The New Mainframe: IBM System z Certificate
Program
Today’s IT landscape for enterprise computing is evolving rapidly, with data centers having to
meet ever increasing demands with flat budgets. IBM System z delivers a unique hybrid
computing model that allows data centers to optimize workload deployment on best fit
technologies with a common management infrastructure (for both mainframe and distributed
system resources) while driving down overall costs. This model integrates data serving and
analytics for actionable insight and enables fast and flexible delivery of new services to drive
innovation.
This program provides participants with a global understanding of IBM System z with special
attention given to system administration and programming, DB2 administration and application
development. The program is designed to help participants become proficient in these areas in
order to become employed at one of many top-tier companies deploying System z.
REQUIRED COURSES (12 units)
Enterprise Systems using the z/OS Operating System (3 units)
Acquire knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and manage the mainframe and
distributed computing environment using the IBM z/OS operating system. Topics
include interface knowledge, file system structure, system utilities and common
subsystems.
Enterprise Server Data Management using DB2 (3 units)
Learn database management skills for large scale enterprise systems using DB2. Topics
include DB2 database administration, tools for managing and programming databases
within the z/OS operating system, and special topics related to large scale enterprise
database administration.
Enterprise Application Programming for the z/OS Operating System (3 units)
Explore IBM Rational Developer for System z, and develop application programming
skills for large scale enterprise systems. Topics include JCL and COBOL for applications,
Websphere application development, DB2 programming and enterprise server
transaction management using CICS.
Administration, Networking and Security for Enterprise Systems using the z/OS
Operating System (3 units)
Develop advanced skills to support large scale mainframe and distributed computing
applications using the IBM z/OS operating system. Topics include system
administration, networking, hardware connectivity, network architecture,
authentication, communications strategies, problem solving and threat analysis.
As an open enrollment program, there are no application or admission requirements, and
students may enter the program at any time. Courses are taught throughout the year at one of
the University of Redlands Southern California regional campuses. The program may also be
delivered as a custom on-site offering where organizations are able to integrate existing workrelated issues and projects in the curriculum.
The program is designed for IT professionals or those looking to enter the profession.
Participants should have a basic understanding of a common programming language (C++, Java,
etc.), database administration and operating systems. Participants are not required to have
advanced IT skills in one or more of these areas in order to successfully complete the program.
Individual courses may be taken by those who are interested in gaining specialized
understanding in a topic.
Advisory Committee
Members of the Advisory Committee come from private and public organizations. Most are
active professionals with years of teaching and training experience. The role of the Advisory
Committee is to help shape the curriculum, lead the development of future offerings, identify
trends in the discipline, expand partnership opportunities with organizations and professional
associations, identify adjunct faculty and guest speakers to teach in the program, mentor
students and expand the University’s reach to new audiences.
Teaching Excellence
Following the University’s decades-long tradition in professional business education, the
program is staffed by practitioner faculty who combine years of professional expertise with the
ability to teach and train others. Faculty are continually reviewed by students and staff to
ensure they provide the most up-to-date and relevant information in the field. Faculty
members possess a degree, usually in computer science or related field, and a commitment to
continuing education.
Academic Credit
Courses offer full academic credit, and you may be able to apply these units toward a degree.
All degree programs have unique requirements, therefore, you are encouraged to speak with
an academic advisor at your home college or university to ensure the applicability of the course
credits to your degree.
For more information, visit www.redlands.edu/continuingstudies, or contact infoscs@redlands.edu or (909) 748-8868.