Associate in Applied Science: Cybersecurity

Man working at a desk with multiple monitors displaying code.

Earn Your Degree in Cybersecurity

Career options

Information Security Analyst
Digital Forensics Analyst
Cybersecurity/Information Assurance Specialist

Prepare for a career in the emerging field of cybersecurity with this program. The curriculum provides students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation of the tenets of cybersecurity. Take classes in Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics, Computer Networking, and Server Administration.

Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand across the country, and this is a rapidly growing field that touches every industry, including information technology, business, banking, and healthcare.

Upon graduation from the program, you will qualify for technician-level positions such as a cybersecurity and information assurance specialist, information security analyst, penetration tester, and digital forensics analyst.

A.A.S. degree program plan

The 60-hour technical curriculum provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for students entering the growing field of cybersecurity. This program will prepare students for technician-level positions in this emerging field including cybersecurity and information assurance, information security analysts, penetration testers, and digital forensics analysts.

Program Requirements

Program Requirements (Hours required: 60)
Number	Course Title	Credits
First Semester
CIS 106	Computer Logic and Programming Technology	3
ENG 101	Composition I	3
Mathematics ¹		3
NET 101	Orientation to Cybersecurity Careers	1
NET 105	Information Technology Fundamentals	3
NET 121	Computer Networking	3
	Hours	16
Second Semester
CIS 226	Programming for Cybersecurity	3
ENG 102	Composition II	3
NET 240	Linux Server Administration	3
NET 260	Windows Server Administration	3
NET 280	Cybersecurity Fundamentals	3
	Hours	15
Third Semester
NET 262	Windows 365 Administration	3
NET 281	Enterprise And Network Security	3
NET 283	Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing	3
NET 284	Digital Forensics	3
SPE 101	Fundamentals of Speech Communication	3
	Hours	15
Fourth Semester
CIS 211	IT Project Management	3
NET 282	Cybersecurity Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance	3
NET 290	Cloud Computing	3
NET 298	Cybersecurity Capstone	2
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology ⁺	3
	Hours	14
	Total Hours	60

¹: Placement into college-level mathematics without support. MTH 103 is recommended.
+: This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.

Program learning outcomes

Cybersecurity Foundations: Understand and apply essential cybersecurity concepts, principles, trends, practices, technologies, and compliance.
Server Administration: Demonstrate effective installation, configuration, and management of server environments for Windows and Linux operating systems.
Programming: Develop Python scripts and programs for modern security professionals to monitor, protect against, contain, respond to, and recover from cyber attacks.
Project Management: Ability to effectively oversee IT projects through all stages of project development, from project selection and planning to monitoring and closure.
Industry Best Practices: Understand and apply standard methodologies, tools, and technologies in real-world environments.

Related programs

Students interested in cybersecurity may also be interested in:

For more information about cybersecurity courses at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700.