTIA's A+ certification exam.

    Course Details:

  • Transfers to CSU
    • CIT 160
    Introduction to Information Systems Security
    An introduction to the fundamental principles and topics of Information Technology Security and Risk Management at the organizational level. It addresses hardware, software, processes, communications, applications, and policies and procedures with respect to organizational Cybersecurity and Risk Management.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: CIT 232
  • Transfers to CSU