Network and Computer System Administrator Basic (CERT1)
Level 1 Certificate (CERT1)
LSC-CyFair
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Network and Computer System Administrator Basic (CERT1) is a Level 1 Certificate (CERT1) program (Hybrid) offered by Lone Star College in Cypress, TX. The program takes 21 credit hours to complete, with a total tuition of $2,331.
Program Overview
- The Network and Computer System Administrator program teaches students both Cisco and Microsoft skills, preparing for job opportunities in a broad area of network technology.
- Program Highlights
- Students will construct and manage local area network services using Microsoft Windows workstations and remote or cloud-based Microsoft servers using Microsoft Azure technology.
- Credentials and Career
- Students can pursue one of two concentrations or tracks: the Cisco Network Analyst Level 1 Certificate or the Network and Computer System Administrator Basic Level 1 Certificate. Both tracks allow students to progress into the Level 2 Network and Computer Administrator Advanced Certificate and ultimately pursue the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Networking. Completing the Cisco Network Analyst Level 1 Certificate also prepares students to begin the process of obtaining Cisco certification, while the Level 2 and AAS pathways equip students with advanced skills and credentials for careers in networking and systems administration.
- Students will gain hands-on skills in basic network design, network management, network automation, network security and device management. Upon successful completion of this program, students will have the necessary background to take one or more of the following exams: CompTIA A+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Workstation
- Microsoft Azure industry certifications
- Transferability
- General education courses (Core) are designed for easy transfer to Texas public institutions and applicable to requirements at private and out-of-state institutions.
- Technical coursework may be transferable to other institutions.
- Please consult with a program advisor for more information about transferability.
Program Schedule
- This award requires 21 credit hours in total.
- Lone Star College reports 528 contact hours for this award.
- Where the course list shows "Choose N credit hours", those courses are the options for one elective slot, not additional requirements.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
- Tuition shown is the in-district rate of $111.00 per credit hour for 21 credit hours.
- Out-of-district Texas residents pay $249.00 per credit hour ($5,229.00); international and out-of-state students pay $313.00 per credit hour ($6,573.00).
- Lab fees vary by course and liability insurance, uniforms and supplies vary by program, so Lone Star College publishes no all-in total for this award. Tuition above excludes them.
- Financial aid and payment plans are available to most students.
- Application fee: none. Lone Star College applications are free.
Program Notes
- Students who are classified as First Time in College (FTIC) will complete EDUC 1300 - Learning Framework: First Year Experience.
- Students who are not classified as First Time in College (FTIC) and have not yet demonstrated college-level readiness in reading and writing, will complete EDUC 1300 - Learning Framework: First Year Experience.
Career outlook
Government figures for Network and Computer Systems Administrators · typical entry education: Bachelor's degree. These describe the occupation, not this school's graduates.
Advance your career
$95,360
median salary nationally
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
-3%
projected change in employment, 2023–2033
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.
Related job titles
- Administrator (Admin)
- AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist)
- Application Security Administrator
- Application Systems Administrator
- Computer Systems Security Administrator
- E-Mail System Administrator
- Enterprise Systems Administrator
- Hardware Installation Coordinator
- Information Analyst
Titles reported for this occupation by O*NET. Not a list of jobs this program guarantees.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester / Choose 3 credit hours | ||
| ITSC1301 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| COSC1301 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| BCIS1305 | Business Computer Applications | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| First Semester | ||
| ITCC1314 | CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks | 3 |
| ITCC1344 | CCNA 2: Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials | 3 |
| ITSC1371 | IT Essentials | 3 |
| EDUC1300 | Learning Framework: 1st Year Experience | 3 |
| SPCH1321 | Business and Professional Communication | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ITNW1313 | Computer Virtualization | 3 |
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Second Semester / Choose 3 credit hours | ||
| ITSE1302 | Computer Programming | 3 |
| COSC1315 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 3 |
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Program Total | 33 | |