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 2023 to Summer 2024. 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 Requirements

63 credits are required for the degree:

General Education - 27 credits
Required Degree Courses - 36 credits

General Education Requirements - 27 Credits

Basic Communication - Written and Research (3 credits): ENG 101 - Writing and Research
Humanities - Writing and Literature (6 credits): ENG 102 - Writing and Literature and PHIL 160 - Ethics
Natural Sciences (4 credits): Choose from this category of general education courses
Mathematics (8 credits): MATH 131 - College Algebra or higher and MATH 140 - Statistics
American History or Western Civilization (3 credits): Choose from either category, American History OR Western Civilization
Social Sciences (3 credits): Choose from this category of general education courses

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all General Education Courses .

Required Degree Courses - 36 credits

Program Map

The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

Semester 1

Course	Credits
ENG 101 - Writing and Research	3
CIS 110 - Computer Information Systems	3
CIS 120 - Object-Oriented Programming Logic	3
MATH 131 - College Algebra or higher	4
American History OR Western Civilization	3
Semester Total Credits	16

Semester 2

Course	Credits
CIS 130 - Computer Hardware	3
CIS 135 - PC Operating Systems	3
CIS 140 - Networking for Business	3
ENG 102 - Writing and Literature	3
MATH 140 - Statistics	4
Semester Total Credits	16

Semester 3

Course	Credits
CIS 225 - Database Management Systems	3
CIS 235 - Server Administration	3
PHIL 160 - Ethics	3
Natural Sciences and Lab Gen. Ed. Course	4
Social Sciences Gen. Ed. Course	3
Semester Total Credits	16

Semester 4

Course	Credits
CIS 240 - Network Security (CIS)	3
CIS 245 - Computer Penetration Testing	3
CIS 270 - Computer Forensics	3
POL 203 - Principles of Investigation	3
BTECH 240 - Business Communications	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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