Cybersecurity, AAS

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This is a G3-eligible program. Click here to learn more.

Program Description/Purpose: The cybersecurity degree is designed for individuals who seek employment in cybersecurity-related fields. The program is designed for those who are new in the cybersecurity field or seek skills improvement to a current skill set. The program meets the requirements for the NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence - Cyber Defense designation.

Occupational Outcomes: Graduates from this program can expect to find entry-level jobs in computer security-related fields.

Accreditation Status: The A.A.S. in Cybersecurity is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students will analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Students will apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
Students will communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Students will recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Students will function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in cybersecurity activities.

Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.

Program Curriculum

Fall Semester

CSC 110 - Principles of Computer Science 3 cr. OR
ITE 152 - Introduction to Digital Literacy and Computer Applications 3 cr.
ENG 111 - College Composition I 3 cr.
ITN 100 - Introduction to Telecommunications 3 cr.
ITP 100 - Software Design 3 cr.
SDV 101 - Orientation to IT Professions 1 cr.
Elective Group - Math 3 - 5 cr. ¹

Spring Semester

ENG 112 - College Composition II 3 cr.
ITE 221 - PC Hardware and OS Architecture 3 cr.
ITN 260 - Network Security Basics 3 cr.
ITN 270 - Advanced Linux Network Administration 3 cr.
ITP 270 - Programming for Cybersecurity 4 cr.

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

CST 100 - Principles of Public Speaking 3 cr. OR
CST 110 - Introduction to Human Communication 3 cr.
ITN 263 - Internet/Intranet Firewalls & E-Commerce Security 3 cr.
ITN 267 - Legal Topics in Network Security 3 cr.
ITN 276 - Computer Forensics 3 cr.
ITN 298 - Seminar and Project 4 cr.

Program Total: 66-67 Credits

¹ Students planning to transfer to a four-year college are encouraged to contact an advisor prior to math selection to ensure proper math required for the student’s transfer institution.

²Students pursuing the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity at GWU are encouraged to take either PHI, REL, an ENG 200-level literature course, or a 200-level foreign language course. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity at GMU are encouraged to take ART 101 or ART 102 . Other options are CST 151 , MUS 121 , or HUM 298 .

³ Students transferring to GMU or GWU are encouraged to take HIS 111 or HIS 112 .

SPECIAL NOTES:

The A.A.S. in Cybersecurity is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org thus course credit may not be granted for current holders of industry certiﬁcations.
The A.A.S. in Cybersecurity has been designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the U National Security Agency (NSA).
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity at GMU must have completed the A.A.S. in Cybersecurity degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA. GMU will waive the age requirements for the BAS in cybersecurity program for graduates earning the A.A.S. in Cybersecurity after the student meets with a GMU academic advisor to sign the BAS Age Waiver Form.
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity at GWU in Cybersecurity are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.7. A “C” or better is required in a course for it to transfer.
For a student to earn a CAE-CD designation (seal) on their transcript/degree requires a GPA of 3.5 in the core Cybersecurity courses (ITE 221 , ITN 100 , ITN 260 , ITN 261 , ITN 262 , ITN 263 , ITN 266 , ITN 267 , and ITN 298 ).