Cybersecurity A.A.S.

School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Computer Information Technologies
HEGIS: 5199

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2020 to Summer 2021. 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 - 27 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 (8 credits)

MATH 131 - College Algebra or a higher level math class
MATH 140 - Statistics

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 - 63

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

Transfer Agreements

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

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.