Cybersecurity - Associate Degree
Cybersecurity careers are at the forefront of information technology. IT security professionals are needed to prevent hackers from stealing vital data and to protect computer operations. Cybersecurity technologists are responsible for network security infrastructure, security application software, and security monitoring. Typical career opportunities in this field range from firewall administrators to intrusion detection administrators to security technology consultants. Responsibilities can include firewall administration, network security configuration and support, and security monitoring – all focused on developing and maintaining a secure network. Graduates of this associate degree are also prepared to pursue mainstream vendor certifications with additional study.
Delivery
Explore Locations
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $10,610, Books: $412, Supplies: $0
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. /admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=101512
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply
- Submit high school, GED, or HSED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable) to transcripts@nwtc.edu
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with 冈本视频 Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Install network hardware including interface cards and cabling
- Create effective user environments using Microsoft and UNIX/LINUX operating systems
- Install and configure network and desktop operating system software
- Install and configure application software
- Exercise structured problem solving techniques
- Develop technical documentation for network configuration and security
- Communicate technical information effectively
- Maintain computer hardware and peripherals
- Implement and configure wide area network (WAN) services
- Detect, analyze, and defend against network and system penetration
- Maintain data, confidentiality, and integrity through data and communication encryption
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Cybersecurity Associate Degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C.
- Cisco Intro, 10-150-200, must be passed with a "C" or better.
- Cisco Intermediate, 10-150-201, must be passed with a "C" or better.
- Cisco Security, 10-151-176, must be passed with a "C" or better.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides an overview of the interconnectedness among careers within Information Technology. Learn how various fields within the broader industry each play an integral role and how a personal brand fits into preparing you for your career choice. (Corequisite: 10-890-101, College 101)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearners will develop an understanding of cybersecurity methods, terms, and key technical concepts to identify and protect assets against attacks.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course will provide the learner the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of client OS installation, configuration, administration, including troubleshooting, network connectivity, standard system maintenance procedures, and command line introduction.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringAll college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course may be used as the first of a two part sequence that ends with Quantitative Reasoning as the capstone general education math requirement. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearners will be introduced to installing, troubleshooting, and configuring: computing basics, PC Technician Responsibilities, hardware components, operating systems Basics, storage media, system implementation, and system management tools.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIntroduces the architectures, models, protocols, and networking elements that connect users, devices, applications and data through the internet and across modern computer networks - including IP addressing and Ethernet fundamentals. By the end of the course, students can build simple local area networks (LANs) that integrate IP addressing schemes, foundational network security, and perform basic configurations for routers and switches.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringAn introductory look at the Linux operating system. Installation and configuration; boot up and login process; directory structure purpose/use; maneuvering in the Command Line Interface; understanding Long Directory Listings; Users and Groups; modifying permissions; service installation and management; and troubleshooting. Please be aware, this is a Linux administration course. We will start with and primarily use no GUI (Graphical User Interface). We will primarily be working in the command line. The emphasis of this course is creating a multi-user networked operating system. (Corequisite: 10-150-161, Linux Scripting; Prerequisite: 10-150-200, Cisco Intro; 10-150-177, Windows Client Essentials)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringSwitching technologies and router operations that support small-to-medium business networks and includes wireless local area networks (WLANs) and security concepts. Students learn key switching and routing concepts. They can perform basic network configuration and troubleshooting, identify, and mitigate LAN security threats, and configure and secure a basic WLAN. A grade of “C” or better must be achieved in 10-150-200 Cisco Intro in order to enroll in this course. (Pre-Requisite: 10-150-200, Cisco Intro with a "C" or better; 10-150-177, Windows Client Essentials)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringAn introduction to PowerShell syntax, scripting, and logic. Students will learn how it can be used to automate tasks for cybersecurity specialists. (Prerequisites: 10-150-200, Cisco Intro; 10-150-177, Windows Client Essentials; 10-804-134, Mathematical Reasoning)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringBuild upon the Linux skills acquired in Linux Structure by learning shell scripting with Bash. We will look at using Variables, Operators, Decision Making, Loops, Input/Output, Functions, and finally automating administrator tasks. All of this will take place in multiple Linux environments. We will use both Debian and ReHL based Operating Systems.
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringAcquire necessary skills for supporting and configuring Windows Server including installation and configuration of an Active Directory Domain. Account administration, group policy management and core server roles and features are identified. Cybersecurity students: the prerequisite is 10-151-105, PowerShell for Cybersecurity. IT Systems Administrator program students: the prerequisite is 10-150-191, PowerShell Intro. (Prerequisite: 10-150-177, Windows Client Essentials; 10-150-200, Cisco Intro; 10-151-105, PowerShell for Cybersecurity; 10-150-191, PowerShell Intro)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringCore OS operation, configuration of desktop/network OS, manage software, system security/audit policy, data communications, network topologies, virtual desktop management and advanced scripting. (Prerequisites: 10-150-177, Windows Client Essentials; 10-154-150, Hardware 1)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringStudents will engage with cybersecurity forensics by learning what digital forensics and incident response is, the methodologies used, key tactical concepts, and the tools need to perform examinations. (Prerequisite: 10-151-100, Intro to Cybersecurity; Corequisite; 10-154-153, Operating Systems & Data Com)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of protocol analysis at the packet level focusing on network performance, real-time monitoring of network traffic, and the configuration of Intrusion Detection Systems to continually monitor network traffic for security anomalies. (Prerequisite: 10-150-200, Cisco Intro)
Course Typically Offered: SpringAn introduction to Python syntax, scripting, and logic. Students will learn how it can be used to automate tasks for cybersecurity specialists. (Prerequisite: 10-151-100, Intro to Cybersecurity; 10-151-105, PowerShell for Cybersecurity)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course provides the learner the opportunity to build an understanding of information security compliance regulations and guidelines to ensure the steps needed to protect confidential information including Non-Public Personal Information. (Prerequisite: 10-801-136, English Composition 1)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringCreate professional resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews, understand interviewing techniques, participate in a mock interview, evaluate outcomes of interview, and prepare for Career Experience. (Prerequisites: 10-105-100, Careers in Business OR 10-107-117, Careers in IT OR 10-201-100, Careers In Digital Arts)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearners will develop the ability to prepare and present written and verbal training documents as well as technical documentation with the appropriate audiences in mind. An emphasis is placed on communicating cybersecurity risks and awareness to all audiences. (Prerequisite: 10-151-100, Intro to Cybersecurity: 10-801-136, English Composition 1)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringAcquire necessary skills for administering Windows Server environment including Active Directory management, Group Policy, backup and recovery; PowerShell remoting, and infrastructure management; and security concepts. (Prerequisites: Enrolled in Cybersecurity program AND 10-151-105, PowerShell for Cybersecurity AND 10-150-167, Microsoft Server Intro OR Enrolled in IT Systems Administrator program AND prerequisite 10-150-167, Microsoft Server Intro AND 10-150-192, PowerShell Intermediate)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringCourse description coming soon. (Prerequisite: 10-150-187, Microsoft Server Intermediate)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course will provide the learner the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of configuration, troubleshooting and monitoring Cisco network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices; managing secure access, VPN encryption, firewalls, intrusion prevention, cryptography, and endpoint security. A grade of “C” or better must be achieved in 10-150-201 Cisco Intermediate in order to enroll in this course. (Prerequisites: 10-150-201, Cisco Intermediate with a "C" or better)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course provides the learner the opportunity to build an understanding of security layers; authentication, authorization and accounting through VPN technologies; network security policies; operating system hardening, patch management and endpoint security, network application security; security reporting and auditing using PowerShell as well as other software tools. (Prerequisite: 10-150-187, Microsoft Server Intermediate; 10-151-105, PowerShell for Cybersecurity; 10-150-201, Cisco Intermediate)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudents can select any hands on experience related to: Internship, Field Research, Service Learning, Simulations, Capstone, Industry Related, or International. Instructor approval required. (Prerequisite: 10-105-103, Career Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringExamine common security vulnerabilities and defenses used to protect network resources. Included is a discussion of security policies, user awareness training, network monitoring, and secure network design. (Prerequisites: 10-150-160, Linux Structure; 10-150-187, Microsoft Server Intermediate; 10-150-201, Cisco Intermediate)
Course Typically Offered: Fall Spring