Successful completion of the certificate prepares a student for employment as a computer systems resource in virtually any organization large enough to have an IT department. Some students may prefer managing operating systems, networking configurations or administering a network.   This certificate though was designed so that students can implement, configure and administer computer security countermeasures.  Courses for the certificate include topics such as access, control systems, network security concepts (media, LAN topologies and access methods, protocols, standards, threats and controls), cryptography, operations security and security management.  

 

Unlike other traditional education models, this certificate exposes students to IT course work with a focus on hands-on learning.  Upon completion, students will have a pathway into not only a new career but also an associate degree in Computer and IT Security.  All completed certificate credits can be transferred to the degree.  If students have earned college credits at other institutions, it may be possible to transfer them to STCC and complete a degree in just one or two more semesters.