Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (A.A.S.)


Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S.

Total Credit Hours: a minimum of 61

About the Cybersecurity, Networking and Digital Forensics Department

Purpose: Provides training in computer security disciplines with three specific focus areas: security, digital forensics and networking. These degrees prepare students for entry level positions in information assurance and cybersecurity.

Additional Program Requirements

A grade of C or better is required in each Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program course requirement.

Areas of Concentration: This degree requires that students choose a concentration in one of three areas. A concentration is a structured plan of study within a degree program. The number of credit hours and particular course requirements for a concentration varies, as listed below.  To achieve a concentration, students must receive credit for every course requirement listed under that concentration.

Three Concentrations:

1. Information Assurance and Cybersecurity - Security (code AAS.CIS.SECURITY): This program emphasizes computer security and information assurance concepts augmented with current accepted industry practices. Topics cover threats and vulnerabilities, prevention at the technical (hardware and software) and human levels, detection, response, and management aspects of security. This program fully maps to the requirements of DHS/NSA Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

  Range of Occupations
 
  • Security specialist
  • Information assurance security specialist
  • Information systems security analyst
  • Manager of network and data security
  • Applications security specialist
  • Operating system security specialist

2. Information Assurance and Cybersecurity - Digital Forensics (code AAS.CIS.DIGITAL-FRSC): The program emphasizes the proper handling of digital evidence; tools and techniques utilized in forensics analysis, importance of proper documentation and report generation; and the laws and ethics governing evidence handling. The program fully maps to the eight knowledge domains currently specified by the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) and fully prepares students for the Magnet Certified Forensic Examiner (MCFE) exam. Upon completion of the Digital Forensics area of concentration degree, students are eligible for DoD/DC3 National Centers of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence program certificates.

  Range of Occupations
 
  • Computer forensic investigator
  • Corporate forensic investigator
  • Incident Handler
  • Incident Responder
  • Law enforcement investigator
  • Legal investigator
  • Private investigator
  • Financial investigator
  • Loss prevention agent
  • Computer forensic analyst
  • Counterintelligence agent
  • Policy analyst
  • eDiscovery specialist
  • eDiscovery project manager
  • Data restoration specialist
  • Forensics analyst
  • Forensics consultant
  • Forensic science technician
  • Technology risk management professional

3. Information Assurance and Cybersecurity - Networking (code AAS.CIS.NETWORK): This program emphasizes installing, repairing and administering local and wide area networks. The program incorporates a study of data communication fundamentals together with an in-depth study of current networking architectures and protocols. Client/server and peer networks are studied together with hands-on laboratory time working with Microsoft, Linux and Cisco systems.

  Range of Occupations
 
  • LAN system administration
  • Network installation
  • Network management
  • WAN Management Technology
  • Linux administrator
  • Windows Server administrator
  • System administrator

Related Industry Certifications:  These programs also provide the foundation for the following industry recognized certifications: CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

Graduates in these fields will find positions available in industry, education and government.

Graduation Requirements


Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements  for college-wide graduation requirements.

Honors Program Courses


If you qualify for the Honors Program, you may take honors versions  of some courses (such as ENG 101H , ENG 102H , etc.).

Online Degrees and Credit Certificates


This program can be completed fully online. Some online courses may require proctored exams or on-campus assessments at a testing center.

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses


 

   

SECURITY CONCENTRATION: Open/Print this Planning Tool  

Fast Track Planning Tool  



Open/Print Online Courses Tool  

 

DIGITAL FORENSICS CONCENTRATION: Open/Print this Planning Tool  

Fast Track Planning Tool  



Open/Print Online Courses Tool  

 

NETWORKING CONCENTRATION: Open/Print this Planning Tool  

Fast Track Planning Tool  



Open/Print Online Courses Tool  

 

General Education Requirements: 21 credits


An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education and Diversity, Technology and Wellness Requirements  section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English Composition: 6 credits


Arts and Humanities: 3 credits


Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits


Mathematics: 3 credits


Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits


Student should select a course that satisfies the college Diversity requirement. See General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences and Diversity Requirements  for a list of approved courses.

Additional General Education Requirement: 3 credits


Program Requirements: 40 credits


These are the 17 credits of common program requirements for all three areas of concentration.  Students must complete all of these courses with a grade of C or better.

Students must select one Area of Concentration in Security, Digital Forensics, or Networking:


Security Area of Concentration Requirements: 23 credits


Degree Awarded: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity - Security Concentration (AAS.CIS.SECURITY). Students must complete all of these courses with a grade of C or better.

Digital Forensics Area of Concentration Requirements: 23 credits


Degree Awarded: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity - Digital Forensics Concentration (AAS.CIS.DIGITAL-FRSC). Students must complete all of these courses with a grade of C or better.

Networking Area of Concentration Requirements: 23 credits


Degree Awarded: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity - Networking Concentration (AAS.CIS.NETWORK). Students must complete all of these courses with a grade of C or better.

Diversity Requirement


Students may satisfy the diversity requirement simultaneously as they satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences general education requirement. Refer to Diversity Requirement  for a list of approved courses.

Technology Requirement


Satisfied by CTS 107 .  

Wellness Requirement


Satisfied by BIO 135 . If you have already satisfied the Biological and Physical Sciences General Education Requirement, you may elect to take any Wellness Requirement course. Refer to Wellness Requirement Courses (General Education)  for a list of approved courses.

Fast Track Option


This program has a Fast Track Option  for those holding a college degree.

Program Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Associate of Applied Science degree, students will be able to:

1. Analyze a broadly-defined security problem and apply principles of cybersecurity to the design and implementation of solutions.

2. Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in cybersecurity practice based on legal and ethical principles.

5. Function effectively as a member of a team engaged in cybersecurity activities.

Additionally, upon successful completion of the Digital Forensics Area of Concentration, students will also be able to:

1. Plan and perform digital forensic investigations including preservation, handling, analysis, and documentation of evidence.

2. Use industry standard tools to access digital evidence and conduct forensic analysis.

3. Relate the functionality of operating systems and networks to digital evidence.

4. Explain the characteristics of computer crime offenses and offenders.

5. Apply Constitutional and case law to digital forensics investigations.

This program aligns with the college’s core competencies.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources