A data center technician installs, maintains, and repairs a data center’s computer and network systems. Students completing this one-year certificate are fully prepared for employment in this rapidly-growing industry.
This program is not yet eligible of Federal Financial Aid; see your Academic Advisor for options.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.
Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Data Center Technician can be found online.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the AS degree is awarded.
Courses that are developmental in nature, (designed to prepare students for college transfer courses), are not applicable to this degree.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS90 | Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency) | 2 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I (or placement in higher math course) | 4 |
| WR90R | Academic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course) | 4 |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CIS151 | Network Essentials | 4 |
| CS160 | Computer Science Orientation | 4 |
| MTH86 | Computer Technology Mathematics 1 | 4 |
| WR115 | Introduction to Expository Writing (or higher) 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| CIS152 | Network Router Configuration | 4 |
| CIS140U | Intro to Operating Systems: Unix | 4 |
| CIS145 | Hardware Installation Support | 4 |
| CIS279 | Network Management I Network Hardware | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIS225 | End User Support | 4 |
| CS133WS | Web Scripting | 4 |
| BA110 | Group Dynamics for Teams 3 | 3 |
| SP218 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
Footnotes
| 1 | Excluding WR241 Imaginative Creative Writing Fiction, WR242 Imaginative Writing Poetry Poetry, WR243 Imaginative Writing Explorations, and WR250 Autobiography Writing. |
| 2 | MTH105 Math in Society or higher may be substituted for MTH86 Computer Technology Mathematics. |
| 3 | BA120 Leadership Development, BA285 Human Relations in Organizations, PSY100 Introduction to Psychology, PSY201 General Psychology, PSY201H General Psychology w/Honors, PSY203 General Psychology, or PSY203H General Psychology w/Honors may be substituted for BA110. |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Apply technical skills to implement and maintain computer and network systems solutions and troubleshoot computer and network problems on an entry-level
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of computer information systems.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently or in a group environment with sensitivity to the needs of customers and coworkers.
- Demonstrate the skill and knowledge to install, configure and maintain PC and server hardware/software in a network environment.