The system administration certificate is designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge of server and network administration to prepare for entry level positions, or an internship, in the system administration field.

This certificate is offered by BYU-Idaho, with support and resources from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

Install, configure, and troubleshoot network routers and switches
Install, configure, and troubleshoot Linux and Windows servers
Describe and apply security principles and how they can be applied to both network and servers

Certificate of System Administration

Program Requirements

This certificate builds into the Applied Technology degree.

This is an advanced certificate. Prior to working on this certificate, you must complete Computer Support.

Certificate

15 CREDITS

Associate

60 CREDITS

Bachelor's

120 CREDITS

Certificate of System Administration

Course Code

Course Name

# of Credits

CIT240

Networking

CIT240 — 3 credits

Networking

This course teaches general networking principles to provide an understanding of data communication protocols, transmission systems, media, and software.

CIT241

Network Design I

CIT241 — 3 credits

Network Design I

This course teaches the principles of network standards and architectures that correspond to the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) standard. Students will learn the configuration and use of networking devices and protocols including LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure maintenance.

CIT270

Systems Security I

CIT270 — 3 credits

Systems Security I

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an overview of the field of Information Security and Assurance. Students will be exposed to the spectrum of Security activities, methods, methodologies, and procedures. This course offers a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to take the CompTIA Security SY0-401 Certification Exam. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals of network security, including compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities; application, data, and host security; access control and identity management; and cryptography. The course covers new topics in network security as well, including psychological approaches to social engineering attacks, Web application attacks, penetration testing, data loss prevention, cloud computing security and application programming development security.

CIT352

Operating Systems I

CIT352 — 3 credits

Operating Systems I

This course provides a fundamental understanding of computer operating systems focusing on Linux.

CIT353

Operating Systems II

CIT353 — 3 credits

Operating Systems II

This course provides students with the administration skills to plan, install/configure, manage, and troubleshoot a Windows Server Environment.

For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support

Looking Ahead

Potential Employment

Desktop/IT Support

Windows system administrator
Linux administrator
Network support
Network engineer

Why choose this certificate?

System administration is closely related to computer science, including learning skills in scripting, servers, and network administration. Specific softwares and systems that are in high demand are Amazon web services, Azure, Linux, Powershell, and others.

BYU-Pathway has found that certain combinations of certificates lead to better job opportunities. Most degrees have a recommended plan of certificates that will help students increase their income and improve their employment possibilities.