Information Technology Cyber Defense Option, A.A.S.

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This program prepares students for entry-level employment in information assurance and cybersecurity. The program combines both networking and systems administration fundamentals, with a focus on defensive strategies to securing networks and systems.

The Cyber Defense option emphasizes computer security and information assurance concepts augmented with current accepted security practices. Topics cover threats and vulnerabilities, prevention at the technical and human levels, detection, response, and management aspects of security.

Upon completion, students may seek various industry certification credentials such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, Cisco Certified Entry Level Technician (CCENT), Cisco CCNA Security, and Cisco CCNA Cybersecurity Operations.

I. General Education Core (15)

Area A: Communication (6 credits)

COMM 101 Principles of Communication 3 hrs transfer credit
ENG 101 Composition I 3 hrs transfer credit

Area C: Mathematics (3 credits)

IT 106 Mathematics for Computers 3 hrs credit

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (3 credits)

Select one course from Area D (3)

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts or Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)

Select one course from Area B (3) or Area E (3)

II. Program Requirements (45)

Core Courses:
IT 101 IT Orientation 1 hr credit
IT 140 Introduction to Operating Systems 3 hrs transfer credit
IT 201 Systems Design and Development 3 hrs credit
IT 205 Ethics in Information Technology 2 hrs credit
Cyber Defense Concentration Courses:
IT 240 Linux Operating System 3 hrs credit
IT 253 Linux System Administration 3 hrs credit
ITCYB 103 Introduction to Cybersecurity 2 hrs credit
ITCYB 143 Scripting and Security 3 hrs credit
ITCYB 153 Digital Forensics 3 hrs credit
ITCYB 203 Advanced Network Defense 3 hrs credit
ITCYB 273 Cybersecurity Operations 4 hrs credit
ITNET 165 Introduction to Networking 3 hrs transfer credit
ITNET 175 Introduction to Networking II 3 hrs credit
ITNET 250 Introduction to LAN Administration 3 hrs transfer credit
ITNET 260 Network Security Fundamentals 3 hrs credit
ITNET 280 Ethical Hacking 3 hrs transfer credit

Program Total: 60 credits

Note:

Due to the rapid change of technology in IT fields, there is a five year time limit on applying courses with IT, ITAPP, ITNET, ITPRG, and ITWEB prefixes to this program. Information Technology will accept returning student courses that are 5-7 years old if the student received a grade of “A” or “B” for the course. If the student did not receive a grade of “A” or “B” for the course and the course is older than 5 years, the course will not be accepted for completion of any IT degree or program. Courses beyond 7 years, with any grade, will not be accepted for this program.