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Computer Information Systems: Server Support Specialist - Certificate (B28)

This Server Support Specialist certificate is available for students who are interested in entry level employment in Windows Server administration or support. It is also for those already working as systems administrators who want to validate their work experience with a certificate. Completing this sequence will also prepare students to sit for industry certifications sponsored through Microsoft Corporation and CompTIA.

Work and Employment

Server Support Specialists are involved in the maintenance and management of their organization's servers, often acting as a junior systems administrator. They may set up the physical computer and peripherals for end users as well as maintain the organization's network. They may also assist with Active Directory management, installation and troubleshooting servers, and related issues. 

Follow this link for career information.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

• Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
• Kevin Megill, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, 815-835-6251
• Greg Noack, Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, 815-835-6434

Total Hours Required - 30 Hours

Major Field Requirements

• CIS101 - Fund of Computer Info Systems ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of computer information systems through a comprehensive study of the development, history, growth, and application of the computer as a tool of information systems. The student will gain a functional understanding of computer hardware, systems software, storage devices, telecommunications, database theory and applications, operating systems, programming languages, software development, systems analysis and design, and management information systems. Issues of computer security, Internet, and ethics will be stressed throughout the course. The student will be provided with a balance of real-world applications and technical information of information systems. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  OR

  CIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems, communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite: None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week
   

• CIS151 - Network Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course offers a hands-on approach to computer networking. Students will be introduced to a variety of networking hardware and software. Students will examine the application of networking hardware and software, and install, configure, and troubleshoot end to end networks. The course will introduce the most popular and recent technologies. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA N+ network certification. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab

• CIS167 - A+ Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course offers a hands-on approach to microcomputer maintenance. This course will introduce a history of personal computer evolution as well as the most popular and recent technologies. Students will examine the personal computer; laptops and portable devices; current operating systems; printing & scanning techniques; basic networking; safety; and professionalism. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA A+ Essentials and A+ Technician exams. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

• CIS186 - Intro to Virtualization ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This introduction to Virtualization course will prepare students with the skills required to evaluate and implement standard virtualization technologies. Students will explore creating a virtual machine, its benefits, and be able to describe types of virtualization used for data centers. Additionally, students will be able to describe virtualization, virtual machines, hypervisors, and various standard virtualization platform components and describe the concepts of server, network, storage, and desktop virtualization. Students will understand how individuals and businesses benefit from virtualization. Prerequisite: CIS 101 or CIS 109 or consent of instructor Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week

• CIS187 - Intro to Cloud Computing ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This introduction to Cloud Computing course will prepare students with the skills required to evaluate and implement standard cloud technologies. Students will implement, maintain, and deliver cloud technologies including network, storage, and virtualization technologies to create cloud solutions. This course will also teach students to manage workload migrations, manage cloud vendors to control costs, use automation and orchestration to bring business value from cloud solutions, and ensure security of cloud implementations using cybersecurity best practices. Prerequisite: CIS 151 and 167 recommended (may be taken concurrently) Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week

• CIS194 - Managing Modern Windows Device ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is designed to teach you the foundation knowledge to accomplish the following technical tasks: deploy Windows; manage devices and data; configure connectivity; and maintain Windows. Prerequisite: CIS 101 or CIS 167 or instructor consent 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

• CIS197 - Security + Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course offers a hands-on approach to network security principles. An in-depth overview of recognizing and protecting against risks and threats to an organization's electronic data will be addressed. This course prepares students for the current CompTIA's Security+ Certification Exam. Prerequisite: CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167 (may be taken as co-requisite) or approval from instructor 3 Semester hour(s) 2 lec/2 lab/week

• CIS250 - Beginning Linux ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course will provide a comprehensive look at common tasks performed by Linux system administrators. This includes installation, management of Linux systems from the command line and the GUI, user administration, file permissions, customization, software configuration, management of Linux-based clients, troubleshooting, and more. Expanded coverage of networking and security are covered. This course covers all the objectives, and will prepare the student for the current CompTIA's Linux+ Certification Exam. Prerequisite: CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167, (may be taken as co-requisites), or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• CIS290 - Introduction to Servers ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course offers a hands-on approach to servers. Topics will include server architecture, server administration, storage, security, networking, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting server hardware and software. This accelerated, hybrid course will combine lectures, labs, videos, simulations, and group and individual assignments. Prerequisite: CIS 194 or approval from instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week

• CIS291 - Intro to Windows Server Admin ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is intended to provide an introduction to the Microsoft Server operating system. Topics will include how to install, configure, monitor and maintain Microsoft Servers. Additional topics will focus on how to deploy and configure Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in a distributed environment, how to implement Group Policy, how to perform backup and restore, and how to monitor and troubleshoot Active Directory-related issues with Windows Server 2016. Additionally, this course teaches students how to deploy other Active Directory server roles, such as Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) and Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS). This accelerated, hybrid course will combine lectures, labs, videos, simulations, and group and individual assignments. Prerequisite: CIS 290 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week

Suggested Program

First Semester - 12 Hours

• CIS101 - Fund of Computer Info Systems ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of computer information systems through a comprehensive study of the development, history, growth, and application of the computer as a tool of information systems. The student will gain a functional understanding of computer hardware, systems software, storage devices, telecommunications, database theory and applications, operating systems, programming languages, software development, systems analysis and design, and management information systems. Issues of computer security, Internet, and ethics will be stressed throughout the course. The student will be provided with a balance of real-world applications and technical information of information systems. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  OR

  CIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems, communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite: None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week
   

• CIS151 - Network Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course offers a hands-on approach to computer networking. Students will be introduced to a variety of networking hardware and software. Students will examine the application of networking hardware and software, and install, configure, and troubleshoot end to end networks. The course will introduce the most popular and recent technologies. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA N+ network certification. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab

• CIS167 - A+ Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course offers a hands-on approach to microcomputer maintenance. This course will introduce a history of personal computer evolution as well as the most popular and recent technologies. Students will examine the personal computer; laptops and portable devices; current operating systems; printing & scanning techniques; basic networking; safety; and professionalism. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA A+ Essentials and A+ Technician exams. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

• CIS187 - Intro to Cloud Computing ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This introduction to Cloud Computing course will prepare students with the skills required to evaluate and implement standard cloud technologies. Students will implement, maintain, and deliver cloud technologies including network, storage, and virtualization technologies to create cloud solutions. This course will also teach students to manage workload migrations, manage cloud vendors to control costs, use automation and orchestration to bring business value from cloud solutions, and ensure security of cloud implementations using cybersecurity best practices. Prerequisite: CIS 151 and 167 recommended (may be taken concurrently) Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week

Second Semester - 12 Hours

• CIS186 - Intro to Virtualization ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This introduction to Virtualization course will prepare students with the skills required to evaluate and implement standard virtualization technologies. Students will explore creating a virtual machine, its benefits, and be able to describe types of virtualization used for data centers. Additionally, students will be able to describe virtualization, virtual machines, hypervisors, and various standard virtualization platform components and describe the concepts of server, network, storage, and desktop virtualization. Students will understand how individuals and businesses benefit from virtualization. Prerequisite: CIS 101 or CIS 109 or consent of instructor Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week

• CIS194 - Managing Modern Windows Device ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is designed to teach you the foundation knowledge to accomplish the following technical tasks: deploy Windows; manage devices and data; configure connectivity; and maintain Windows. Prerequisite: CIS 101 or CIS 167 or instructor consent 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

• CIS197 - Security + Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course offers a hands-on approach to network security principles. An in-depth overview of recognizing and protecting against risks and threats to an organization's electronic data will be addressed. This course prepares students for the current CompTIA's Security+ Certification Exam. Prerequisite: CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167 (may be taken as co-requisite) or approval from instructor 3 Semester hour(s) 2 lec/2 lab/week

• CIS250 - Beginning Linux ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course will provide a comprehensive look at common tasks performed by Linux system administrators. This includes installation, management of Linux systems from the command line and the GUI, user administration, file permissions, customization, software configuration, management of Linux-based clients, troubleshooting, and more. Expanded coverage of networking and security are covered. This course covers all the objectives, and will prepare the student for the current CompTIA's Linux+ Certification Exam. Prerequisite: CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167, (may be taken as co-requisites), or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Third Semester - 6 Hours

• CIS290 - Introduction to Servers ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course offers a hands-on approach to servers. Topics will include server architecture, server administration, storage, security, networking, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting server hardware and software. This accelerated, hybrid course will combine lectures, labs, videos, simulations, and group and individual assignments. Prerequisite: CIS 194 or approval from instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week

• CIS291 - Intro to Windows Server Admin ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is intended to provide an introduction to the Microsoft Server operating system. Topics will include how to install, configure, monitor and maintain Microsoft Servers. Additional topics will focus on how to deploy and configure Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in a distributed environment, how to implement Group Policy, how to perform backup and restore, and how to monitor and troubleshoot Active Directory-related issues with Windows Server 2016. Additionally, this course teaches students how to deploy other Active Directory server roles, such as Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) and Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS). This accelerated, hybrid course will combine lectures, labs, videos, simulations, and group and individual assignments. Prerequisite: CIS 290 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week