IT Fundamentals Certificate (I-BEST) (no longer accepting new students)
Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information may change. Please contact your advisor for more information regarding the courses. To see which materials are needed for your courses, click this bookstore link Links to an external site. and enter the course information.
General Overview
When can I start? Fall (September), Winter (January), or Spring (April)
How long is the program? 3 quarters (9 to 11 months) with 47 total credits
When do classes meet? Mornings and early afternoons with some online options; there also may be some evening classes that meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Are summer classes required? No
In this certificate program, students will gain the knowledge to be able to design, develop, and test programming applications. Students will also learn how to build functional webpages. Pursuing a computer science AAS or AAS-T degree is strongly encouraged as you gain more skills needed in the tech industry.
You can learn more about the Computer Science program in our $25 class CCP 046 Bridge to Information Technology Programs.
What does a computer programmer do?
What is the average salary?
Most web developers earn at least $62,560 in the Seattle area; Links to an external site.there is a wide salary range. Jobs with higher pay often require a bachelor's degree in the Seattle area.
Who can I contact with questions?
- New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
- For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Computer Science.
Overall Materials Needed:
- Functioning, recent Windows laptop or computer, not an Apple or Chromebook (you must be able to install software)
- USB drive (thumb drive)
- Webcam
- Headset with microphone
- Working internet connection
Key Course Icons (learn more)
green means the class has expensive materials
red means the class has lots of assignments
purple means the class has a lot of technical vocabulary
orange means the class has complex content
blue means the class moves at a fast pace
gold means that this is the most challenging quarter in the whole program
2022 - 2023 Starts
Fall 2023 and Beyond
If you plan to stay at RTC to finish your Computer Science AAS or AAS-T degree, please use those program maps instead!
Quarter 1 Classes 
Description: This quarter introduces you to computer programming and networking. This quarter has four classes, including one social science class and one math class. Please consult your adviser about the best math class for your goals; you can learn more about math placement here.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COL 101 | College Success | NO | 2 |
| IT 101 | Fundamentals of Computing | NO | 5 |
| ANTH& 106 | American Mosaic or other social science class | varies by class | 5 |
| AMATH 175 | Financial Math |
NO | 5 |
| Tuition and Fees Estimated Total: $2,062 | |||
Quarter 2 Classes
Description: You will create simple applications using data types, conditionals, loops, arrays, HTML, and CSS. This quarter has two computer science classes and one communication or humanities class, with ENGL& 101 recommended. What are your placement options for ENGL&101?
Prerequisite note: You cannot take CSI 122 unless you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 120.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSI 120 | Computer Programming I |
NO | 5 |
| CSI 140 | Web Development I | NO | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition or other communication or humanities class | varies by class | 5 |
| Tuition Estimated Total: $1,941 | |||
Quarter 3 Classes
Description: You will build your programming skills with forms, controls, properties, and methods, and you will increase your web design skills with Javascript and jQuery. This quarter has two computer science classes and one elective.
It's time to apply for graduation!
Prerequisite note: You cannot take CSI 124 unless you earn a 2.0 or higher in CSI 122.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSI 122 | Computer Programming II | NO | 5 |
| CSI 142 | Web Development II | varies | 5 |
| --- | any elective from General Education, Cloud Network Technology (CNT), or Cybersecurity Analyst (CYA) | varies by class |
5 |
| Tuition Estimated Total: $1,941 | |||
Grand Total Estimate: $5,944
Electives, Fall 2023 and Beyond
Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!