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 for 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 at https://www.socc.edu/images/ge/data_tech.html.

 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. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion is awarded.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

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.

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:

Course List

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

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
CIS151	Network Essentials	4
CS160	Computer Science Orientation	4
MTH86	Computer Technology Mathematics 1	4
WR115	Fundamentals of Report Writing (or higher) 2	3
	Credits	15
Winter
CIS152	Network Routing & Switching Config	4
CIS140U	Intro to Operating Systems: Unix	4
CIS145	Hardware Installation Support	4
CIS279	Network Server Administration	4
	Credits	16
Spring
CIS225	End User Support	4
CS133WS	Computer Language I: Web Scripting	4
BA110	Group Dynamics for Teams 3	3
SP218	Interpersonal Communication	3
	Credits	14
	Total Credits	45

1	MTH105 or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH86.
2	Excluding WR241, WR242, WR243, and WR250.
3	BA120, BA285, PSY100, PSY201, PSY203 may be substituted for BA110.
*	All Honors courses may be substituted for their equivalent requirements.