DirectionsProfessional Certificate Programs
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Self-paced Certificate Programs
Format and Overview - GES Certificate Programs
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
CISCO™ CCNA® Certification Training
Microsoft Office Specialist 2003 (MOS)
CompTIA™ Security+ Certification
CompTIA™ Network+ Certification (revised August 2012)
Web Applications Developer New!
Administrative Professional with Microsoft Office Specialist 2003 Training
Administrative Professional with Microsoft Office Specialist 2007 Training New!
Administrative Professional with Microsoft Office 2007 Master New!
GES Technical Certificate Programs
These programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations, all within a six-month delivery window.
GES builds their programs with a team of professionals from each respective field, who work with an existing text book or base of material to provide the most effective web-based learning experience. The Programs are all open enrollment, asynchronous, and interactive. Instructors are actively involved in the students' online learning experience. They respond to any questions or concerns as well as encouraging and motivating students to succeed. Each program has a set of lessons and tests; grades are a combination of computer-graded tests and the instructor’s evaluation of the students' work.
Demonstrations are available for many of the available certificate programs. Once you decide on a certificate program simply call the VSU Continuing Education Department or complete the online registration form and mail or fax it in us. After your registration and payment have been received you will be sent a confirmation email from VSU. GES will then contact you and give you the necessary information (URL, username, and password) to access your classroom. Within 3 - 5 business days they will ship you the appropriate courseware and your instructor will be alerted that he/she has a new student.
After you have received your materials, you will then have access to the course until you complete it. Most of the courses are structured to be completed within 6 months, however, if you need more time extensions are available. Upon notification from GES of satisfactory completion of the program you will be awarded a certificate from Valdosta State University indicating the continuing education credits (CEUs) earned.
Requirements: Details regarding computer programs and Internet access are included with each program description.
Microsoft Certified System Administrator 2003 (MCSA)
This nationally recognized (MCSA) Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator training and certification online program provides expert instruction on the Microsoft® Windows Server 2003 family, making it easier to deploy, manage, and use. Achieving the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows 2003 credential provides a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise to successfully manage and maintain the typically complex computing environment of medium to large-sized companies operating on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 System. Microsoft Approved Curriculum Text Books included. (440 hours/44 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: An MCSA candidate should have six to 12 months of experience working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure or CompTIA certified for A+ and Network+.
Requirements: It is Highly Recommended that students have a high speed internet connection (DSL or Cable) -Programs are only compatible with Microsoft Operating System and Internet Explorer.
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This course is currently not compatible with Windows Vista Operating System.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. The original course length is about 1 year. If you need more time, you will receive a 6-month extension at no charge. Addditional extensions available at an extra charge.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$2395
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Web Applications Developer
In this program, you’ll use multiple tools and technologies to develop state-of-the-art web applications. The program is broken into 10 modules designed to teach you all the fundamentals of developing and maintaining database-driven Web sites.
You’ll begin by learning basic HTML, the core technology behind almost all websites. You’ll also master using CSS to design your pages and discover how to make your site more dynamic with JavaScript. Then you’ll dive into PHP and SQL, technologies that allow you to create database-driven websites such as intranets and e-commerce sites. In addition, you’ll learn the basics of XML, a technology that’s helpful in all programming including web development.
Next, you’ll create Ajax applications that respond more like traditional desktop software, giving users a faster and more interactive experience. You’ll end your course by exploring HTML5, the newest version of HTML, putting you on the cutting edge of web development.
This all-in-one package will teach you every skill you need to be proficient in creating database-driven websites. Once you’ve successfully completed this program, you’ll be prepared to enter the job market where Web Applications Developers are in high demand and earn rewarding salaries.
(267 hours/ 26.7 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: There are no specific prerequisites for this program. Students are assumed to be fairly knowledgeable on computers/Internet, and will need Internet connection with emailing capabilities. This program is for students who wish to become proficient in using HTML/DHTML and server-side programming to build web pages.
Requirements: This program is compatible with both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Full setup instructions and technical requirements are provided after accessing each module in the course.
The following are the minimum system requirements necessary to access the modules included in the Web Applications Developer course. All of these items can be downloaded for free:
- A Web browser. You will need Internet Explorer 7 or later, Firefox 3 or later, Chrome 5 or later, or Safari 3 or later.
- Any text or HTML editor. Suggested editors for each platform are :
- Windows
i. Crimson Editor (free)
ii. Adobe Dreamweaver
iii. Notepad (included in Windows) or Textpad - Mac OS X
i. Adobe Dreamweaver
ii. TextMate, TextEdit (included in Mac OS X) or TextWrangler
- Windows
- For the Ajax and PHP modules, you must install either MAMP or XAMPP, both of which are free. Additionally, you will need one of the following databases:
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SQL Server Express
- MySQL
- Oracle
Dates:Students are given 6 months to complete this 200 hour course. If you need more time, a 6 month extension is available free of charge. After one year, fees will apply.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$2095
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Microsoft Office Specialist 2003 (MOS)
This nationally recognized Microsoft Office Specialist (MOUS) online certification training program is comprehensive, practical and effective. The Comma Method of Microsoft Office® training was designed to meet the needs of college students, educators, administrators, and business professionals. This course uses real-life examples to teach the skills that employers want their employees to have.
The Microsoft Office® Specialist program is the only performance-based certification program approved by Microsoft to assess and validate computer skills using Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. (300 hours/30 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: There are no specific prerequisites for this course other than an Internet connection and emailing capabilities. This course is intended for students who want to learn how to effectively use the Microsoft Office 2003 suite of programs. This course will help prepare students to sit for the official Microsoft Office Specialist national certification exam.
Requirements: It is recommended that these Microsoft products already be loaded on the computer in order to take this course: Word 2003; Excel 2003, Access 2003; Outlook 2003 and PowerPoint 2003.
Older versions of Microsoft Office or Microsoft Office XP may be used to take this course, but be aware there will be discrepancies between the textbook, online content, and your Microsoft Office software. This course is compatible with Windows Vista Operating System.
PC Requirements -
IBM-compatible (PC) computer running Windows 2000 or later or Windows XP
Microsoft Office 2003 including:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Access
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free version) If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, you will be provided the link in the Admin Pro course to download the free reader
- Flash Player. If you do not have the Flash Player, you will be provided the link in the Admin Pro course to download the player. Internet Connectivity
- Preferred: Cable or DSL internet access
- If your internet service provider uses only dial-up, a minimum of 56K connection rate is recommended.
Dates: Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1495
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This nationally recognized Cisco® CCNA® online course and certification training program provides students with the essential knowledge to install, configure, and operate simple routed LANs and WANs and obtain Cisco® CCNA® certification training. You will gain knowledge of switched LAN Emulation networks made up of Cisco® equipment. The program is a focused coverage of Cisco® router configuration procedures, which will be mapped to exam objectives and prepare you for Cisco® Exam 640-802. (100 hours/10 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: Experience working in a network environment is recommended. The intended audience for this program is individuals interested in learning the skills necessary to become Cisco® CCNA® certified.
Requirements:Students will need a computer that runs Windows XP operating system, Internet Explorer 5.0 or later, and a high-speed internet connection is recommended.
This course is currently compatible with Windows Vista Operating System; however, the virtual lab simulated is not.
Certification Requirements: The CCNA® certification indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking for the small office/home office (SOHO) and small/medium business market. CCNA® certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small, simple networks, including but not limited to use of these protocols and technologies: IP, IGRP, EIGRP, PPP, HDLC, NAT, ISDN, Frame Relay, IP RIP, OSPF, VLANs, Ethernet, and access lists.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1895
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CompTIA™ Security+ Certification Training
This nationally recognized CompTIA™ IT Security+ online training course and certification program helps prepare a student for the Security+ IT certification exam. Students will learn about IT industry-wide security topics, including communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack, and operational and organization security. Other topics included in this course are protocols used in Linux, UNIX, and Windows 2000 in addition to the TCP/IP suite component protocols, and Ethernet operations. Students will gain knowledge in capturing, analyzing, and generating IP traffic, how to exploit protocol weaknesses and examine defensive solutions. Packet filtering, password policies, and file integrity checking are also covered. (80 hours/8 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: Thorough knowledge of TCP/IP and Network+ certification or equivalent knowledge and experience
Requirements: This course can only be taken using a PC and using current Microsoft operating systems. The course is support on Internet explorer. High speed internet access is advised.
This course is currently not compatible with Windows Vista Operating System.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. The original course length is about 3 months.
If you need more time, you will receive a 3-month extension at no charge.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1395
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CompTIA™ Network+ Certification Training
(revised August 2012)
This nationally recognized CompTIA Network+ online course and certification training program is the worldwide standard of competency for professionals with nine months experience in networking support or administration. The Network+ certification validates technical competency in networking administration and support. This Career Training Programwas recently revised to better prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam to be released September 1, 2012. The textbook CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide, Fifth Edition is included in the price of tuition.
This certification is geared toward those with nine months field experience in network administration and support. (80 hours/8 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: Although it's not a prerequisite, it's helpful if you have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration or academic training, along with a CompTIA™ A+ certification.
Requirements: High-speed Internet is recommended. This program can be taken on a PC or a Mac. Although the labs can only be completed on a PC. This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.
You will also need to have the latest versions of Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader to properly view all program content. In addition, you will need Windows Media Player Series 11 or later, DirectX 9+, and Java.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. Begin at your convenience. Upon registering, you're given an initial six months to complete this program. Should you need more time beyond the six months, an extension of six months is available with a fee of $75.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1395
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Administrative Professional with Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2003 Training
Over 4.2 million secretaries and administrative assistants are employed in the United States, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, making administrative professionals the largest segment of the office workforce! This online training program will provide you with administrative professional training and will teach you how to use the Microsoft Office 2003 suite of programs.
Administrative professionals are handling a wider variety of duties beyond strictly clerical roles. Today's administrative professional often plans meetings and special events; works closely with vendors and suppliers; creates and gives presentations; interviews, orients, and supervises other staff; writes and edits documents; and more. This program will prepare you for all of the varied tasks you might encounter in a typical day. (380 hours/38 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: There are no specific prerequisites to take this program, but students should have basic skills or knowledge in keyboarding (typing), using computer programs and the Internet, and a good command of English grammar and punctuation. No previous experience is required.
Requirements: It is recommended that these Microsoft products already be loaded on the computer in order to take this course: Word 2003; Excel 2003, Access 2003; Outlook 2003 and PowerPoint 2003.
Older versions of Microsoft Office or Microsoft Office XP may be used to take this course, but be aware there will be discrepancies between the textbook, online content, and your Microsoft Office software. This course is compatible with Windows Vista Operating System.
PC Requirements -
This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.
This course cannot be taken from a Mac computer.
These programs are not provided; the software should already be installed on your computer before you begin this online training program.
Microsoft Office 2003, including:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Access
Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader are required for this course.
Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
Click here to download the Flash Player.
Internet Connectivity
Preferred: Cable or DSL Internet access. If your Internet service provider offers only dial-up, a minimum of 56K connection rate is preferred.
This course cannot be taken from a Mac computer.
Dates: Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1895
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Administrative Professional with Microsoft Office Specialist 2007 Training
Over 4.3 million secretaries and administrative assistants are employed in the United States, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, making administrative professionals the largest segment of the office workforce! This online career training program will provide you with administrative professional training and will prepare you to become a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). MOS training will teach you how to use the new Microsoft Office 2007 suite of programs (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint) on the Vista operating system.
Administrative professionals are handling a wider variety of duties beyond strictly clerical roles. Today's administrative professional often plans meetings and special events; works closely with vendors and suppliers; creates and gives presentations; interviews, orients, and supervises other staff; writes and edits documents; and more. This program will prepare you for all of the varied tasks you might encounter in a typical day.
To earn the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification you must pass one or more certification exams offered by Microsoft. (480 hours/48 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: The certification training is available to adult learners online in partnership with major colleges and universities. This program is for you if you're looking to improve your Microsoft Office computer skills and want to start a new career or advance your current one.
Requirements:This course includes a 180-day free trial of Microsoft Office 2007 Professional and Microsoft Office 2007 CourseNotes from Course Technology. This program is compatible with the Windows XP but students will need access to a system operating Windows Vista. This program cannot be taken on a Mac computer.
You'll need the following Microsoft products already loaded on your computer:
- Windows Vista Business Edition
- Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint 2007.
Hardware requirements:
- IBM-compatible (PC) computer
- Processor: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)
- RAM: 1 GB of system memory
- Hard Drive: 40 GB with at least 15 GB of available space
- Video: Support for DirectX 9 graphics with
- WDDM Driver
- 128 MB of graphics memory
- Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
- 32 bits per pixel
- DVD-ROM drive
- Audio output
Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader are required for this course.
Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
Click here to download the Flash Player.
Internet connectivity:
You'll need Internet access. If your Internet service provider uses only dial-up, a minimum of 56K connection rate is recommended; however, high-speed access (cable or DSL) is preferred.
Dates: Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$2195
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Administrative Professional with Microsoft Office 2007 Master
Administrative professionals are the largest segment of the office workforce! Over 4.3 million secretaries and administrative assistants are employed in the United States, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Millions more administrative professionals work in businesses all over the world.
As an administrative professional, you'll play an increasingly vital and skilled role in today's (and tomorrow's) office. Your job can encompass everything from project management to public relations and from staff management to special events.
This unique program will give you the skills you need to be a successful administrative professional, as well as a master of Microsoft's suite of programs. The Microsoft Office 2007 Master program is the only comprehensive, performance-based certification program approved by Microsoft to validate business computer skills using Excel, Word, Power Point, and Outlook.
Students who complete Microsoft Office certification training earn more (about 12%) than employees who aren't certified. In addition, 82% of the students who become certified report getting a raise upon receiving their certification. The need for Microsoft Office training is vast—it's now a requirement in education, as well as in virtually all business, technical, and professional jobs. (340 hours/34 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: This program is for you if you're looking to improve your Microsoft Office computer skills and want to start a new career or advance your current one.
Students who enroll in the Microsoft Office 2007 Master program should have basic computer skills, including the ability to use an Internet browser and to select commands from a menu or toolbar.
Requirements:You can use Windows XP or later operating systems to complete this program. Please note that while you may use Windows Vista or Windows 7, its functions are not taught as part of this program. You may also use IE 7 or later browsers. This course cannot be taken on a Mac computer.
Hardware requirements:
- IBM-compatible (PC) computer
- Processor: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)
- RAM: 1 GB of system memory
- Hard Drive: 40 GB with at least 15 GB of available space
- Video: Support for DirectX 9 graphics with WDDM Driver
- 128 MB of graphics memory (needs more)
- Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
- 32 bits per pixel
- DVD-ROM drive
- Audio output
Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader are required for this course.
Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
Click here to download the Flash Player.
You'll need Internet access. If your Internet service provider uses only dial-up, a minimum of 56K connection rate is recommended; however, high-speed access (cable or DSL) is preferred.
This course includes a 180-day FREE trial of Microsoft Office 2007 Professional and Microsoft Office 2007 CourseNotes from Course Technology.
Dates: Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1895
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