Turn Your IT Certification Training into a CSM LOR, Certificate, or Degree
Making your certification training even more valuable.
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Many of the IT certification training classes are eligible to earn credits toward a CSM Letter of Recommendation, Certificate, or IT CertificationDegree Program.
Many employers look for their IT staff to have a degree in addition to certifications. By applying your certification training to a degree, you can make the best use of your effort, time and money.
How It Works
An example path from certification training to LOR to Certificate to degree is outlined below, starting with A+ Certification and ending with a bachelor of science.
Other paths are also available. Contact an academic advisor for more information on how to get started.
Windows Server 2003 MCSA Certification Training (with Security specialty*)
*If the Security+ Certification is also completed
Add 12 credits
Windows Server 2003 MCSE Certification Training (with Security specialty*)
*If the Security+ Certification is also completed
Add 9 credits
Associate of Applied Science: Information Services Technology: MCSE
60 credits total
Computer Information Technology Bachelor of Science Degree
After completing an associate's degree at CSM, take advantage of the UMUC dual-enrollment agreement to earn a bachelor's degree through this partnership program.
Associate's Degree Programs
Associate's Degree programs are the formal degree programs offered by the college. An Associate's Degree may be transferred to another institution in pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree.
Graduates are awarded a diploma upon passing all courses required in their curriculum with a grade point average of 2.00 for all work at the college.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs focus on the skills required for specific job functions. After completing a Certificate program, the student is awarded a Certificate by the college.
Depending on the Certificate Program chosen, it consists of 15 to 42 credits. To qualify for graduation with a Certificate, students must pass all required courses and must have a 2.00 average for all courses required by the Certificate Program.
A Certificate Program is different from a formal degree program, such as an Associate's Degree or a Bachelor's Degree. Many of the General Education Requirement classes required for a formal degree are not necessary to earn a Certificate.
Letters of Recognition (LOR)
To earn a letter of recognition, the student takes a small group of highly focused credit courses designed to help them prepare for specific job skills and/or national and professional certification exams. After completing the sequence of courses, the student is awarded an official letter of recognition by the college.
Depending on the letter of recognition program chosen, it consists of 6 to 11 credits. Students must earn a C or better in each course. Credits may be transferred from another institution as determined by the academic department. At least 25 percent of the credits must be earned at CSM.
Letter of recognition programs are not eligible for federal financial aid.