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 2022 to Summer 2023. 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.

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 Map

The academic map below presents the recommended plan of study and will guide you through your program in a timely manner. Click the course abbreviations for full course descriptions. A course may be critical because it is a pre-requisite, requires a minimum grade, or because it is only offered once a year. Missing a critical course may push back your graduation date. Meet with an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure you are on track to complete your program.

Critical Courses should be taken in the order shown to stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1

Course (click for more information)	Critical Course	Pre-reqs or Co-reqs	Credits	Notes
ENG 101	✔	✔	3
CIS 110	✔	✔	3
CIS 120	✔	✔	3
MATH 131 or higher	✔	✔	4
American History or Western Civilization Gen Ed Elective	✔		3
Semester Total Credits			16

Semester 2

Course (click for more information)	Critical Course	Pre-reqs or Co-reqs	Credits	Notes
CIS 130	✔	✔	3
CIS 135	✔	✔	3
CIS 140	✔	✔	3
ENG 102	✔	✔	3
MATH 140	✔	✔	4
Semester Total Credits			16

Semester 3

Course (click for more information)	Critical Course	Pre-reqs or Co-reqs	Credits	Notes
CIS 225	✔	✔	3
CIS 235	✔	✔	3
PHIL 160	✔	✔	3
Natural Sciences with Lab Gen Ed Elective	✔	✔	4
Social Sciences Gen Ed Elective	✔	✔	3
Semester Total Credits			16

Semester 4

Course (click for more information)	Critical Course	Pre-reqs or Co-reqs	Credits	Notes
CIS 240	✔	✔	3
CIS 245	✔	✔	3
CIS 270	✔	✔	3
POL 203	✔		3
BTECH 240	✔		3
Semester Total Credits			15

Minimum Total Credits: 63

Transfer Opportunities

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.

Career Opportunities

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