Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity
Overview
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity (BAS–Cybersecurity) degree is designed for students seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity and information technology. The curriculum builds on foundational technical skills and includes advanced coursework in cybersecurity, networking, systems, and risk management to prepare students for upper-division study and professional roles in the field.
The BAS–Cybersecurity degree is a workforce-focused program that emphasizes practical, applied learning and prepares students for careers in areas such as information security, network defense, and cybersecurity analysis.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Requirements – outlines all courses required for completion of the degree
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- How to Apply – details the steps required to apply to the program
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Requirements
The degree requirements below outline the courses and credit categories required to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity (BAS–Cybersecurity) degree, including upper-division coursework and general education requirements. Expand each section to view courses that fulfill specific program requirements.
For a suggested term-by-term sequence, refer to the Education Plan tab.
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity (BAS–Cybersecurity) degree requires a minimum of 180 total credits. These credits are typically completed through a combination of:
- Lower-division prerequisite coursework (approximately 45 credits)
- Additional lower-division coursework or electives (approximately 45 credits, as needed)
- Upper-division BAS program requirements (90 credits)
The tables below outline the prerequisite and upper-division coursework required for this program. Additional lower-division credits may vary based on prior coursework or transfer credits.
Prerequisites
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Core - 10 courses | 36 | |
| Introduction to Networks | ||
or ISTM151N | Preparation for Network+ | |
| Preparation for Security+ | ||
| Introduction to Python | ||
| Preparation for Linux | ||
| Preparation for A+ Essentials | ||
| Preparation for A+ Practical Application | ||
| Fundamentals of CyberSecurity | ||
| Python for Cyber Security | ||
| Windows Server (Azure) | ||
| Practical Digital Forensics | ||
| Mathematics - 1 course | 5 | |
| Written Communication - 1 course | 4 | |
| Combination of lower division transfer and CTE courses to total 180 applicable degree credits | 45 | |
Elective courses must be 100-level or above | ||
| Total Credits | 90 | |
BAS Requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science - 2 courses | 8 | |
| Computer Science I | ||
| Computer Science II | ||
| Information Science & Technology Management - 19 courses | 67 | |
| Ethical Hacking | ||
| Issues in Cybersecurity | ||
| Cyber Defense Strategies | ||
| Cyber Offense Strategies | ||
| Digital Forensics and Incident Response | ||
| Mobile Forensics | ||
| Critical Infrastructure | ||
| Practical Malware Analysis | ||
| Cybersecurity Compliance | ||
| Risk Analysis | ||
| Identity and Access Management (IAM) | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Assembly Language for Cybersecurity | ||
| Secure Programming | ||
| Preparation for Cybersecurity Analyst | ||
| Cyber Competition Alpha | ||
| Cyber Competition Bravo | ||
| Information Technology Project Management | ||
| Senior Project | ||
| Business - 2 courses | 7 | |
| Business Communications | ||
| Leadership and Human Relations | ||
| Mathematics - 1 course | 4 | |
| Precalculus I: Functions | ||
or MTH105Z | Math in Society | |
| Written Communication - 1 course | 4 | |
| Technical Writing | ||
| Total Credits | 90 | |
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
The BAS in Cybersecurity is designed so students may begin any term.
To be successful in the BAS Cybersecurity program, students need to have completed the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents before starting any of the 300/400 level courses.
See a Cybersecurity Faculty Adviser before enrolling to determine if you need to take any additional prerequisites.
| Prerequisites | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MTH095 or MTH098 | Intermediate Algebra with Right Triangle Trigonometry or Quantitative Reasoning II | 5 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| CIS151 or ISTM151N | Introduction to Networks or Preparation for Network+ | 4 |
| ISTM183A | Preparation for A+ Essentials | 3 |
| ISTM183B | Preparation for A+ Practical Application | 3 |
| ISTM183C | Fundamentals of CyberSecurity | 3 |
| ISTM133P | Introduction to Python | 4 |
| ISTM140L | Preparation for Linux | 4 |
| ISTM233P | Python for Cyber Security | 4 |
| ISTM279A | Windows Server (Azure) | 4 |
| ISTM283F | Practical Digital Forensics | 3 |
| CIS284S | Preparation for Security+ | 4 |
| Credits | 45 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
Students may begin in fall, winter, or spring term.
General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CS161 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| ISTM284E | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| ISTM300 | Issues in Cybersecurity | 4 |
| ISTM310 | Cyber Defense Strategies | 3 |
| MTH111Z or MTH105Z | Precalculus I: Functions (or higher) or Math in Society | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| CS162 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| ISTM320 | Digital Forensics and Incident Response | 4 |
| ISTM331 | Risk Analysis | 4 |
| WR227Z | Technical Writing | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| ISTM321 | Mobile Forensics | 4 |
| ISTM322 | Critical Infrastructure | 4 |
| ISTM345 | Assembly Language for Cybersecurity | 4 |
| ISTM380 | Cyber Competition Alpha | 2 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| Fall | ||
| BA285 | Leadership and Human Relations | 3 |
| ISTM315 | Cyber Offense Strategies | 3 |
| ISTM340 | Artificial Intelligence | 4 |
| ISTM350 | Preparation for Cybersecurity Analyst | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| BA205 | Business Communications | 4 |
| ISTM330 | Cybersecurity Compliance | 4 |
| ISTM333 | Identity and Access Management (IAM) | 4 |
| ISTM431 | Information Technology Project Management | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| ISTM323 | Practical Malware Analysis | 4 |
| ISTM346 | Secure Programming | 4 |
| ISTM381 | Cyber Competition Bravo | 2 |
| ISTM490 | Senior Project | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
How to Apply
Students interested in the Cybersecurity BAS program should review the following pathways for eligibility.
You may be eligible to enroll in this program if you meet one of the following:
- Completed the AAS in Cybersecurity (Networking and Security Operations or Penetration Testing) at MHCC
- Completed an AAS or AS degree in a related field, such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or Cybersecurity, at MHCC or another institution
- Official transcripts must be submitted for evaluation to determine course equivalency
- Completed an AAS, AS, or bachelor’s degree and have relevant industry experience or industry certifications
- Transcripts must be submitted for evaluation
- Industry experience and/or certifications may be reviewed for credit for prior learning and course equivalency
- Completed at least 90 college-level credits (courses numbered 100 or above) and met program prerequisites
If you have questions about eligibility, prerequisites, or the application process, students are encouraged to connect with an advisor for guidance.