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Certificate
System Administration
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> ... Certificates & Degrees Overview > Degree List > System Administration
BYU-Idaho + BYU-Pathway

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.

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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.
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Certificate
15 CREDITS
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Associate
60 CREDITS
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Bachelor's
90–96 CREDITS
Certificate of System Administration
Course Code
Course Name
# of Credits
CIT240
Networking
3
CIT240 — 3 credits
x
Networking
This course teaches general networking principles to provide an understanding of data communication protocols, transmission systems, media, and software.
CIT241
Network Design I
3
CIT241 — 3 credits
x
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
3
CIT270 — 3 credits
x
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
3
CIT352 — 3 credits
x
Operating Systems I
This course provides a fundamental understanding of computer operating systems focusing on Linux.
CIT353
Operating Systems II
3
CIT353 — 3 credits
x
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
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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.