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Associate of Science Degree
Computer Information Technology/System Administrator

The Associate in Science in CIT: System Administrator Degree is intended for those wishing to pursue a career in Information Technology as a System Administrator.

This degree is designed for students interested in hands-on experience and theory in computer technology and information security. Students will learn about communication, infrastructure, and operational security, remote desktop service configuration, domain name systems, active directory, operating system deployment, upgrades and migrations. Students will also learn to configure hardware & applications, network connectivity, mobile computing, backup and recovery.

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 2023-2024 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.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Information Technology (RHC GE 8B)M3.0
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 systems and their role in business. It will focus on information systems, database management systems, networking, e-commerce, ethics and security, computer systems hardware and software components. It will apply these concepts and methods through hands-on projects developing computer-based solutions to business problems.

CIT 130 - Windows ConfigurationM3.0
CIT 130 - Windows Configuration (3.0 units)

Advisory: CIT 180
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students preparing to take the Windows client operating system certification exam. Students will learn to install, upgrade and migrate from previous to the current Windows client operating system and deploy Windows using system images and configure virtual hard disks. Students will also learn to configure hardware & applications, network connectivity, access to resources, mobile computing, backup and recovery, and monitoring and maintaining systems that run Windows.

CIT 160 - Introduction to Operating SystemsM3.0
CIT 160 - Introduction to Operating Systems (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:CIT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an introduction to the operating systems used in modern business infrastructure, including Windows (desktop and server), Unix, Linux, and Mac OS X. Students will learn how these systems are used in the industry, desktop virtualization, networking basics, and information related to how to create mixed environments.

ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE3.5
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:13.5 
2nd Semester
CIT 210 - Cisco Networking IM3.0
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 also the first of two courses designed to prepare students for the ICND 1 examination to achieve CCENT (Cisco® Certified Entry Networking Technician) Certification and helps in preparation for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

CIT 171 - Network +M3.0
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.

Select one: MATH 150 / FIN 101 (RHC GE 2)GE3.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

FIN 101 - Introduction to Financial Planning (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra course.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of financial planning, and is designed to provide students with tools needed to achieve their personal financial goals. Students will learn to make informed decisions related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing by applying quantitative reasoning concepts. Course topics include the financial planning process, budgeting, cash flow, debt consolidation, investing, and retirement planning.

RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
POLS 110, 110H;
HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170

RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ART 101, 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117, 120, 130, 135, 140;
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H;
GDSN 110:
MUS 101, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136;
MUST 151, 152;
PHTO 110, 130;
THTR 101, 105, 105H, 110

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:16.0 
Summer 1
CIT 192 - Security +M3.0
CIT 192 - Security + (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 171, 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.

RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral ScienceGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
AJ 101
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 104, 110, 115, 125;
CD 106, 208;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135;
EGSS 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 102, 103;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130;
KIN 170, 190, 195
MSCM 128;
PHIL 128, 128H, 135;
POLS 110, 110H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130, 135,140,150;
PSY 101, 101H, 112, 114, 180, 200;
SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130;
SPCH 150

Total Semester Units:6.0 
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.

Select one: CIT 131 / CIT 133 / CIT 139 / CIT 140 M3.0
Notes:
CIT 131 & CIT 133 (MS Windows Server Option) or CIT 139 & CIT 140 (Red Hat Linux Option).

CIT 131 - Windows Server Active Directory (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 130
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students preparing to take the Windows Server Active Directory, Configuring certification exam. Students will learn to configure Domain Name System, Active Directory infrastructure, Active Directory Roles & Services, creating and maintaining Active Directory objects, maintaining the Active Directory environment, and configure Active Directory Certificate Services.

CIT 133 - Windows Server Applications Infrastructure (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 130
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students preparing to take the Windows Server Applications Infrastructure certification exam. Students will learn to deploy servers, configure remote desktop services, configure web services infrastructure, and configure network application services.

CIT 139 - Linux 1 (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:CIT 114 or CIT 101
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides a skills foundation for students pursuing a career as Linux system administrators. The course prepares students for the Red Hat System Administration I (RH124) certificate. Students must complete this course if they wish to pursue the Red Hat System Administration II (RH134) certificate.

CIT 140 - Linux II (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 139
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides skills that build on the skills learned in Linux I. It prepares students for the Red Hat System Administrator II (RH134) certificate. RH134 focuses on the key tasks needed to become a full time Linux administrator.

MGMT 101 - Introduction to BusinessM3.0
MGMT 101 - Introduction to Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for the student who has an interest in a career in business. Topics cover business operations, strategies for both, domestic and international markets, economic factor, legal regulations, management, leadership, marketing, financial operations, accounting controls, and e-commerce. This course will count toward a business certificate or degree in business and will transfer to a four-year school.

RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units. 

Select one:
ANTH 104;
ASL 101, 124, 201, 202;
CHIN 101, 102;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
EGSS 130;
ENGL 126, 131;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145;
JAPN 101, 102;
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H,140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A, 146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H;
MSCM 128;
PHIL 101, 101H, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140;
POLS 128, 128H, 150;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202;
SPCH 130, 132

Total Semester Units:13.0† 
4th Semester
ACCT 100 - Introduction to AccountingM3.0
ACCT 100 - Introduction to Accounting (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts and be able to read college-level texts.Transfers to:CSU

This course provides basic knowledge of accounting terms, concepts, and procedures for a sole proprietorship form of business. Topics include analyzing and recording business transactions for service and merchandising firms and preparing simple financial statements. Accounting for cash, sales, purchases, payroll, and end-of-year procedures are presented. This course is designed for occupationally-oriented students and/or students preparing for Financial Accounting and Computerized Accounting.

MGMT 108 - Business WritingM3.0
MGMT 108 - Business Writing (3.0 units)

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

The course covers the principles of effective writing in business. Extensive experience is provided using the different forms of business writing-memorandums, letters, reports, and resumes. Cultural differences and their impact on communicating in business will be studied. This course is designed for students pursuing careers in business.

Select one: CIT 131 / CIT 133 / CIT 139 / CIT 140 M3.0
Notes:
CIT 131 & CIT 133 (MS Windows Server Option) or CIT 139 & CIT 140 (Red Hat Linux Option).

CIT 131 - Windows Server Active Directory (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 130
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students preparing to take the Windows Server Active Directory, Configuring certification exam. Students will learn to configure Domain Name System, Active Directory infrastructure, Active Directory Roles & Services, creating and maintaining Active Directory objects, maintaining the Active Directory environment, and configure Active Directory Certificate Services.

CIT 133 - Windows Server Applications Infrastructure (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 130
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students preparing to take the Windows Server Applications Infrastructure certification exam. Students will learn to deploy servers, configure remote desktop services, configure web services infrastructure, and configure network application services.

CIT 139 - Linux 1 (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:CIT 114 or CIT 101
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides a skills foundation for students pursuing a career as Linux system administrators. The course prepares students for the Red Hat System Administration I (RH124) certificate. Students must complete this course if they wish to pursue the Red Hat System Administration II (RH134) certificate.

CIT 140 - Linux II (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CIT 139
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides skills that build on the skills learned in Linux I. It prepares students for the Red Hat System Administrator II (RH134) certificate. RH134 focuses on the key tasks needed to become a full time Linux administrator.

RHC GE 5 - Natural Science with LabGE4.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one Natural Science with Lab:
ANTH 101, 101H & 101L;
ASTR 110, 110H & 112, 137;
BIOL 101, 105 & 105L, 111 & 111L, 112, 120 & 120L;
BIOT 100;
CHEM 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 101 & 101L;
GEOL 150 & 151, 152 & 152L;
PHY 120, 150, 160, 211, 212, 213

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:16.0 
Total Units for Computer Information Technology/System Administrator AS program 64.5† 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
CIT 131 & CIT 133 (MS Windows Server Option) are offered in the even years and CIT 139 & CIT 140 (Red Hat Linux Option) are offered in the odd years.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will demonstrate knowledge of client and server operating systems.


2

Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of the cybersecurity principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA).


3

Students will apply critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in a computer system environment.


4

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the architectural principles of on-premise, cloud, and hybrid computer networks in a business environment.


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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