Computer and Information Sciences: IT Support Specialist (A.S.)
Department website: https://www.cerritos.edu/cis/
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
The IT Support Specialist program at Cerritos College is designed to prepare students for a career in the information industry, aiming to provide students opportunities for career change or advancement. Graduates of the program will have a good understanding of the current personal computing devices and commonly used operating systems, and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to install hardware and software on various devices, and to troubleshoot common technical issues. There are no prerequisite skills or enrollment limitations for this program. The graduates of the program may have possible career opportunities including entry level technical support, computer technician, technical sales, etc. However, such opportunities and compensations are largely subject to the condition of the economy, employers’ discretion, job applicants’ prior experience, and evaluations of the applicants’ overall qualifications. For students who plan to transfer to a baccalaureate institution, they may choose to major in fields, such as: computer science, computer engineering, information technology management, business information systems, etc. for their bachelor’s degree. During the study in the program, students may also have the option to pursue IT industry certifications, such as Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP), CompTIA Tech+, CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified Fundamentals, Pearson IT Specialist. Please note students are responsible for the associated costs for these certifications exams, which are not included in the courses offered at the college.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students build a computer system from scratch.
- Students explain computing devices in information technology.
- Students recognize the fundamentals of programming.
- Students trouble shoot problems with an computing system.
- Students trouble shoot problems with routers, switches, and hubs.
Program Requirements
| Code Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CIS 158A | CompTIA A+ Certification Core 1 | 3.5 |
| CIS 158B | CompTIA A+ Certification Core 2 | 3.5 |
| CIS 200A | Apple Mac OS Support Essentials | 3.5 |
| CIS 212 | Introduction to Microsoft Windows Administration | 3.5 |
| CIS 214 | Unix and Linux Operating Systems | 3.5 |
| Subtotal | 17.5 | |
| Program Electives: (Select at least 24 units from the following courses) | 24.0 | |
| Computer Programming Logic (3) | ||
| Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals (1.5) | ||
| HTML and CSS (3.5) | ||
| JavaScript Programming (3.5) | ||
| Networking Fundamentals (3.5) | ||
| Network + Certification (3.5) | ||
| Cisco Networking II (3.5) | ||
| Cisco Networking III (3.5) | ||
| TCP/IP Fundamentals (3.5) | ||
| Cisco Network Security (3.5) | ||
| Introduction to Wireless Networking (3) | ||
| Cybersecurity Fundamentals (3.5) | ||
| Introduction to Ethical Hacking (3.5) | ||
| Computer and Digital Forensics (3.5) | ||
| Network Defense (3.5) | ||
| Introduction to Cloud Computing (3) | ||
| AWS Cloud Foundations (3.5) | ||
| AWS Cloud Architecting Part 1 (3.5) | ||
| AWS Cloud Architecting Part 2 (3.5) | ||
| Python Programming (3.5) | ||
| Java Programming (3.5) | ||
| Microsoft Windows Server Administration (3.5) | ||
| Total Units | 41.5 | |
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Complete a minimum of 60 units to include (1) the above major requirements, (2) the General Education requirements, and (3) electives as needed
Note: Although many of these courses are transferable, this Certificate/A.A. Degree is nontransferable. Please see counselors or the respective department for additional alternatives.