No. of Credits: 60
Contact: Bernice Brezina, Chair, Business, Technology, and Public Service Division;
Christopher Estes, Program Coordinator
The field of cybersecurity focuses on the protection of computers, networks, software, and data from unauthorized access, modification, and destruction. Continued adoption of new technologies, Software as a Service (Saas), and migration to cloud environments in the face of evolving threats are accelerating demand for practitioners in this already growing field.
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; it is designed to provide all students with a foundation in computer theory. During the second semester, students begin to explore cybersecurity concepts. At the conclusion of the second semester, the student will select which track they wish to pursue: Digital Forensics or Network Security.
Students pursuing the digital forensics track will take classes that will help to prepare them for the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) industry certification. This track will place special emphasis on the knowledge and skills to conduct digital forensics investigations and to develop and administer policy in support of digital forensic programs.
Students pursuing the network security track will take classes that will help to prepare them for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) industry certification. The track will place special emphasis on the knowledge and skills 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 soft skills such as communication, professionalism, teamwork, and work ethic are emphasized throughout this program.
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).
Professionals with a strong IT background may contact the program coordinator or chair about obtaining prerequisite waivers to take certain classes in this program.
The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 45.
Career Opportunities:
information systems security technician, security operations center 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…
- Analyze social, professional, security, and ethical issues related to computing.
- Apply industry standard information security practices to solve a variety of business and technical problems.
- Demonstrate understanding of key security domain concepts (policy development, physical security, computer application security, network defense, user support, and disaster and recovery planning).
- Secure information as it exists in networks and computer systems by applying a layered security policy.
- Explain as well as justify, in both oral and written form, security procedures and recommendations for a non-technical audience.
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