The purpose of an IT Support Certificate program is to provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the field of IT support. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in various ICT aspects such as computer systems, networks, website design, information systems, and programming.
Purpose of the Program and Content
The purpose of an IT Support Certificate program is to provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the field of IT support. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in various ICT aspects such as computer systems, networks, website design, information systems, and programming.
Summary Description of Program Content
An overview of the IT support field, its importance in organizations, and the role of IT support professionals:
- Computer Systems: Understanding computer components, peripherals, and their functions.
- Topics include computer assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Networking Fundamentals: Introduction to basic networking concepts, including network
- architectures, protocols, and IP addressing. Overview of network equipment, such as routers,
- switches, and firewalls. Techniques for identifying and resolving common network issues such as
- resolving IP conflicts, troubleshooting DNS and DHCP, and securing network connections.
- Introduction to website design: Topics may include basic features of Web Design including
- HTML, CSS, and a hint of JavaScript.
- Introduction to information systems and
- Introduction to programming.
Need or Demand for Program
In an overall sense, the demand for IT Support Certificate programs is driven by the increasing reliance on technology, the constant need for IT support professionals, the evolving technology landscape, and the desire for individuals to enter the IT industry. This program provides a valuable skill set and an industry-recognized credential that aligns with the needs of organizations in today’s technology-driven world.
Connection to College Mission:
By offering an IT Support Certificate program, CMI can contribute to workforce development, promote accessibility and digital literacy, support lifelong learning, and foster strong industry partnerships. These connections align with various aspects of CMI’s mission, ultimately benefiting students, the local community, and the broader workforce.
Connection to Department Mission:
By aligning with the department’s mission of academic excellence, skill development, industry relevance, professional development, and collaboration, an IT Support Certificate program can enhance the department’s reputation, attract students interested in IT support careers, and contribute to the overall success and impact of the department within the institution and the broader community.
Connection to Strategic Plan:
In the CMI Strategic Plan is Goal 1: Student Achievement and Success, which connects to the Certificate of Completion in IT Support Level 1 program, as it aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for entry-level IT roles. The IT Support program is designed to enhance student achievement by providing relevant academic and technical education, aligning with the strategic focus on student success outlined in the Plan. Additionally, the Strategic Plan’s emphasis on online and open learning (Goal 2) relates to the IT Support program’s potential for delivering content through hybrid or distance education, ensuring accessibility for a broader range of students.
Prerequisite map:
Pathway for Completion of Certificate of Completion in IT Support Level 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
|
ICS 100 |
ICS 130 |
|
ICS 110 |
ICS 140 |
|
ICS 111 |
MATH 160 |
|
MATH 102 |
Note:
- Only students that have completed this Certificate Level 1 can proceed to Level 2 Certificate. Thus, this Certificate Level 1 is a part/prerequisite of the Level 2 Certificate as pertaining to the prescribed programs.
- ICS 090 is to be taken only by students who are going to pursue this certificate if they have not met the requirements for this certificate
Program Requirements
| Required Courses | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics (7 Credits) |
||
|
MATH 102 |
Survey of Mathematics |
3 |
|
MATH 160 |
Elementary Statistics |
4 |
|
Technology (24 Credits) |
|
|
|
ICS 100 |
Fundamental Concepts of Programming |
4 |
|
ICS 110 |
Introduction to Website Design & Development |
4 |
|
ICS 111 |
Introduction to Computer Networks |
4 |
|
ICS 130 |
Introduction to Information Systems |
4 |
|
ICS 140 |
Computer System: Practical Approach |
4 |
|
Total Credits |
|
27 Credits |
Courses Offered
ICS 090 Essentials of Computing
Pre-requisites:
English 80s and Math 80s, or Placement Test
Provides students with the fundamental concepts of Information Technology, the Internet, and the Worldwide Web, Software, Hardware, Communications & Networks, and issues regarding Privacy, Security and Ethics. This course will enable students to categorize both Software and Hardware and learn how they interact as major components of a Computer System; furthermore, create a professional document using data and information from different application software. This course prepares students for higher level ICT & Computing courses.
ICS 100 Fundamental Concepts of Programming
Pre-requisites:
ICS 090
Introduces fundamental concepts in programming, from binary conversions to variables and data types; and creates programs in C++ by using different control structures: sequential, selection (if-else) and iteration (loops). This course also covers the use of mathematical functions in C++, the order of precedence for arithmetic and logical operators, increment and decrement operators, and cast operators. Furthermore, the concept of encapsulation is also introduced by the use of modular functions.
ICS 110 Introduction to Website Design & Development
Pre-requisites:
ICS 090
Introduce the HTML, CSS and minimal basic JavaScript – the three core languages of web development. HTML tags/elements give a web page its structure, CSS provides the style, and JavaScript code is used to make the page(s) dynamic and interactive. All three are essential for a modern, responsive web site. Students will learn how to construct and style a simple website, and add dynamic and interactive behavior to their web pages. Students are also offered exercises and examples throughout the course to give practical hands-on experience with the techniques covered.
ICS 111 Introduction to Computer Networks
Pre-requisites:
ICS 090
Introduces the fundamentals of networking by covering the basic concepts and skills needed to set up and manage your small office or home office network. The learner is presented with an engaging and exploratory view of networks, the devices that comprise them, how they work, and basic troubleshooting tools and techniques. The goal of this course is to provide the learner with an engaging, exploratory view of networks, including the internet.
ICS 130 Introduction to Information Systems
Pre-requisites:
ICS 090
Introduces the fundamentals of information systems, its functions and the flow of information in an organizational structure. The learner is presented with an engaging and exploratory view of computerized information systems, the components that comprise them, how they work and interact as pertaining to different levels of management in an organization.
ICS 140 Computer Systems
Pre-requisites:
ICS 090
Description: Provides 100% hands-on course to students with skills in assembling hardware components of a computer system and installations of different required software packages; even handling of peripherals and network devices. This course covers not just packaging and installments, but also troubleshooting hardware and software errors. The course also covers basic diagnosis, expansion and updates of hardware and software within a computer system.
