What can I do with this?
The Information Technology: Linux Operating System Certificate
- Provides students with a working knowledge of Linux administration by designing, analyzing, administering and supporting computer systems and networks including end-user stations and servers.
- Prepares students with a thorough understanding of system administration from a command-line interface.
- Prepares students for careers in network administration, system administration, Linux administration, and database administration.
- Prepares students to transfer to a Baccalaureate program in Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems or related programs.
You can use this to:
- Earn a two-year Associates degree.
- Enhance career opportunities as a:
- Network Administrator
- System Administrator
- Linux Administrator
- Database Administrator
As technology advances, computer specialists are in more demand than ever before. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the computer information systems profession will grow at a faster than average rate through 2020, by 22 percent.
What will I learn?
- Demonstrate Linux basic foundations including concepts of installation, operations, and maintenance of the Linux Operating System.
- Design, analyze, and support computer networks.
- Configure common network service clients on Linux servers, including automated installation with Kickstart, task scheduling, the configuration of NFS and SMB networking storage, and configuration of centralized authentication and enhanced security.
- Apply support strategies in client computing and user support, including the ability to configure, install, diagnose, and support hardware and software issues.
What courses do I take?
Note: Some courses within the major may have a required prerequisite. If you feel you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the faculty chair. For the Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation/verification to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please consult a counselor for more information regarding Prerequisite Challenge.
Complete all of the following courses:
C-ID: BUS 140 Business Information Systems, ITIS 120 Computer Information Systems
Advisory: ENGL C101
36 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course is an examination of information systems and their role in business. The course focuses on information systems, database management systems, networking, e-commerce, ethics and security, computer systems hardware, and software components.
C-ID: ITIS 110 Information & Communication Technology Essentials
Advisory: IT C101
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level Information and Communications Technology (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 are introduced. This course prepares students for the CompTIA's A+ certification exam.
C-ID: ITIS 150 Computer Network Fundamentals
Advisory: IT C142 or 1 year equivalent building and/or maintaining computer systems which includes setting up equipment, installing software and repairing. Additional experience in setting up computers on a network is needed.
36 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course 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. This course prepares students for the current version of CompTIA's Network+ certification exam.
Prerequisite: IT C101. Advisory IT C142, IT C143
36 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course is an in-depth examination of Linux basic foundations, including concepts of installation, operations, and maintenance of the Linux Operating System. Using a combination of Red Hat Academy foundational resources and open source utilities, students will study and practice the basics of the operating system, its graphical user interface, and its networking services.
Prerequisite: IT C290
27 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course is the second in the series and builds on the information learned in IT C290, including a continuation of in-depth examination and configuration of common network service clients on Linux servers, to include automated installation with kickstart, task scheduling, configuration of NFS and SMB networking storage, and configuration of centralized authentication and enhanced security. Students will learn in the Red Hat Academy to secure and connect the Linux workstation to a corporate network.
Program Pathways
All classes needed for this certificate are available at the following campuses: CC Online
See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.
How can I afford it?
This certificate requires 16.0 units and will likely take 2 semesters.
Approximate Total Costs
CA Residents
16.0 units
at $46 per unit
Equals $736 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $960* for books and supplies
Total cost $1,696 for 2 semesters
Non-residents
16.0 units
at $275 per unit
Equals $4,400 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $960* for books and supplies
Total cost $5,360 for 2 semesters
*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.
Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your FAFSA every January.
