Program: Cybersecurity A.A.S. - Westchester Community College

Apr 03, 2025

Fall 2018 Course Catalog

School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Computer Information Technologies
HEGIS: 5199
Curriculum Chair: Prof. John Watkins
Office: CLA-26
Telephone: 914-606-8519
Email: john.watkins@sunywcc.edu

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Fall 2018. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Defined

The purpose of the A.A.S. is to be fully trained for immediate employment upon graduation. Students who opt to continue on to pursue higher levels of education are encouraged to check with the receiving institution regarding transferability of credits. Click to learn more about the differences among award types.

Program Description

The Cybersecurity major provides a firm foundation in the basic principles of business security. It covers the functions of hardware, operating systems, databases and networks. It is designed to integrate skills in the areas of information management, PC security, cyber-security, the proper collection and analysis of computer based evidence and protecting that evidence for courts of law.

This program prepares the student for employment in entry-level positions in information systems departments, information assurance, security firms and digital forensics.

The curriculum is designed for both the student who intends to seek full-time employment after graduation and the student who wishes to transfer to Information Assurance, Information Systems or Information Technology programs at a four-year college.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate the ability to manage, protect and secure computer systems functions, including forensic extraction from hardware and software applications.
Demonstrate understanding of the operation of workstations and servers and how to manage, identify, and recognize problems and attacks.
Demonstrate an understanding of how the computer network functions and how to use network packets and software behavioral analysis to manage, identify and recognize patterns related to attacks.
Demonstrate understanding of the multiple ways in which the security of computer systems is breached and how to make computer systems more secure.
Demonstrate the ability to write security and forensic reports that could be used in a court of law.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements - 26 Credits

Students are required to fulfill a certain number of credits within the specific categories shown below. Where specific courses are not listed within these categories, courses must be selected from the list of SUNY General Education Courses .

Basic Communication (3 credits)

ENG 101 - Writing and Research

Humanities (6 credits)

Mathematics (7 credits)

MATH 140 - Statistics
and ONE of the following courses:
MATH 130 - College Algebra: Functions & Models
MATH 135 - College Algebra with Trigonometry

Natural Sciences (4 credits)

Natural Sciences - LAB course required - see SUNY General Education Courses

Social Sciences (3 credits)

Social Sciences - see SUNY General Education Courses

American History or Western Civilization (3 credits)

Select a course from ONE of the following categories:

American History – see SUNY General Education Courses
Western Civilization – see SUNY General Education Courses

Degree Requirements - 36 Credits

Minimum Total Credits - 62

Educational Plan: The Educational Plan is an advisement tool that provides important information to students about how to complete this degree. Click to download the Cybersecurity A.A.S. Educational Plan (PDF) .

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Transfer Opportunities

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process for its incoming and graduating students. To ensure its graduates enjoy a seamless transfer with junior status to another college in the same discipline at both institutions (transferred from/to) and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer, Westchester Community College has signed Transfer Articulation Agreements with many colleges that offer bachelor’s degree programs. Visit www.sunywcc.edu/transferarticulation to see a list of Articulation Agreements by institution or search by a specific program of study. Visit www.sunywcc.edu/transfer for additional transfer resources and contacts.

Transfer Scholarship Opportunities

Many colleges and universities are eager to have Westchester Community College graduates transfer to their institutions. Consider this an incentive to complete your WCC degrees with high honors! Go to www.sunywcc.edu/scholarships to view the many transfer scholarship opportunities to four-year colleges.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.