Information Technology Program - IT Certification Preparation | SCIT Southern California Institute of Technology

Learn to install and maintain computer network infrastructures for a range of business sizes and types in an 8 month, hands-on program aimed at preparing you for a career in information technology.

8 Months

PM Classes

Campus or Online

Prepare for IT certifications, including: CompTIA A+®, Network+®, Security+®, and Cisco CCNA®. Bootcamp resources and workshops available.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Program Overview

The Information Technology program is an accelerated 8 month training program designed for students to learn how to install and maintain full network infrastructures from the ground up. No prior networking knowledge is assumed. Students learn to configure Cisco® based network devices (e.g. enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers) to support effective and secure communication between servers and clients, and further learn to install and configure Microsoft Windows® based servers to support common network services (e.g. Active Directory, Group Policies, DNS, Exchange Server, etc.). The program emphasizes setting up network infrastructures in both physical (on-premises) and virtual environments for students to support and troubleshoot a range of network environments found in the industry.

The program covers multiple industry recognized certifications listed below. Students of the IT program are provided with resources to prepare for IT certifications as they progress through the program. Additionally, SCIT offers IT students up to $600 of reimbursement for successful completion of select IT certifications through its Cert Success Program. Please contact the Admissions Office for terms and conditions.

CompTIA A+®
CompTIA Network+®
CompTIA Security+®
Cisco CCNA®

The program is composed of 7, 5-week modules (8 months total). Courses are offered during evening hours starting around 5pm with most courses scheduled between Mondays-Thursdays*. For details and start dates, please contact the Admissions Office or request for information.

The Information Technology program is offered in the following formats:

BLENDED (PART-CAMPUS/PART-ONLINE)
Some courses are offered on-campus (in-person) whereas others are offered online. Courses containing substantial hands-on labs are generally those offered on-campus utilizing SCIT’s instructional lab facilities.

ONLINE
All courses are taken fully online with trainers utilized for labs completed at home.

* Some courses may have a Friday session.

IT Program Curriculum

The program’s curriculum is designed for students to build their knowledge and skills from the ground up toward entering a variety of entry-level IT positions such as helpdesk computer support specialists, computer network support specializes or IT administrator support specialists. Students begin with fundamental computer and networking concept and then move toward advanced network implementations utilizing Cisco® based devices and Microsoft® Server based services that can scale from small to large business IT infrastructures.

Click on the course topics below to learn more. Please refer to the catalog for a detailed list of course codes, titles and units.

Computer Hardware Fundamentals

Students study PC hardware components and current operating system administration of workstation computer systems. The majority of the course revolves around the CompTIA A+® certification. While in the lab, students will have a chance to tear apart and build computers. They will also learn how to create and configure virtual machines.

Networking Fundamentals

Basic networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnets, RJ45 crimping, OSI Model are studied in this course. It will prepare students for Cisco® CCENT (ICND1) certification and CompTIA Network+® certification. In the lab, students learn to crimp wires (Ethernet cables and Cat5e) and connect computers to physical routers and switches.

Cisco® Routers

Using Cisco®based routers, students will study configuration, administration and troubleshooting. In the lab, they will work on multiple routers to simulate a business networking environment. The course and lab work will prepare students for Cisco CCNA® certification.

Cisco® Switches

Students study configuration, administration and troubleshooting of Cisco® based switches. They will learn about VLANS, STP, switch security / redundancy, and other switch technologies. The course and lab work will prepare students for Cisco CCNA® certification.

Network Security & Wireless

Students study wireless networking and basic security principles. Students will learn about identity and access management, common threats and vulnerabilities, cryptography and PKI, and installing/maintaining wireless networks. The course and lab work will prepare students for the CompTIA Security+® certification.

Windows® Server Technologies

Students will study the installation, configuration, administration and troubleshooting of Windows® Servers in this course. They will learn about active directory, DNS, DHCP, file share, print share, Hyper-V virtualization, server security, VPN, failover clustering, backups, and configuring domains.

About the IT Field

Nearly all companies require some level of IT support to perform business critical functions. Some larger or technology oriented organizations may staff full-time helpdesk support technicians and IT administrators whereas others contract IT support roles to companies that specialize in providing low-cost IT setup and monitoring services. Many organizations opt to pass the IT responsibilities to technically savvy employees who primarily have other responsibilities. Whichever of these cases, the need for those with practical skills and knowhow of core information technologies is clear for today’s modern business environments.

The IT program’s goal is to train students to have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a broad spectrum of IT support functions ranging from end-user support to installation and troubleshooting of critical network appliances such as routers and switches. The types of skills one needs to be successful in this field include:

Analytical Skills: Industry professionals work on technology that requires workers to read and understand what technical manuals are showing them.
Communication Skills: As an IT expert, there will be many technical words and concepts that colleagues may not understand. Part of your job may include teaching colleagues with less computer skills what it means in terms they can understand. You should enjoy helping others succeed.
Ingenuity: The industry is always changing and evolving. IT professionals who excel stay on top of trends and often offer solutions to problems that require outside the box thinking.
Problem Solving: Many of the situations you face will feel like a puzzle. You should enjoy looking at something that should be working, but isn’t, and troubleshooting how to fix it.
Project Management: It’s not uncommon to work on several projects at the same time. IT professionals have to be good at meeting deadlines and managing projects in an environment where goals can change as problems arise.

Key Program
TOPICS

Develop skills needed to begin an IT career by learning to install, configure and administer a range of enterprise grade networking appliances including Cisco® routers, switches, wireless controllers, firewall appliances, and much more. Explore key topics below:

CONFIGURE & TROUBLESHOOT PC Hardware and OS

Build a PC based on use case requirements and learn about the administrative tools and techniques necessary to manage Microsoft Windows based clients when joined to a Microsoft Windows based domain.

CONFIGURE & TROUBLESHOOTCisco® Networking Devices

Work with Cisco networking appliances (both physical and virtual) to configure and troubleshoot the underlying networking apparatus that support a local area network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN), including managed switch configurations, routing protocols, VOIP telephony configuration, and much more.

CONFIGURE & ADMINISTERMicrosoft® Windows Server

Install, administer and troubleshoot Windows Servers joined to a domain, including active directory configuration, network infrastructure configuration, clustering and virtualization, and network services (e.g. DNS, DHCP, DFS and more).

B.S. Information Systems Degree Opportunities

Students may have the opportunity to continue their education toward a degree to open further career opportunities.

IT/IS Career Pathway

Start by completing the Information Technology program and find entry level employment in the IT field. Work in the field while pursuing a B.S. Information Systems degree in the evenings. At the end you will have a diploma, a degree and work experience.

Learn more about BSIS program.

Degree Topics Include: Web Technologies, Linux Servers, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, BASH Scripting, Information Systems Auditing, Ethical Hacking, Databases, Dynamic Web Applications, Cloud Computing and Virtualization, Senior Capstone Project and much more.