Cybersecurity

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Cybersecurity is an essential component of every organization. The risks involved in cyber-attacks include loss of data, intellectual property, brand equity, and possible legal ramifications. Understanding how cyber-attacks happen is the best proven defense against such attacks. In recent years, many high-profile data breach cases have made headlines. Companies like Yahoo, Uber, and Target faced security threats that exposed possibly millions of Americans’ private information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. As hackers and cybercriminals develop new ways to access sensitive systems and information, even the largest companies in the world must stay vigilant about security vulnerabilities.

The threat of further cyberattacks will drive companies to upgrade their networks. In addition, the focus on big data across industries translates into more work for technology firms. With demand for cybersecurity professionals at an all-time high, positions are available in virtually every industry. The pay isn’t tattered either: the median salary was over $98,000 in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This program is designed for

Students who want to start their career in cybersecurity
IT professionals looking to advance into the cybersecurity area
IT Managers who oversee a security team, and want a higher-level understanding of cybersecurity
Technology field professionals who want to learn about securing networks, infrastructure, and how to defend against cyber attacks
Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to mitigate their cybersecurity risk by avoiding common pitfalls in security

Associate of Applied Sciences: 60 Credit Hours

Foundations

Foundations courses provide the footing for the remainder of the Associates Degree and beyond. They provide the knowledge and skills upon which other courses will build. Whether attending full or part time, plan to complete most if not all of Foundations prior to taking courses under Knowledge Building or Preparing for Completion.

PSYC 1300 - Learning Framework Credit Hours: 3
ITSC 1301 - Introduction to Computers Credit Hours: 3
ENGL 1301 - Composition and Rhetoric I Credit Hours: 3
ITNW 1325 - Fundamentals of Networking Technologies Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 1300 - Fundamentals of Information Security Credit Hours: 3
Speech Communications Core
Click to view/hide options. Credit Hours: 3

Knowledge Building

Knowledge Building courses expand upon foundational learning and develop skills at a deeper level. It is recommended that students complete these courses prior to moving forward to Preparing for Completion.

MATH 1332 - Quantitative Reasoning Credit Hours: 3 OR other college level MATH course.
ITNW 1309 - Fundamentals of Cloud Computing Credit Hours: 3
ITSW 1307 - Introduction to Database Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 1342 - Information Technology Security Credit Hours: 3
ITNW 1354 - Implementing and Supporting Servers Credit Hours: 3
ITSE 1302 - Computer Programming Credit Hours: 3 OR COSC 1436
ITSC 1307 - UNIX Operating System I Credit Hours: 3

Preparing for Completion

These courses provide capstone knowledge and skills, which prepares students for their next steps. Before beginning the third set of courses in this pathway, complete the Application for Graduation. You should also meet with your coach/advisor to begin preparing applications for transfer.

ITSY 1391 - Special Topics - Ethics in Information Technology Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 2330 - Intrusion Detection Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 2341 - Security Management Practices Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 2342 - Incident Response and Handling Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 2343 - Computer System Forensics Credit Hours: 3
OR ITSY 2386 Internship - Computer and Information Systems Security
ITSY 2359 - Security Assessment and Auditing Credit Hours: 3
Elective: Language/Philosophy/Culture OR Creative Arts
Click to view/hide options. Credit Hours: 3

Cybersecurity Certificate: 30 Credit Hours

ITSC 1301 - Introduction to Computers Credit Hours: 3
ITNW 1325 - Fundamentals of Networking Technologies Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 1300 - Fundamentals of Information Security Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 1342 - Information Technology Security Credit Hours: 3
ITSE 1302 - Computer Programming Credit Hours: 3 OR COSC 1436
ITNW 1354 - Implementing and Supporting Servers Credit Hours: 3
ITSC 1307 - UNIX Operating System I Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 1391 - Special Topics - Ethics in Information Technology Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 2330 - Intrusion Detection Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 2341 - Security Management Practices Credit Hours: 3

Occupational Skills Award: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is an essential component of every organization. The risks involved in cyber‐attacks include loss of data, intellectual property, brand equity, and possible legal ramifications. Understanding how cyber‐attacks happen is the best proven defense against such attacks. Students will receive essential training and understand important concepts that meets today’s industry requirements and demands while learning in hands‐on virtual labs. As such, attaining these skillsets will help students to be competitive in the information security and cybersecurity domain, as these skills are more in demand than ever.

ITNW 1325 - Fundamentals of Networking Technologies Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 1391 - Special Topics - Ethics in Information Technology Credit Hours: 3
ITSY 1342 - Information Technology Security Credit Hours: 3