Cybersecurity A.A.S.

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 2025 to Summer 2026. 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 A.A.S. program at SUNY Westchester Community College equips students with essential skills for careers in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and information assurance. This comprehensive program covers foundational computer information systems, network security, programming, and cyber-attack management, preparing graduates to address today’s complex cybersecurity challenges. With hands-on courses in network security, server administration, and computer forensics, students learn to protect, analyze, and secure systems against a range of digital threats. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level roles or further studies in this high-demand field, with the expertise to contribute meaningfully to organizational security efforts.

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 an 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 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.

Accreditation

SUNY WCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. https://www.sunywcc.edu/about/accreditation/

Program Notes

No additional notes for this program.

Program Requirements

63 credits are required for the degree:

General Education - 27 credits
Required Degree Courses - 36 credits

General Education Requirements - 27 Credits

Communication - Written and Oral (3 credits): ENG 101 - Writing and Research
Humanities (3 credits): ENG 102 - Writing and Literature
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) (8 credits): MATH 131 - College Algebra or higher and MATH 140 - Statistics
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) (4 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice; and Social Sciences (3 credits): choose from ANTHR 101 - Cultural Anthropology , HSERV 200 - Diversity and Social Justice , SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology , SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology - Honors , OR SOC 102 - Sociology of Families
Social Sciences (3 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
US History and Civic Engagement OR World History and Global Awareness (3 credits): choose from either category, US History/Civic Engagement or World History/Global Awareness

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
CIS 110 - Computer Information Systems	3
CIS 120 - Object-Oriented Programming Logic	3
ENG 101 - Writing and Research	3
MATH 131 - College Algebra or higher	4
US History and Civic Engagement or World History and Global Awareness Gen. Ed. Course	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
Choose from ANTHR 101 - Cultural Anthropology , HSERV 200 - Diversity and Social Justice , SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology , SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology - Honors , OR SOC 102 - Sociology of Families	3
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Course	4
Social Sciences Gen. Ed. Course	3
Semester Total Credits	16

Semester 4

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