Cybersecurity Certificate

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

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. 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 certificate provides students with a firm foundation in the basic principles of business security. It is recommended for individuals with prior computer experience, and designed for students who need to enhance their job skills. The courses can also be applied to the A.A.S. degree in Cybersecurity. Graduates of this certificate can expect opportunities to use their skills in private industry, government, law enforcement, the military, health services and academia.

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 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 an 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

Required Courses - 27 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
CIS 110 - Computer Information Systems	3
CIS 120 - Object-Oriented Programming Logic	3
CIS 130 - Computer Hardware	3
CIS 135 - PC Operating Systems	3
CIS 140 - Networking for Business	3
Semester Total Credits	15

Semester 2

Course	Credits
CIS 235 - Server Administration	3
CIS 240 - Network Security (CIS)	3
CIS 245 - Computer Penetration Testing	3
CIS 270 - Computer Forensics	3
Semester Total Credits	12

Minimum Total Credits: 27

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Cybersecurity Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Opportunities

Visit Career Coach to explore career paths, job descriptions, salary trends, and job trends.

Visit the Career Services page for more career resources.