Minnesota State Community & Technical College

Cisco Networking Certificate

Course Requirement: 4 courses/12 credits

Mode: Online

This certificate helps to prepare to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the CompTIA Network+ certifications. Cisco-certified technicians have career opportunities related to designing, building, and maintaining information technology infrastructure. Prior experience with computer hardware, binary math, and basic electronics is desired but not required to enroll in the program. Learning outcomes include analyzing networking models and protocols; configuring local area networks and wide area networks; defining common industry terms and standards; and troubleshooting LAN/WAN systems.

Learn more at minnesota.edu/programs-and-degrees/cisconetworking

Cybersecurity Certificate

Course Requirement: 10 courses/30 credits

Mode: On Campus

Students in M State’s Cybersecurity program will gain a strong foundation in computer and network security, preparing for careers in the expanding and crucial fields of information security. The program focuses on IT security and networking skills with an emphasis on protecting data and networks from cyber threats. Students learn to perform penetration testing, perform and document results for security risk assessments and implement security measures. Many of the courses utilize specific industry certification standards. An industry advisory board actively guides class and curriculum development, ensuring that students are learning the skills that are in demand in the IT and cybersecurity fields. Learning outcomes include using mechanisms available in an operating system to control access to resources; configuring infrastructure server roles; investigating various countermeasures and security controls to minimize risk and exposure; supporting the ethical responsibility of ensuring software correctness, reliability, and safety; illustrating through examples the concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and exploits; analyzing known security incidents to trace and document the steps in the incident; and more!

Learn more at minnesota.edu/programs-and-degrees/cybersecurity

Human Resources Certificate

Course Requirement: 6 courses/18 credits

Mode: On Campus

This program is designed to prepare students to enter the Human Resources field and supports continued professional growth for those currently in the field. This certificate will provide students with a basic understanding of key human resource practices and how to support and manage them. Learning outcomes include understanding and applying applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations to human resource functions; understanding the strategic impact that human resources has within today's business environment; and utilizing critical thinking skills to analyze and solve problems related to human resource programs and situations.

Learn more at minnesota.edu/programs-and-degrees/humanresources

By Grant Ayers