Colorado State University Global Offers Pathways to Career Advancement for Learners Seeking Employment

In light of the of recent industry layoffs, CSU Global is reaffirming its commitment to career-connected learning to provide learners with the essential skills and career-readiness needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Recognizing the challenges faced by those experiencing unexpected career changes, CSU Global’s academic and staff leadership have worked together to provide a robust portfolio of career-aligned courses to prepare for industry-recognized certification exams, improving employability and facilitating new career opportunities.

“We understand that job displacement can be a daunting experience, and we want to assure individuals that they are not alone,” said Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, President of CSU Global. “In addition to our Career Center and other learner-support services, we are dedicated to facilitating the knowledge and credentials that people nationwide need to navigate job and career changes successfully. Our courses are tailored to meet the demands of today’s employers, providing a direct pathway to passing industry exams while providing college credit toward a certificate and degree program-attainment should that be helpful into their futures as well.”

CSU Global’s comprehensive classes with lectures, hands-on labs, and practice exams help students achieve certifications in high-demand fields. The following table outlines the CSU Global courses that align with sought-after external industry certifications.

COURSE TITLE	INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION	COURSE  DESCRIPTION
MIS & DATA ANALYTICS: No testing required. These are SAS-approved courses where students earn the badge upon completion of these two required courses:
MIS445 – Statistics in Business Analytics	Tier 1 SAS Academic Badge	Explores data analysis, data production, and inference: from surveys and experiments to regression and hypothesis testing. Emphasizes predictive analysis for enterprise outcomes.
MIS450 – Data Mining	Tier 1 SAS Academic Badge	Provides an overview of data mining techniques, methodologies, and practical analyses using statistical software. Aligns with recommended prep: MIS445.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ITS310 – Introduction to Computer-Based Systems	CompTIA A+	Covers essential PC hardware, peripherals, and interfaces for the CompTIA A+ certification. Focuses on diagnosing, troubleshooting, and maintaining systems, with insights into peripheral connectivity.
ITS315 – Introduction to Networks	CompTIA Network+	Overview of computer networks, operating systems, and internet design. Prepares students for CompTIA Network+ certification, emphasizing technology professionals’ roles and responsibilities.
ITS350 – Information Systems and Security	Security+	Comprehensive education in security measures, strategic planning, cryptography, and current technologies, aimed at preparing students for the CompTIA Security+ exam and effective information system protection.
ITS360 – Introduction to Cyber Security and Digital Crime	CISM (ISACA)	Covers cyber security fundamentals, digital crime, risk reduction, threat assessment, incident management, preparing students for the ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification.
ITS400 – Information technology Project Management	Project+	Prepares managers to develop an IT strategy that aligns business strategy with IT infrastructure for a competitive advantage. Prepares students for the CompTIA Project+ certification.
ITS405 – Intermediate Networking	AZ-800	Teaches analyzing business problems, designing IT solutions, Windows Server management, Hyper-V, and Microsoft Active Directory implementation and maintenance.
ITS415 – Principles of Cyber Security	SSCP	Overview of cybersecurity threats, protection mechanisms, communication security, cyber forensics, and best practices. Prepares students for the SSCP (ISC2) certification.
ITS420 – Advanced Networking Systems	CompTIA Linux+	Advanced network and Linux systems concepts, including networking routing, switching, and system administration skills. Prepares students for the Linux+ certification exam with practical exercises.
ITS425 – Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing	CEH (EC Council)	Teaches securing systems against cyber threats through ethical hacking and penetration testing, uncovering exploitation techniques. Prepares students for the EC Council’s Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) exam.
ITS430 – Network Enterprise Solutions	AZ-104 (Microsoft)	Focuses on analyzing business problems, designing object-oriented software solutions, and implementing cloud-based services, including identity, access, and databases. Aligns with Microsoft’s AZ-104 exam preparation.
ITS435 – AWS Cloud Administrator	AWS Cloud Practitioner	Introduces AWS cloud, covering core services, security, compliance, access management, deployment, operation, and pricing models. Prepares for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.
ITS441 – Cloud Technology Fundamentals	CompTIA Cloud+	Explores cloud technology concepts, organizational usage, security risks, and implementations like SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and data storage solutions. Aligns with CompTIA Cloud+ certification requirements.
ITS446 – Securing Virtual and Cloud Systems	CCSP (ISC2)	Covers cloud security fundamentals, virtualization types, securing virtualized networks, and distinctions between public and private clouds. Aligned with the ISC2 CCSP exam preparation.
ITS462 – Introduction to IT Auditing	CISA (ISACA)	Introduces IT auditing principles, risk evaluation skills, and techniques for identifying IT environment threats. Prepares students for the ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
CSC320 – Programming I	Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Certification	Covers Java object-oriented programming, application development using discrete structures, and database interactions. Explores programming language translation, static analysis, and memory management across OS environments.
CSC372 – Programming II	Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Certification	Covers advanced Java object-oriented programming, application development using discrete structures, and database integration. Explores language translation, static analysis, and memory management across OS environments.
CSC450 – Programming III	Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Certification	Covers secure and functional programming in Java or C++, emphasizing real-world projects that address organizational challenges. Explores security posture assessments, code checks, and mitigation strategies during development.
	GRADUATE MIS & DATA ANALYTICS	No testing required for Tier 3 SAS Academic Badge. These are SAS-approved courses where students earn the badge upon completion of these four required courses:
MIS500 – Foundations of Data Analytics	Tier 3 SAS Academic Badge	Introduces methodologies, techniques, and tools used in data analytics, including visualization, inference, forecasting, optimization, simulation, and data mining. Emphasizes industry-standard tools and applications for real-world analysis.
MIS530 – Predictive Analytics	Tier 3 SAS Academic Badge	Covers fundamental predictive analytics and data mining techniques for business applications. Explores pattern discovery, key variable identification, and predictive model development to support data-driven decision-making.
MIS540 – Introduction to Business Intelligence	Tier 3 SAS Academic Badge	Covers Business Intelligence (BI) fundamentals for enterprise decision-making. Explores data integration across key areas like accounting, sales, and production to generate actionable insights and assess performance metrics.
MIS543 – Enterprise Performance Management	Tier 3 SAS Academic Badge	Explores how Business Intelligence (BI) supports organizational strategy. Covers key performance indicators, goal alignment, and the role of effective management in achieving enterprise objectives.
MIS535 – Data Reporting & Visualization	Tableau Certified Data Analyst Exam	Learn key data visualization techniques and strategies to help support data-driven decision making.

CSU Global’s career-connected courses are designed to:

• Validate Skills: Demonstrate proficiency and expertise to potential employers.
• Enhance Employability: Increase competitiveness in the job market.
• Advance Careers: Provide a foundation for career growth and advancement.
• Provide Flexible Learning: Offer online, accessible learning options and support services to fit busy schedules.

CSU Global encourages individuals affected by layoffs to explore its program options and take advantage of the resources available to support their career transition, which include on-demand technical support, library access, and writing and career center services. For more information, view https://csuglobal.edu/earn-industry-certifications-to-strengthen-your-skills.