Cybersecurity and Networking
Description:
Computer systems and networks are essential for businesses and infrastructure, but they must be secured to maintain data confidentiality, system availability, and information accuracy. Information security professionals work to protect and secure these systems while also addressing any attacks. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) program in Cybersecurity and Networking is tailored for students pursuing cybersecurity, networking, or system administration careers. The program includes courses that prepare students for industry certification exams.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify essential knowledge and practical skills for installing, supporting, and securing computer operating systems.
- Install, configure, and manage various types of network servers.
- Install, configure, and evaluate the configuration of hardware, software, and devices for enterprise-level networks such as firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless access points to optimize network performance and security.
- Assess security vulnerabilities in systems, policies, procedures, and human errors and propose and apply remedial actions to address them.
- Implement procedures for cyber investigations and perform secure retrieval of evidence
- without contamination.
- Examine ethical hacking and security testing techniques and implement defensive
- measures to protect networks and systems from cybersecurity threats.
Program Entry Requirements:
Students are required to satisfy placement at the time of admission. Students with prior computer-related experience may be placed in more advanced courses after consultation with and the approval of the department chairperson. Also, students who possess business computer application skills may test out of CIS 103: Introduction to Information Technology. Students needing developmental coursework must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as part of their degree program.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To earn the A.A.S. degree in Cybersecurity and Networking, students need to complete at least 62 credit hours as outlined and achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (a "C" average). A grade of "C” or higher is necessary for all courses counted towards the degree. By adhering to the course sequence shown below, students can finish the degree in two years.
Course Sequence:
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 103 - Introduction to Information Technology | 3 credits | Technological Competency | |
| CIS 150 - Network Technology | 4 credits | ||
| ENGL 101 - English Composition I or ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors) | 3 credits | Writing/Research/Info Lit 1 | |
| MATH 121 - Computer Mathematics and Logic or MATH 150 Introductory Data Analysis | FNMT 017 or FNMT 019 completed or placement in FNMT 118 or higher | 3 credits | Quantitative Reasoning |
| CIS 155 - Principles of Operating Systems | 3 credits |
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 152 - Introduction to Cybersecurity | CIS 150 which may be taken concurrently | 3 credits | |
| CIS 256 - Network Routing and Switching | CIS 150 | 4 credits | |
| CIS 288 – Cloud Computing | CIS 103 | 4 credits | |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper or ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors) | ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits | Writing/Research/Info Lit 2 |
| ENGL 115 - Public Speaking or ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication | ENGL 101, which may be taken concurrently | 3 credits | Oral Communication/Creative Expression |
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 106 - Introduction to Computer Programming or CIS 114 - JavaScript 1 or CSCI 111 Computer Science I | 4 credits | ||
| CIS 204 - Fundamentals of Linux and Unix | CIS 105 or CIS 155 | 3 credits | |
| CIS 252 - Managing Network Servers | CIS 150 | 4 credits | |
| CIS 259 - Computing and Network Security | CIS 150 with a grade of "C" or better | 4 credits |
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology (Honors) or SOC 115 - Gender and Society or ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology or any course that meets the college’s general education requirement for Cultural Analysis and Interpretation. | For SOC 115: ENGL 101, with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits | Cultural Analysis and Interpretation |
| PHYS 105 - Survey of Physics (preferred) or AET 102 - Science, Technology and Public Policy or any course that meets the college’s general education requirement for Scientific Reasoning. | For PHYS 105: FNMT 017 or FNMT 118 or higher placement For AET 102: ENGL 098, ENGL 098 ESL, ENGL 098/108, ENGL 101/109 (CLC) or higher placement. Open to students at FNMT 017 level or higher, however, if students are at FNMT 017 level they must take FNMT 017 concurrently. | 3 or 4 credits | Scientific Reasoning |
| CIS 261 - Cyber Investigation | CIS 155 | 4 credits | |
| CIS 274 - Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing | CIS 152 and CIS 259 | 4 credits |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate:
62General 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.
For More Information, Contact:
The Division of Business and Technology, Room B2-22, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Telephone (215) 751-8414; or the College Information Center (215) 751-8010.