Engineering Technology: Data Center Operations, C.S.C. is a Career Studies Certificate program offered by Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas, VA. Tuition is $5,254 total.
Program Overview
This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in data centers or companies that support data center function as a technician, operator and/or technologist. Coursework will prepare students to earn the BICSI Installer 2 (Fiber Optic) and OSHA 10 industry credentials.
There are no required prerequisites for this certificate. The one-year, 26-credit Career Studies Certificate is offered at the Loudoun and Manassas campuses.
This Career Studies Certificate totals 26 credits and is offered at NOVA's Loudoun and Manassas campuses.
What sets this Program apart
- Prepares students to earn BICSI Installer 2 (Fiber Optic) and OSHA 10 industry credentials
- Focused on data center operations, a core industry of the Northern Virginia economy
- Completable in one year with no required prerequisites
- Stackable into the Data Center Operations Specialization, A.A.S.
General Requirements
- Open AdmissionNOVA is an open-admission institution. Applicants must be a high school graduate or hold a GED, or be 18 or older and able to benefit from college study.
- Apply to NOVASubmit the free NOVA (Virginia Community College System) application for admission to establish a student record.
- Placement & AdvisingComplete placement (the Virginia Placement Test or qualifying scores/transcripts) and meet with an advisor to plan your courses.
- ResidencyVirginia residents qualify for in-state tuition; documentation of Virginia domicile may be required.
Application Process
- 1Apply to NOVASubmit the free online application for admission — NOVA has open admission.
- 2Placement & OrientationComplete placement (or provide qualifying scores/transcripts) and new-student orientation.
- 3Plan Your Financial AidMeet with financial aid and complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and Virginia state aid.
- 4Advise & RegisterWork with an academic advisor to build your schedule and register for your program courses.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills
Accreditations
Program Schedule
This program is offered at NOVA's Loudoun and Manassas campuses. Courses may be taken full- or part-time, and new cohorts begin each fall and spring semester, with selected courses offered in summer. Exact term dates are published on NOVA’s academic calendar.
Curriculum
The Engineering Technology: Data Center Operations, C.S.C. plan of study (26 credits). Course selections and electives should be confirmed with an academic advisor.
| Course # | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | 13 | |
| CAD 175 | Schematics and Mechanical Diagrams | 2 |
| ELE 150 | A.C. and D.C. Circuit Fundamentals | 3 |
| IND 137 | Team Concepts & Problem Solving | 3 |
| MTH 111 | Basic Technical Mathematics (or Higher) | 3 |
| SAF 130 | Industrial Safety OSHA 10 | 1 |
| SDV 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| 2nd Semester | 13 | |
| ELE 146 | Electric Motor Control | 4 |
| ELE 148 | Power Distribution Systems | 3 |
| ELE 250 | Fiber Optic Technology | 3 |
| ENE 108 | Intro to Data Center Operations | 3 |
| Total | 26 |
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
NOVA charges tuition per credit hour. At the current in-state rate (about $202 per credit), the 26-credit Career Studies Certificate totals approximately $5,252 in tuition for Virginia residents; out-of-state and out-of-country rates are higher. Tuition does not include the technology fee, books, tools, or program supplies. Current per-credit rates and fees are published on NOVA’s Tuition & Fees page.
Financial Aid
NOVA participates in federal Title IV student aid. Aid available to those who qualify includes:
- Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
- Virginia state aid, including the G3 (Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back) program for eligible high-demand fields
- VA education benefits (GI Bill®) and military tuition assistance
- Scholarships and institutional payment plans
About $5,252 in tuition for Virginia residents (roughly $202 per credit hour); out-of-state rates are higher and books, tools, and fees are billed separately.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in the field. Building on the program’s hands-on coursework, graduates pursue positions such as:
- Data center technician
- Data center operator
- Fiber optic installer
- Cabling technician
- Critical facilities technician
- Electrical technician
What to expect as a Northern Virginia Community College student
NOVA serves a large, diverse student body across Northern Virginia, offers strong veteran and military support, and provides advising and financial-aid help to plan your path. Courses can be taken full- or part-time, with new cohorts each fall and spring.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills