Cybersecurity AAS: 356A

(G): 356A

This AAS degree prepares students for entry-level positions in cybersecurity. The program emphasizes computer security and information assurance concepts augmented with current industry standard techniques. Topics cover threats and vulnerabilities, prevention at the technical (hardware and software) and human levels, detection, response, and management aspects of security.

The program prepares entry-level computer technicians with cybersecurity expertise and also offers students a transfer option to four-year institutions. The proposed program of study is designed to address the needs for increasing the number of trained workers qualified to work in cybersecurity in the homeland security industry. The program is expected to meet National Security Telecommunications and Systems Security Instruction (NSTISSI) 4011 and 4013 standards. It will also help prepare students to sit for a variety of industry certifications, including the Computing Technology Industry Association’s (CompTIA) A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications; Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification; and the Security Certified Network Professional certification.

General Education Course Selections

Click here to view the Foundation/Distribution Courses for selection to fulfill the General Education Course Requirements.

Suggested Course Sequence

All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.

First Semester

CMSC 135 - Introduction to Scripting 3 semester hours
ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *
NWIT 127 - Microcomputer Essentials 3 semester hours
NWIT 151 - Introduction to Networking 3 semester hours
Mathematics foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)

Second Semester

CMSC 253 - UNIX/LINUX System Administration 4 semester hours
NWIT 173 - Network Security 3 semester hours
NWIT 203 - Microsoft Windows Server 3 semester hours
NWIT 252 - Cisco Networking 2 3 semester hours
English foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)

Third Semester

NWIT 245 - Defending the Network 3 semester hours
NWIT 246 - Attacker Tools and Techniques 3 semester hours
NWIT 263 - Introduction to Digital Forensics 3 semester hours
NWIT 275 - Wireless Security 3 semester hours
Arts or humanities distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD)

Fourth Semester

NWIT 247 - Introduction to Incident Response 3 semester hours
NWIT 291 - Cybersecurity Capstone 1 semester hour
PHIL 140 - Introduction to the Study of Ethics 3 semester hours
Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Natural science distribution with lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)

Total Credit Hours: 60

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 , or NWIT or CMSC elective.

Program Outline / Degree Requirements

General Education Requirements

Foundation Courses

English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Mathematics foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)

Distribution Courses

Arts or humanities distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD)
Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Natural science distribution with lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)

General Education Elective

PHIL 140 - Introduction to the Study of Ethics 3 semester hours (GEEL)

Program Requirements

CMSC 135 - Introduction to Scripting 3 semester hours
CMSC 253 - UNIX/LINUX System Administration 4 semester hours
ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *
NWIT 127 - Microcomputer Essentials 3 semester hours
NWIT 151 - Introduction to Networking 3 semester hours
NWIT 173 - Network Security 3 semester hours
NWIT 203 - Microsoft Windows Server 3 semester hours
NWIT 245 - Defending the Network 3 semester hours
NWIT 246 - Attacker Tools and Techniques 3 semester hours
NWIT 247 - Introduction to Incident Response 3 semester hours
NWIT 252 - Cisco Networking 2 3 semester hours
NWIT 263 - Introduction to Digital Forensics 3 semester hours
NWIT 275 - Wireless Security 3 semester hours
NWIT 291 - Cybersecurity Capstone 1 semester hour

Total Credit Hours: 60

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 , or NWIT or CMSC elective.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

Apply software patches to operating systems and applications.
Evaluate a system for security vulnerabilities using appropriate resources.
Use standard software tools to detect attempted security breaches in networks.
Implement network security defenses.
Describe a professional’s responsibility in the areas of individual privacy, intellectual property rights, and ethics and codes of conduct.
Examine legal, social, and ethical concerns related to securing information systems and networks.
Explain how to use current forensic tools.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills on issues related to cybersecurity.
Describe the differences between internal and external threats and how to defend against each.
Propose cybersecurity solutions based on real-world problem scenarios.
Demonstrate the skills necessary to be successful in passing at least 2 of the following certification exams: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and/or ISC2 Professional Security certification(s).