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Computer and Information Science, Certificate

Program Overview

ECPI University offers Certificate programs (also referred to as Micro-credentials) that focus on specific skill sets. These programs are shorter than traditional degree programs and are designed to meet the needs of working professionals so that they can stay competitive in their field. Certificate programs may be offered in a variety of ways to suit the learning style and schedules of individuals. This may include remote learning, instructor-led in-seat learning, hybrid courses, and online courses.

Students can choose from one of four options:

  • Technical Support – 12 semester credit hours

  • Linux System Administration – 10 semester credit hours

  • Windows System Administration – 10 semester credit hours

  • Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking – 13 semester credit hours

Technical Support Certificate Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Certificate in Technical Support, graduates are able to:

  • Use processes, tools, and technologies required to solve computing problems common to the profession

Linux System Administration Certificate Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Certificate in Linux System Administration, graduates are able to:

  • Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot a network and security infrastructure 

Windows System Administration Certificate Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Certificate in Windows System Administration, graduates are able to:

  • Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot a network and security infrastructure 

Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking Certificate Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Certificate in Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking, graduates are able to:

  • Assess and implement technical and non-technical security controls to protect an organization from threats and vulnerabilities 

About Computer and Information Science Certificates

Technical Support.  The certificate program covers aspects of the use of information technology in today's organizations, including operating systems, software programs, networking, and security. This employer-driven, hands-on interactive educational program equips students with skills required for career-entry positions in tier 1 technical support for a wide range of companies.

Linux System Administration.  The certificate program covers aspects of the administration of Linux system administration such as installation, configuration, hardening, scripting, managing, and troubleshooting different Linux distributions. This employer-driven, hands-on interactive educational programs equips students with system administration skills required for career-entry positions in Linux system administration for a wide range of companies.

Windows System Administration.  The certificate program covers aspects of the administration of Windows client and server administration such as installation, configuration, hardening, scripting, managing, and troubleshooting different Windows clients and servers. This employer-driven, hands-on interactive educational programs equip students with Windows administration skills required for career-entry positions in Windows system administration for a wide range of companies.

Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking.  The certificate program covers aspects of the offensive and defensive tactics in protecting an organization's systems, such as planning, designing, configuring, and administering a network and security infrastructure. The certificate teaches students to monitor and troubleshoot a network and security infrastructure. This employer-driven, hands-on interactive educational program equips students with cybersecurity skills required for career-entry positions in cybersecurity for a wide range of companies.

Program Outline 

To receive the Certificate, students in the Technical Support program must earn 12 semester credit hours. Students in the Linux System Administration program must earn 10 semester credit hours. Students in the Windows System Administration program must earn 10 semester credit hours. Students in the Cyber Defense and Hacking program must earn 13 semester credit hours. The Computer and Information Science Certificate programs require a minimum of 1 semester, which is equivalent to 2 months or 10 weeks.  The program requirements are as follows: 

Program Requirements

Technical Support

12 semester credit hours

CST120Computer Configuration I

3
CST140Introduction to Operating Systems

3
CST160Introduction to Networking

3
CYB200Network Protocols and Services

3

Linux System Administration

10 semester credit hours

CYB120Introduction to Python Programming

3
CST200Linux Administration

3
CYB340Advanced Linux Administration

3
CYB340LAdvanced Linux Administration Lab

1

Windows System Administration

10 semester credit hours

CYB120Introduction to Python Programming

3
CYB240Windows Client and Server

3
CYB240LWindows Client and Server Lab

1
CYB360Advanced Windows Server

3

Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking

13 semester credit hours

CYB250Principles of Cybersecurity

3
CYB300Advanced Cybersecurity

3
CYB300LAdvanced Cybersecurity Lab

1
CYB400Ethical Hacking

3
CYB410Ethical Hacking II

3

Computer and Information Science Certificate - Program Specific Policies

Admissions Requirements. Admission is on a selective and competitive basis. ECPI University reserves the right to select those applicants who are deemed best qualified for the Computer and Information Science Certificate program. Entrance requirements include the following prerequisites:

  • Technical Support – No pre-requisites

  • Linux System Administration – CST140 Introduction to Operating Systems and CST160 Introduction to Networking

  • Windows System Administration – CST140 Introduction to Operating Systems, CST160 Introduction to Networking, and CYB200 Network Protocols and Services 

  • Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking – CST140 Introduction to Operating Systems, CST160 Introduction to Networking, and CST200  Linux Administration
Student Evaluation.  Students’ academic progress will be evaluated after each course grade has been awarded. In general and unless otherwise stated, the minimum grade to maintain satisfactory progress is 70% or C-.  

A course may not be repeated more than once without approval of the designated academic official. Grades achieved in courses that are repeated due to course withdrawal (W, WP) or failure (F, WF) will replace previous withdrawal or failing grades. A student who is approved to repeat a course due to a failing grade (F, WF) must successfully pass the course by the third attempt. After three failed attempts the student will be academically dismissed (for appeal of academic dismissal, see Appealing an Academic Dismissal).