Cybersecurity: Networking and Security Operations - AAS Degree
Overview
See Department website and program contacts here
The Cybersecurity: Networking and Security Operations (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers in cybersecurity, networking, and information technology security. The curriculum combines technical computer, networking, and security skills to prepare students for employment in a variety of cybersecurity and IT environments.
Coursework includes topics such as hardware and software support, network design and administration, cybersecurity, cryptography, ethical hacking, business continuity, and disaster recovery. Students develop practical technical skills used to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
The Cybersecurity program is workforce-focused and emphasizes practical, applied learning that prepares students for careers in network support, cybersecurity operations, information security, and related technology fields. Students may also prepare for industry certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA, EC-Council, and others.
Students in the program may have opportunities to participate in cybersecurity competitions and team-based events with colleges and universities nationwide.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals. Students entering the program are recommended to have basic computer skills. Students without prior computer experience, or those who would like additional preparation before beginning the program, are encouraged to enroll in BCS090 Computer Basics for College Success through the Learning Success Center.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Perform preventative hardware and software maintenance
- Troubleshoot and correct computer hardware and software problems
- Conceptualize, design and diagram possible solutions for a given networking environment
- Work with others as part of a computer security team
- Assemble, reconfigure and upgrade personal computers
- Perform basic network and operating system administration, configuration and system security for both wired and wireless networks
- Configure and troubleshoot access to resources, hardware devices and drivers, storage use and network connections
- Analyze Internet security issues and apply them to network design problems
- Design a disaster recovery plan for a real-world scenario
- Communicate effectively and professionally in the information technology environment
- Perform necessary “white hat” attacks on a network to assess vulnerabilities
- Perform basic computer forensics on a variety of storage medium
- Design an appropriate risk analysis for a given business in a particular environment
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CIS151 | Introduction to Networks | 4 |
| ISTM100A | Preparation For An Education in I.T. and Cybersecurity 1 | 1 |
| ISTM183C | Fundamentals of CyberSecurity | 3 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Human Relations Requirement | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| CIS125SS | Spreadsheets | 3 |
| CIS152 | Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials | 4 |
| ISTM100B | Preparation For An Education in I.T. and Cybersecurity 2 | 1 |
| ISTM183A | Preparation for A+ Essentials | 3 |
| ISTM133P | Introduction to Python | 4 |
| ISTM283A | Fundamentals of Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| CIS153 | Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation | 4 |
| ISTM100C | Preparation For An Education in I.T. and Cybersecurity 3 | 1 |
| ISTM140L | Preparation for Linux | 4 |
| ISTM171 | Introduction to Cloud and Virtualization Technologies | 3 |
| ISTM183B | Preparation for A+ Practical Application | 3 |
| Health and PE Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| Fall | ||
| CIS276 | SQL | 4 |
| ISTM189 | Wireless Security | 3 |
| ISTM279A | Windows Server (Azure) | 4 |
| ISTM283CC | Cyber Competition | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| CIS284S | Preparation for Security+ | 4 |
| ISTM283B | Firewall Implementation | 3 |
| ISTM283CO | Cyber Operations | 3 |
| ISTM284E | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| Select one programming elective from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Beginning Game Programming | ||
| Web Authoring: Client-Side Programming (offered only in fall) | ||
| Computer Science I | ||
| Mobile Apps 1: Introduction to iOS Mobile Applications Development | ||
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| Select a course or combination of courses from the following list to complete a minimum of 4 credits: | 4 | |
| Capstone Project Development or Coop Ed-Computer Applications or Coop Ed-Computer Applications or Coop Ed-Computer Applications or Coop Ed-Computer Applications | ||
| ISTM233P | Python for Cyber Security | 4 |
| ISTM283F | Practical Digital Forensics | 3 |
| MTH065 or MTH058 | Beginning Algebra II (or higher) or Quantitative Reasoning I | 4-6 |
| Credits | 15-17 | |
| Total Credits | 96-100 | |
- 1
Students planning to transfer to a four-year university should take CIS297 Capstone Project Development, while those planning to enter the workforce after graduation should take WE280CAD Coop Ed-Computer Applications.
- 2
While not required, students are highly encouraged to take courses over the summer to help reduce some of the larger term loads. Students should speak with a department advisor about which courses are offered in the summer.
Awarding Requirements
The following requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the AAS in Cybersecurity: Networking and Security Operations degree:
- All program core courses (CIS, ISTM) must be completed within five (5) years of starting the program.