The system administration certificate is designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge of server and network administration to prepare for entry level positions, or an internship, in the system administration field.

This certificate is offered by Ensign College, with support and resources from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

hands typing on a laptop with another laptop open

Why choose this certificate?

System administration is closely related to computer science, including learning skills in scripting, servers, and network administration. Specific softwares and systems that are in high demand are Amazon web services, Azure, Linux, Powershell, and others.

BYU-Pathway has found that certain combinations of certificates lead to better job opportunities. Most degrees have a recommended plan of certificates that will help students increase their income and improve their employment possibilities.

young man wearing headphones looks at a laptop

Looking Ahead

Potential Employment

Desktop/IT Support

Windows system administrator
Linux administrator
Network support
Network engineer

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

Install, configure, and troubleshoot network routers and switches
Install, configure, and troubleshoot Linux and Windows servers
Describe and apply security principles and how they can be applied to both network and servers

Certificate of System Administration

Program Requirements

This certificate builds into the Applied Technology degree.

This is an advanced certificate. Prior to working on this certificate, you must complete Computer Support.

Certificate

15 CREDITS

Associate

60 CREDITS

Bachelor's

90–96 CREDITS

Certificate of System Administration

Course Code

Course Name

# of Credits

IT330

Azure Technologies

IT330 — 3 credits

Azure Technologies

Prepares the student to prove mastery of the following technical tasks: manage identity and access; implement platform protection; manage security operations; and secure data and applications. Successful completion of this Course will prepare students to take exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies certification exam. Laptop is required (see Ensign.edu to find recommended specifications).

IT335

AWS Cloud Practitioner

IT335 — 3 credits

AWS Cloud Practitioner

Students will gain knowledge, skills, and abilities to demonstrate basic knowledge of the AWS platform, including available services and their common use cases, AWS Cloud architectural principles (at the conceptual level), account security, and compliance. Students will demonstrate an understanding of AWS Cloud economics including costs, billing, and analysis, and the value proposition of the AWS cloud. Laptop is required (see Ensign.edu to find recommended specifications).

IT340

Business Intelligence Systems

IT340 — 3 credits

Business Intelligence Systems

Students focus on extracting business intelligence from data sets for various applications, including reporting and visual analytics in multiple domains, including web analytics and business analytics, on aiding decision-making processes. Provides hands-on experience with a variety of SQL dialects, analytic tools, and platforms. Laptop is required. (See ensign.edu to find recommended specifications).

IT350

Network Configuration & Design

IT350 — 3 credits

Network Configuration & Design

This course explores the infrastructure of a large network including hardware, design strategies, etc. Using virtual and simulation technologies students will configure routers, switches, etc. and learn how to design and configure a network with security in mind. Laptop is required (See Ensign.edu to find recommended specifications).

IT370

Advanced Linux

IT370 — 3 credits

Advanced Linux

Students will enhance their foundational skills by navigating through a series of experiential projects. Students will interact with the advanced Linux command stack to build and integrate various server configurations in a secure environment. They will create, develop, and implement a business infrastructure plan that will meet the needs of an organization. Students will engage in teams, explore their understanding through individual student-led teaching opportunities as they journey through the day and life of a Linux administrator. Laptop is required (See Ensign.edu to find recommended specifications).

For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support