Graduate Certificate in System and Network Administration

This certificate offers students the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue entry-level careers in computer and network systems administration and support. Through a focused program of study covering the fundamentals of operating systems and networks; principles and practices of systems and network administration; and computer security, students will develop an ability to effectively analyze user requirements for a computing infrastructure and design, deploy, maintain, and document systems and networks that address those requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the certificate program, students will be able to:

1. Analyze user requirements and apply the principles and practices of systems and network administration to design, deploy, maintain, and document an appropriate computing infrastructure that addresses those requirements.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of current issues in computer and network security and be able to apply technical solutions to address security needs and vulnerabilities.
3. Discuss professional and ethical issues relevant to the profession of systems and network administration.
4. Demonstrate a working technical knowledge of at least one current enterprise technology, such as database systems or web technologies, and demonstrate an understanding of the role of system and network administration in the support of that technology.

Required Courses

All courses carry 3 semester hours of credit, for a total of 15 required hours.

• CS 6261 - System and Network Administration I
• CS 6262 - System and Network Administration II
• Choose one of the following courses:
  • CS 6231 - Database I
  • CS 6251 - Web Technologies I
• One additional CS-approved graduate elective
• CS 6900 - Capstone Project

When to Enroll?

Enrollment dates may differ based on the academic and professional background of each student. If you are interested in the System and Network Administration Certificate program and wish to know the best semester for you to start your studies, please contact Dr. Adel Abunawass.

Specific Requirements for all Graduate Certificates in Computing

• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all courses for the certificate is required.
• Students must meet with their advisor at least twice during each semester of enrollment.
• The selection of elective courses must be made in consultation with the student's faculty advisor and be approved by the Department.
• Students must complete an exit interview with the Department during the final semester of enrollment.