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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 – 13 semester credit hours

  • Windows System Administration – 14 semester credit hours

  • Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking – 12 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 equip 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 13 semester credit hours. Students in the Windows System Administration program must earn 14 semester credit hours. Students in the Cyber Defense and Hacking program must earn 12 semester credit hours. The Computer and Information Science Certificate program requires 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

CIS101Computer Configuration I

3
CIS106Introduction to Operating Systems

3
CIS150Introduction to Networking

3
CIS225Network Protocols and Services

3

Linux System Administration

13 semester credit hours

CIS123Introduction to Python Scripting

3
CIS126Introduction to Programming

3
CIS206Linux Administration

3
CIS305Advanced Linux Administration

3
CIS305LAdvanced Linux Administration LAB

1

Windows System Administration

14 semester credit hours

CIS126Introduction to Programming

3
CIS245Windows Client and Server

3
CIS245LWindows Client and Server LAB

1
CIS251Advanced Windows Server

3
CIS256Windows Active Directory

3
CIS256LWindows Active Directory LAB

1

Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking

12 semester credit hours

CIS212Principles of Cybersecurity

3
CIS230Advanced Cybersecurity

3
CIS403Ethical Hacking

3
CIS411Ethical 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 – CIS106 Introduction to Operating Systems and CIS150 Introduction to Networking

  • Windows System Administration – CIS106 Introduction to Operating Systems, CIS150 Introduction to Networking, and CIS225 Network Protocols and Services 

  • Cyber Defense and Ethical Hacking – CIS106 Introduction to Operating Systems, CIS150 Introduction to Networking, and CIS206 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.