Certificate of Completion in Computer System Configuration and Support, Security

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Field of Interest

Notice

This pathway map is currently flagged as hidden and it is not in a finalized, approved state. It is presented for review purposes only.

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Computer System Configuration and Support, Security program is designed to prepare students for entry-level computer maintenance, help desk, and network technician jobs with an emphasis on security. The courses focus on the development of knowledge and skills in computer and security technologies including system components, installation, system configuration, peripheral devices, and notebooks. Emphasis is placed on preventing, identifying, and mitigating threats to the security of information systems and utilizing the basic tools for information security. This program helps prepare participants for the CompTIA A+, Security+, and certification exams. Students who complete this program may seek employment in a variety of environments. Students can also pursue additional Certificates of Completion (CCLs) in a variety of specializations within the information technology field to deepen their knowledge and skills and help prepare them for multiple industry certification examinations. The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration is also available.

Details

Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest

Computer and Information Technology

Type

Certificate of Completion (CCL)

Academic Plan

Computer System Configuration and Support, Security (CER)

Academic Plan Code

5040N

Total Credits Required

9-16

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Notes

This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students who pursue this Certificate of Completion (CCL) should have a basic level of computer literacy including navigating the internet and computer systems or take CIS105 as indicated in the required courses. Students with the requisite skills may have the CIS105 requirement waived by permission of the Program Director.

Courses within any of the following prefixes must be taken within five (5) years prior to completion of the program to be applied toward this award: AIM, BPC, CIS, CLD, CNT, CSC, ITS, and MST.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Assess computer hardware and software using critical thinking, industry standard tools, and best practices to demonstrate proper installation, configuration, maintenance, and service.
Assess operating systems using critical thinking, industry standard tools, and best practices to demonstrate proper installation, configuration, maintenance, and service.
Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision-making and actions.
Manage administrative access and user security policies within systems.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Computer Operators

$77,925 Show expanded career information for Computer Operators

Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$37.46

Annual Median Wage

$77,925

Annual Job Openings

445

Number of People Employed

4,267

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 15.8 %

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

$37,541 Show expanded career information for Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

Information Security Analysts

$116,259 Show expanded career information for Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$55.89

Annual Median Wage

$116,259

Annual Job Openings

288

Number of People Employed

2,851

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 16.9 %

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Computer System Configuration and Support, Security
Specialization 1, Option 1
Specialization 1, Option 2
Specialization 2

Part-time

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1 Term 1 Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1 Term 1 Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
CIS105	Survey of Computer Information Systems		OR Permission of Program Director; Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.	CS	0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option		Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.		0–4
Specialization	Specialization Option		Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.		0–3
CIS126DL or CIS126RH	Linux Operating System or Red Hat System Administration I		Students selecting the ITS110 security course should take the CIS126DL or CIS126RH course in Term 1 and ITS110 in Term 3.		3
CNT140AB or CIS190	Introduction to Networks or Introduction to Networking	No requisites or Corequisites: CIS105 or permission of Instructor.	CIS190 must be taken as a corequisite with CIS105 if CIS105 is required.		3–4

Term 2 Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2 Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Credits
BPC170	A+ Exam Prep: Computer Hardware Configuration and Support		Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.	3
Specialization	Specialization Option		Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.	0–3
CIS250	Management of Information Systems	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CIS105.		3

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Credits
BPC270	A+ Exam Prep: Operating System Configuration and Support	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CIS105 or permission of Instructor.	Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.	3
Specialization	Specialization Option		Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.	0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option		Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.	0–3
ITS110	Information Security Fundamentals	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CIS126DL, or CIS126RH, or permission of Program Director. Corequisites: BPC270 or MST150++.	This course must be taken after completion of CIS126DL or CIS126RH and corequisite with BPC270 or MST150++.	3
CIS271DB	Information Security Essentials	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (BPC270 or CIS126DL or CIS126RH or MST150++) and (CIS190 or CNT140AB) and (CIS250 or ITS120).	This course must be taken after (BPC270 or CIS126DL or CIS126RH or MST150++) and CIS190 and (CIS250 or ITS120).	3

Term 4 Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4 Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
Specialization	Specialization Option		Students may be able to accelerate their learning by taking 8-week courses.		0–3
CIS270	Essentials of Network and Information Security	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BPC270 or CIS190 or CNT140AB or MST150++ or permission of Instructor.	This course must be taken after CNT140AB or CIS190 or MST150++ or BPC270.		3

Pathway Map Option Details

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Program Information

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Course Area Key

CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

This certificate is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=182697).

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Computer System Configuration and Support, Security

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