As the number of computers being used to store sensitive information for personal, business, and government purposes increases, the need for securing computers and other systems that store this information becomes more obvious. Information security professionals are needed to provide security for these infrastructures. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) program in Cybersecurity is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity, network/systems administration, and system programmers. This program will also consist of courses that help to prepare students for these industry certification exams:
- CompTIA Security+
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP)
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Careers
Find your path.
Database Administrator – est. salary $88,922
Information Security Analyst – est. salary $92,618*
Netowrk and Computer Systems Administrator – est. salary $81,186
Security Management Specialist – est. salary $80,807
**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Opportunities
Courses and Completion Sequence
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 103 - Applied Computer Technology | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| CIS 150 - Network Technology | 4 credits | CIS 150 is a prerequisite for CIS 152 Critical course as it is a prerequisite for CIS 252, and 259 |
Major Course |
| ENGL 101 - English Composition | 3 credits | ENGL 101 is prerequisite for ENGL 102 and 117, and SOC 115 | ENGL 101 |
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra or above | 3 credits | FNMT 118 is prerequisite for ASET 130 | Mathematics |
| Choose Any Course | 3 credits | General Elective |
Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses
- This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
- Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate's degree in two years
- Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 152 - Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 credits | CIS 150 is prerequisite. CIS 152 is the prerequisite for CIS 274 |
Major Course |
| CIS 155 - Principles of Operating Systems | 3 credits | CIS 155 is the prerequisite for CIS 204 & 261 | Major Course |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or SOC 115 - Gender and Society or ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology |
3 credits | For SOC 115: ENGL 101 is prerequisite | Social Science Elective Writing Intensive, Interpretive Studies, American/Global Diversity |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | For ENGL 102: ENGL 101 is a prerequisite | ENGL 102 Info Literacy |
| ENGL 115 - Public Speaking or ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication |
3 credits | For ENGL 115 and ENGL 117, ENGL 101 is prerequisite, which may be taken concurrently | Humanities Elective |
Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses
- Don't forget to meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Start planning for transfer:
- Did you know our dual admissions partnerships include scholarship opportunities?
- Learn more about our transfer agreements and use our interactive search tool for your program’s transfer options
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Now is a good time to start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship— You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 114 - JavaScript I | 4 credits | Major Course | |
| CIS 204 - Fundamentals of Linux and Unix | 3 credits | CIS 105 or CIS 155 is prerequisite. | Major Course |
| CIS 252 - Windows Server Configuration | 4 credits | CIS 150 is prerequisite. | Major Course |
| CIS 259 - Computing and Network Security | 4 credits | CIS 150 (“C” or better) is prerequisite. CIS 259 is prerequisite for CIS 274. |
Major Course |
Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses
- Meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship—You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 121 - Computer Mathematics and Logic | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| PHYS 105 - Survey of Physics (preferred) or ASET 130 - Quality Control/Quality Assurance |
4 credits | Natural Science Elective | |
| CIS 261 - Cyber Investigation | 4 credits | CIS 155 is the prerequisite For CIS 274: CIS 152 and CIS 259 are prerequisites | Major Course |
| CIS 274 - Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing | 4 credits | CIS 152 and CIS 259 are prerequisites | Major Course |
Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses
- Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don't forget to complete your graduation application.
- Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
- Finalize your transfer plans:
- Meet with a counselor at your selected dual admissions transfer college
- Meet with one of our College's counselors or an advisor to review transfer requirements
- Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
- Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Information Security Analysts
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure.
$92,618
490
in the region
+12.5%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
- Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.
- Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $61,801. Normal pay for Information Security Analysts is $92,618 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $133,520.
Program Information
Cybersecurity
Degree Type:
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
61