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Information Systems Administration Specialist Certificate

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Program Available at:

  • El Centro

Catalog Year 2021-2022 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type Level 1 Certificate

GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI May be Exempt

This award is under Computer Information Technology (PC Support Awards).

For more information, visit the Dallas College Internet Development Technologies webpage and your academic advisor at the El Centro Campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Information Systems Administration Specialist Level I Certificate. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn the Information Systems Administration Specialist certificate. Courses from this certificate may apply to the related A.A.S. degree. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

This certificate provides a foundation in information technologies systems used in delivering digital services.  Areas of study include: Information Technology (IT) Essentials, cloud fundamentals such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), networking, security, operating systems (Windows and Linux), client services, and customer relations management support. Courses that complete this certificate and the Informations Systems Administration Foundations Certificate (AF) are noted below.

Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites, as long as the student completes the TSI waiver form prior to enrollment.

SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 31-32 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

CHOOSE ONE:

  • BCIS 1405 – Business Computer Applications OR
  • ITSW 1404 – Introduction to Spreadsheets (Either course applies to AF)

CPMT 1451 – IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software (Course also applies to AF)

ITSC 2439 Personal Computer Help Desk Support (Course also applies to AF)

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with an advisor to confirm academic and career goals.
  2. Meet with a career advisor or coach to research career options and opportunities for job shadowing.

    Total Hours: 12

SEMESTER 2

CHOOSE ONE:

  • ITNW 1309 Fundamentals of Cloud Computing OR
  • ITNW 1425 Fundamentals of Networking Technologies OR
  • ITSC 1416 – Linux Installation and Configuration (Any of these courses apply to AF)

CHOOSE ONE:

  • ITSC 1380 – Cooperative Education-Computer and Information Sciences, General OR
  • ITNW 2350 – Enterprise Network (Either course applies to AF)

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to request an official degree plan and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
  2. Apply for the Information Systems Administration Foundations Certificate.
  3. Meet with a career advisor or coach to research career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
  4. Meet with a faculty or career advisor regarding placement for the Cooperative course.

     Total Hours: 6-7

SEMESTER 3                                                                                  

CHOOSE ONE:

  • ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. OR
  • POFT 2312 – Business Correspondence and Communication

ITSC 1315 – Project Management Software

CPMT 2350 – Industry Certification Preparation

Elective – Any 4-credit hour CPMT, IMED, INEW, ITCC, ITMT, ITNW, ITSC, ITSE, ITSW, or ITSY course

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with a career advisor or coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
  2. Meet with your advisor to apply for the Information Systems Administration Specialist Certificate.

    Total Hours: 13​​ 

PATHWAY TOTAL: 31-32 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

Updated July 22, 2025