No. of Credits: 60
Contact: Bernice Brezina, Chair, Business, Technology, and Public Service Division
This degree program prepares students who are currently employed in the cybersecurity field as well as those without prior work experience to develop the skills and knowledge required of practitioners within a variety of cybersecurity related settings.
The first semester is the same for all students in this program. The first semester is designed to provide all students with a basic foundation in computer theory. The second semester is where students begin to explore cybersecurity concepts. At the conclusion of the second semester the student will select, which track they wish to pursue.
Students pursuing the digital forensics track will navigate through the entire digital forensics course sequence and upon completion will have sufficient knowledge to sit for the Global Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) industry certifications. This track will place special emphasis on the knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct civil and/or criminal digital forensics investigations and to develop and administer policy in support of digital forensic programs.
Students pursuing the network security track will navigate through the entire network course sequence and upon completion will have sufficient knowledge to sit for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) industry certification. The track will place special emphasis on the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement, administer, and secure networks of various sizes.
Regardless of the track that students select, all students will take classes that will help to prepare for the following entry level cybersecurity industry certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, and Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT).
Students will be taking courses in this program through several course delivery formats. Since it is imperative that students obtain hands-on experience with the various tools, technologies and techniques employed in the cybersecurity field, some courses will only be offered in a face-to-face lab environment. Courses not identified as a program core may be offered in an online only section.
It should be noted that oral and written communication skills are emphasized throughout this program. Both tracks will require several courses in writing and communications. In addition, students will have multiple learning opportunities to improve soft skills by completing activities such as developing a resume or portfolio, preparing for a job interview, and delivering project presentations.
This program has been designated as a CAE-CDE 2Y - National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2-Year Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 45.
Career Opportunities:
information systems security technician, security analyst, security associate, security administrator, security specialist, security consultant, information assurance technicians, network security administrator, and security engineer
Transfer Options:
A complete list of all transfer opportunities can be found on the Transfer Services page
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will…
- Students analyze social, professional, security, and ethical issues related to computing
- Students apply industry standard information security practices to solve a variety of business and technical problems
- Students demonstrate understanding of key security domain concepts (policy development, physical security, computer application security, network defense, user support, and disaster and recovery planning)
- Students secure information as it exists in networks and computer systems by applying a layered security policy
- Students explain as well as justify, in both oral and written form, security procedures and recommendations for a non-technical audience
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