Computer Information Systems Certificate Programs
Why Obtain a Technical Certificate?
- Certifications help individuals demonstrate their skills and prove that they understand the most current standards in a topic area, and offer employers confidence that their employees are up to demanding tasks.
- Performance-based certifications provide the credibility needed for IT career mobility. Many global organizations and governmental agencies recognize and oftentimes require certifications because they know credential holders will add value to their enterprise.
- Most college students looking for employment DON’T have technical certifications. Having one or more can be a significant positive differentiator from other new hire candidates.
iTU’s technical skills certification study program offers motivated CIS majors and minors (that are iTU members in good standing) with the opportunity for faculty-facilitated monthly study sessions for the CCENT, Security + certifications, and ISACA CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals (see below descriptions). These certifications fit well with the course content in MIS 3043 (Telecommunications for CCENT) and MIS 4073 (Information Security for Security + & CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals), but require additional focused study beyond the classroom. iTU members that agree to the participation requirements will have their study guides purchased for them by iTU corporate sponsors and potentially have the cost of the certification exam ($150 – $300 depending on the exam) covered. The certificate study programs will meet monthly in the MIS lab for three hour study / review sessions that cover a number of chapters in the study guide on a schedule set by the participants. Dr. Aurigemma will facilitate the certification study sessions. Students that earn these certificates will greatly enhance their knowledge in computer networking and security, providing them an advantage when seeking IT jobs and performing in IT roles regardless of industry type.
Available Certificate Programs
| Certification | Description | Professor(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) | The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification is the first stage of Cisco’s certification system and covers basic networking knowledge. The certification does validate the skills essential for entry-level network support positions. CCENT qualified individuals have the knowledge and skill to install, manage, maintain and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including network security. The CCENT curriculum covers networking fundamentals, WAN technologies, basic security, routing and switching fundamentals, and configuring simple networks. | Sal Aurigemma |
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA Security+ is the certification globally trusted to validate foundational, vendor-neutral IT security knowledge and skills. As a benchmark for best practices in IT security, this certification covers the essential principles for network security and risk management – making it an important stepping stone of an IT security career. CompTIA Security+ certification covers network security, compliance and operation security, threats and vulnerabilities as well as application, data and host security. Also included are access control, identity management, and cryptography. | Sal Aurigemma |
| ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals | The entry point into our cyber security program, our Cybersecurity Fundamentals offers a certificate in the introductory concepts that frame and define the standards, guidelines and practices of the industry. The certificate and related training are ideal for college/ university students and recent graduates, those new to the field, as well as those looking to change careers. | Sal Aurigemma |