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Certificate of Achievement
Computer Information Technology/Ethical Hacker

The following curriculum meets the requirement for a Certificate of Achievement in Computer Information Technology/Ethical Hacker. The courses needed for the certificate are designed for those wishing to pursue a career in ethical hacking.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Information TechnologyM3.0
CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Information Technology (3.0 units)

Advisory: CIT 051; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is an examination of information technologies and information systems used in business, with a focus on information systems, database management systems, networking, ethics and security, computer hardware, and software applications and development. Application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects are used to develop computer-based solutions to business problems.

CIT 111 - Introduction to ProgrammingM3.0
CIT 111 - Introduction to Programming (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 101; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC,CSU

This course is for students who want to develop the problem-solving abilities required to work in the computer field. Programming concepts are discussed through a variety of techniques including hierarchy diagrams, flow-charting, data diagrams, and pseudocode. The course will also include information on integrated development environments (IDEs).

Total Semester Units:6.0 
2nd Semester
CIT 170 - Server +M3.0
Notes:
CIT 170 & 171 are in 8 week modules

CIT 170 - Server + (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to build, maintain, troubleshoot and support server hardware and software technologies. Students can identify environmental issues; understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical / software security procedures; understand industry terminology and concepts; understand server roles / specializations and interaction within the overall computing environment. This course prepares students for the current version of CompTIA's Server+ certification exam.

Select one: CIT 171 / CIT 210 M3.0
Notes:
CIT 170 & 171 are in 8 week modules

CIT 171 - Network + (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 101 or CIT 114
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of Internet protocol (IP) addressing and the fundamentals of ethernet, media, and operations concepts are introduced to provide a foundation for further study of computer networks. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) layered models are used to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers. This course prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

CIT 210 - Cisco Networking I (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 101
Advisory:CIT 180
Transfers to: CSU

This course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IP (Internet Protocol) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for further study of computer networks. It uses the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) layered models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers. This course is the first of three courses designed to prepare CCNA (Cisco® Certified Networking Associate) Certification and helps in preparation for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Summer 1
CIT 192 - Security +M3.0
CIT 192 - Security + (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 171 or CIT 210
Advisory: CIT 180
Transfers to: CSU

This course is an introduction to information technology security and risk management at the organizational level. The course addresses hardware, software, processes, communications, applications, and policies and procedures with respect to organizational cybersecurity and risk management. This course prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, and is intended to help students meet educational requirements to qualify for entry-level information technology jobs with cybersecurity skills.

Total Semester Units:3.0 
3rd Semester
CIT 180 - PC Maintenance-A+ CertificationM4.0
CIT 180 - PC Maintenance-A+ Certification (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course will prepare students with the necessary competencies of an entry-level IT professional with hands-on experience and theory in computer technology, networking and security. The student will also learn communication skills and professionalism now required of all entry-level IT professionals. This course is intended for IT students wishing to prepare for the CompTIA A+ Essentials and CompTIA A+ Practical Application examinations, the two exams required to achieve CompTIA A+ certified status.

CIT 221 - Ethical HackingM3.0
CIT 221 - Ethical Hacking (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 171 or CIT 210 and CIT 192
Transfers to: CSU

Students are introduced to technology and techniques to find weaknesses in technology so that those weaknesses can be corrected before threat actors (Black hat hackers) can abuse them. Penetration testers (White-Hat hackers) use the same techniques as Black hat hackers but are guided by ethics and professionalism and cause no harm to the systems they test. Penetration testing is also known as “ethical hacking.” Penetration testing has evolved into a formalized process with best practices and certifications. People can acquire certifications to prove they have the skills to execute effective penetration tests. One such certification is the CompTIA PenTest+ certification.

CIT 127 - Python Programming IM3.0
CIT 127 - Python Programming I (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:CIT 111
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is an introduction to the discipline of computer science, with a focus on the design and implementation of algorithms to solve simple problems using Python. Topics include fundamental programming constructs, problem-solving strategies, debugging techniques, declaration models, and an overview of procedural and object-oriented programming languages. Students learn to design, implement, test, and debug algorithms using pseudocode and Python.

Total Semester Units:10.0 
Total Units for Computer Information Technology/Ethical Hacker COA program 25.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will demonstrate knowledge of security policies for businesses.


2

Students will understand objectives of security policies for businesses and the IT infrastructure of these policies.


3

Students will demonstrate proficiency in IT infrastructure security.


4

Students will learn to identify risks and use tools for the prevention, detection, and mitigation of threats to computer systems; and the recovery and accountability of systems.


5

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the tools and resources used to attack business vulnerabilities and align proper mitigations.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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