Linux Administrator

Location(s): Catonsville, Essex, Online

Program Checklist (opens a new window) |

Program Description

Linux Administrators manage and maintain Linux-based systems within an organization. They are responsible for ensuring the stability, security, and optimal performance of Linux servers and workstations as well as completing routine security audits and administrative scripting with computer languages such as Python. The Linux Administrator collaborates with the IT team to handle Linux-based infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical support to users. This role requires a strong understanding of Linux operating systems, networking, and scripting languages. If you like to work with back-end systems and add value to your organization by knowing this operating system backward and forward, then becoming a Linux administrator may be a good next step for you.

Job titles related to Linux administrators include database administrator, network administrator, systems administrator, web administrator, and data scientist.

This program prepares students to take the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®) A+, Network+, Security+, and Linux+ certification exams and a career as a Linux Administrator. Students learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot PCs, mobile devices and networks as well as the theory, principles, technologies, and operations of computer networking. Students also learn how to implement and manage network security to protect against threats, risks, and attacks and perform vulnerability assessments and audits. In addition, students learn to script in Python and install, configure, and manage the Linux operating system as well as analyze, troubleshoot, and diagnose system properties and optimize system performance. Successful candidates must be self-driven, an analytical thinker, and a problem solver as well as have exceptional planning and project management skills and can work both independently and as a team member. This career requires continued training and education.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,180. The salary range in Maryland is $64,930 - $169,240 with a median wage of $107,690. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. prepare to pass the (CompTIA®) A+, Network+, Security+, and Linux+ certification exams;
2. perform the various responsibilities and tasks required for a Linux administrator;
3. install, configure, and manage Linux based systems;
4. apply the appropriate user and/or group permission and ownership;
5. demonstrate the ability to configure appropriate access and authentication methods; and
6. propose security best practices in a Linux environment.

CCBC Pathway & Track

Technology and Engineering Pathway: Programming Track - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential:

Students will earn a CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential:

Students will be prepared to sit for the CompTIA® A+, Network+, Security+, and Linux+, exams.

Certifying Organization:

Computing Technology Industry Association (Comp TIA®)

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students. Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program.

Program Length

Approximately 90 weeks

Program Requirements

Academic Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED
Strong computer skills
Strong analytical skills
Access to the Internet to complete assignments

Computer requirements for Introduction to Python Programming

PC: Windows 8 or later or Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Python (download and installation instructions are provided in course).
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum and demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning and recent certification training: 199

Program Course Sequence

Course Number	Course Title	Course Hours	Textbook Information (approximate cost; subject to change)	Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees
PCO 466 or PCO 467 (if blended) Shared with Credit class DCOM163	A+ Certification PC Technician	50	PC Pro (Access Key); TestOut; $172 Check with the Coordinator for potential text update before purchasing.	$735 T-$221/F-$514
PCA 619 or PCA 615 (if blended) Shared with Credit class DCOM101	Networking and Data Communications	37.5	Digital materials included in class.	$569 T-$171/F-$398
PCA 620 or PCA 616 (if blended) Shared with Credit class DCOM251	Network+ Technician Certification	50	The Official CompTIA Network+ Student Guide; CompTIA; $62.55 CertMaster Labs Network+ (Access Key); CompTIA; $85.33 Check with the Coordinator for potential text update before purchasing.	$735 T-$221/F-$514
PCA 594 or PCP 777 (if blended) Shared with Credit class DCOM258	Introduction to Information Security (Security+)	37.5	Security Pro (Access Key) TestOut; $185.33 Check with the Coordinator for potential text update before purchasing.	$569 T-$171/F-$398
PCP 275	Introduction to Python Programming	24	Included in class fees	$179 T-$20/F-$159
PCA 623 or PCA 627 (if blended) Shared with Credit class DCOM142	Linux Fundamentals	37.5	CompTIA CertMaster Learn for Linux+; CompTIA; $70.67 CompTIA CertMaster Labs for Linux+ (Access Key); CompTIA; $85.33 Check with the Coordinator for potential text update before purchasing	$569 T-$171/F-$398
PCA 891 or PCO 304 (if blended) Shared with Credit class DCOM224	Advanced Linux Administration	50	Same books for Linux Fundamentals Linux: Quick Study Chart Barcharts $6.95 Check with the Coordinator for potential text update before purchasing	$735 T-$221/F-$514
*Course Series Totals:*		286.5	$668.16	$4,091 T-$1,196/F-$2,895

Additional Information

Related Courses or Programs:
Cloud+, Introduction to Firewalls; and Introduction to Intrusion, Detection/Prevention Systems.

Additional Expenses:
2 CompTIA® A+ Certification exams - $506 ($253 per exam); CompTIA® Network+ Certification exam = $369; CompTIA® Security+ Certification exam = $404; and CompTIA® Linux+ Certification exam = $369

Program Contract Information

Coordinator: Katherine Walton | kwalton3@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4890 | C.BESS | 100 L

Administrative Assistant: Sarah Faul | sfaul@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-43677 | C.BESS | 100

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.