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Certificate of Achievement
Computer Information Technology/System Administrator

The following curriculum meets the requirement for a Certificate of Achievement in Computer Information Technology/ System Administrator. The courses needed for the certificate are designed to prepare students for employment in Computer Information Technology as a System Administrator with the option to focus on Microsoft Server Operating Systems or Linux Server Operating Systems.

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.
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 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.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
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 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 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.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
Select one option: CIT 131 & CIT 133 (Windows Server Option) or CIT 139 & CIT 140 (Red Hat Linux Option).

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:13.0 
3rd Semester
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.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
Select one option: CIT 131 & CIT 133 (Windows Server Option) or CIT 139 & CIT 140 (Red Hat Linux Option).

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Total Units for Computer Information Technology/System Administrator COA program 28.0 
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 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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