Networking and Security Certificate

Certificate Professional Studies - Computer Information Technology

Current students - log in to BHCC Self-Service to review the most accurate program requirements for your catalog year, or contact Advising & LifeMap for more information. Prospective students - go to bhcc.edu/admissions and contact an admissions counselor.

Semester 1	Credits	Milestone	GenEd	Note	Pre-req	Expand
CIT-182 PC Hardware and Software	3
Prepares student for Comp TIA A+ cert Prerequisites: ESL-098 or RDG-095 or ELL-103
CIT-162 Cisco Networking I	3
Milestone courses should be taken in the order shown. Prerequisites: ESL-098 or RDG-095 or ELL-103
CSC-125 Python Programming	3
Prerequisites: RDG-095 and ENG095, or ELL-103, and MAT099
CIT-268 Operating Systems	3
Prepares student for RedHat CSA cert Prerequisite: RDG-095 or ELL-103 or exemption by placing in a higher course. Pre or Co-req: CIT-162
Total Credits:
Semester 1 Advising Note: Part-time students should take CIT-162 Cisco Networking I first because it is a pre- or co-requisite for many classes in this certificate.

Semester 2	Credits	Milestone	GenEd	Note	Pre-req	Expand
CIT-167 Cisco Networking II	3
Prepares student for Comp TIA Network+ and/or Cisco CCENT cert Prerequisite: CIT-162
CIT-262 Wireless Technology	3
Prepares student for Cisco Wireless Network Admin cert Prerequisite: CIT-162
CIT-279 Cisco CCNA Security	3
Prepares student for Comp TIA Network+ Prerequisites: CIT-167 (pre- or co-requisite)
CIT-267 Cisco Networking III	3
Prepares student for Cisco CCNA cert Prerequisite: CIT-167 (pre- or co-requisite)
CIT-270 Linux Administration/Lab	4
Prepares student for RedHat CE cert Prerequisites: CIT-162
Total Credits:
Semester 2 Advising Note:

Last Modified Date: March 9, 2022

Approved for the 2021-2023 College Catalog

Admission Requirements:

Students must meet BHCC entry requirements, as well as RDG-095 or ESL-098 or ELL-103 or placement.

Upon Completion of this Concentration Graduates will be able to:

Use inquiry to identify technical issues and implement solutions.
Communicate with audiences of all levels of technical ability.
Collaborate with diverse teams in high-tech environments.
Understand career trajectory for Networking and Security and know how to access additional training or education to further their careers.
Prepare for industry-recognized credentialing exams
Troubleshoot, repair, update, and build a complete PC computer system
Build, analyze, troubleshoot, computer networks
Create, test, analyze, debug, and successfully develop Python programs to solve problems in Networking and Information Security
Build, install, and provide system administration duties for both desktop and server class computers
Demonstrate deep understanding of Cisco network technology and systems.including wireless systems
Demonstrate a deep understanding of Information Security threats, countermeasures, mitigation strategies, and "Best Practices" for Information Security practitioners in today's environment

Career Outlook

Reviewing data from the www.onetoonline.org (nationwide jobs data site), shows that the outlook in Massachusetts Boston Metro area for occupations such as;

Network Support Specialist - classified as "bright outlook" with median salaries in the $80K range
Information Security Specialist - classified as "bright outlook" with median salaries in the $84K range
Computer Programmers - with median salaries in the $96K range

Program Overview

The purpose of this Networking and Security Certificate program is to provide our students the necessary courses and skills so that they can earn an IT industry certification credential. Having that industry credential increases the likelihood that our students will land an entry level job in the IT Networking and Information Security field. IT industry credentials that are well-known industry wide this program will prepare our students include the following; Comp TIA A+, Comp TIA Network+, Comp TIA Security+, Cisco CCENT, Cisco CCNA, Cisco Wireless, and RedHat Linux CSA/CE certifications.

The first courses in this certificate program build a solid foundation in PC Hardware and Software, entry level networking, Python Programming, and Operating Systems and Systems Administration activities. The second semester goes much deeper in the areas of Cisco networking, both for small business networks as well as enterprise class networks, strategies, and processes. The students will also gain detailed knowledge in Information Security., security threats, mitigation strategies, and "Best Practices" for Information Security practitioners, Additionally, Linux technologies are in wide use in industry, and two courses in the program provide a deep understanding of Linux systems configuration, administration, troubleshooting, networking and Linux Security. Again, the main goal of this "Networking and Information Security" certificate program is to provide our students the requisite knowledge and skills so they are prepared and can earn industry certification credentials. Having an industry recognized certification credential increases the likelihood that the candidate will land an entry level job in IT Networking or Information Security.