Cybersecurity

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)

Career Options

Careers

Find your path.

Database Administrator – est. salary $94,153
Information Security Analyst – est. salary $113,936*
Netowrk and Computer Systems Administrator – est. salary $88,626
Security Management Specialist – est. salary $90,199

 

**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.



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Transfer Opportunities

Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Cybersecurity degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Semester 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
CIS 103 - Computer Applications & Concepts 3 credits   Technological Competency
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 Writing, Research, Info Lit 1
FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra or above 3 credits FNMT 118 is prerequisite for ASET 130 Quantitative Reasoning
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
MATH 121 - Computer Mathematics and Logic 3 credits    
ENGL 102 - The Research Paper 3 credits For ENGL 102: ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better is a prerequisite

Writing, Research, Info Lit 2
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 Oral Communication/Creative Expression

Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses

Semester 3

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
CIS 106 - Introduction to Computer Programming or 
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 - Managing Network Servers 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

Semester 4

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
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

 Cultural Analysis & Interpretation
PHYS 105 - Survey of Physics (preferred) or
AET 102 - Science, Technology and Public Policy		 3 or 4 credits   Scientific Reasoning
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:
  • 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.

View the College Catalog for More Information

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.

Median Salary
$113,936
Number of Jobs
395 
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+23.5%
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 $73,014. Normal pay for Information Security Analysts is $113,936 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $175,877.

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Program Information

Cybersecurity

Degree Type:

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Credits Needed to Graduate:

60

Online Learning Availability:

50% or Greater

Related Programs:

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