Cybersecurity Associate Degree

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

• Firewall Administrator
• IDS/IPS Administrator
• Systems Security Analyst

Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.
• One year of high school algebra completed.
• User level familiarity with one or more computer operating environments.
• Ability to interact with a computer system (keyboarding or assist device).
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.

Suggested Skills for Success

• Select from among these two and three credit courses:
• 10-152-173, IT: Program: Part 1 (C#)
• 10-152-163, IT: Program: Visual Basic
• 10-150-178, IT: Network: Cisco 3
• 10-150-187, IT: Network: Microsoft Server 2
• 10-150-158, IT: Network: Linux 2
• 10-150-184, IT: Network: Virtualization 2

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Cybersecurity Associate Degree in the number of semesters shown.

First Semester

10-107-107

Intro to IT

1

10-107-107 INTRO TO IT ...This course provides an overview of Information Technology by comparing and contrasting the various fields within the broader IT industry. Students will be exposed to hardware, software, networking, programming, and analyst roles to understand how each plays an integral role in IT.

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10-150-163

IT:Network:Cisco 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-150-163 IT:NETWORK:CISCO 1 ...this course will provide the learner the opportunity to understand IT networking concepts including cable characteristics and termination, OSI reference model, IP addressing and subnetting, network architectures and basic protocols, Ethernet switches, basic router operation and configuration.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-177

IT:Network:Network Essentials

2

10-150-177 IT:NETWORK:NETWORK ESSENTIALS...this course will provide the learner the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of client OS installation, configuration, administration, including troubleshooting, network connectivity, standard system maintenance procedures, command line introduction, and basic PowerShell scripting.

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10-154-150

IT:Support:Hardware-Intro

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-154-150 IT:SUPPORT:HARDWARE-INTRO ...computer network terminology, component identification, computer/peripheral configuration and maintenance, basic operating systems concepts and installations, basic networking concepts and configurations and troubleshooting.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-804-133

Math & Logic

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-133 MATH & LOGIC ...Students will apply problem solving techniques from discrete mathematics.Topics include symbolic logic, sets, algebra and base number systems (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to 12.7 AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to 780 AND Rdg greater/equal to 573; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor 920-498-5444).

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

16

Second Semester

10-150-168

IT:Network:Cisco 2

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-150-168 IT:NETWORK:CISCO 2 ...this course will provide the learner the opportunity to perform basic configuration of routers and switches; configuring and resolving common issues with dynamic routing protocols, virtual LANs, and inter-VLAN routing in small networks. (Prerequisite: 10-150-163, IT:Network:Cisco 1; 10-150-177 IT:Network:Network Essentials)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-153

IT:Network:Linux

3

10-150-153 IT:NETWORK:LINUX ...This course will provide an introduction to the Linux operating system including Installation and configuration, the boot and login process, directory structure, use of the Command Line Interface for administration of Users and Groups, file system permissions and the configuration of common Linux-based services. (Prerequisite: 10-150-163, IT:Network:Cisco 1; 10-150-177, IT:Network:Network Essentials)

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10-150-165

IT:Network:Microsoft Server 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-150-165 IT:NETWORK:MICROSOFT SERVER 1 ...Acquire necessary skills for supporting and configuring Windows Server including installation and configuration of an Active Directory Domain. Account administration, group policy management and core server roles and features are identified while preparing for MCSA Exam 70-410. (Prerequisite: 10-150-177, IT:Network:Network Essentials; 10-150-163, IT:Network:Cisco 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-191

Intro to PowerShell

1

10-150-191 INTRO TO POWERSHELL ...Develop fundamental knowledge of the language, editors, and logic. (Prerequisite: 10-150-163, IT:Network:Cisco 1; 10-150-177, IT:Network:Network Essentials; 10-804-133, Math & Logic)

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10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-105-101

Career Planning

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-105-101 CAREER PLANNING ...experiential learning introduction. Learn how personal branding allows candidates to differentiate themselves from the competition through appearance, personality, and marketing competency. Career portfolio introduced. (Corequisite: 10-890-101, College 101)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

17

Third Semester

10-150-178

IT:Network:Cisco 3

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-150-178 IT:NETWORK:CISCO 3...this course will provide the learner the opportunity to perform advanced configuration of routers and switches; configuring and resolving common issues with advancing routing and switching protocols in medium to large networks. (Prerequisite: 10-150-168, IT:Network: Cisco 2)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-185

IT:Network: Virtualization 1

2

10-150-185 IT:NETWORK: VIRTUALIZATION 1...this course will provide the learner the opportunity to design, implement, and secure aspects of virtualization environments including but not limited to, storage technologies, virtual network infrastructure, and virtual machine installation, configuration, and migration (Prerequisites: 10-150-168, IT:Network:Cisco 2; 10-150-165, IT:Network:Microsoft Server 1)

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10-150-187

IT:Network: Microsoft Server 2

3

10-150-187 IT:NETWORK:MICROSOFT SERVER 2 ...acquire necessary skills for administering Windows Server environment including Active Directory management, Group Policy, backup and recovery; PowerShell remoting, and infrastructure management; and security concepts while preparing for MCSA Exam 70-411. (Prerequisite: 10-150-165, IT:Network: Microsoft Server 1; 10-150-168 IT:Network:Cisco 2)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-192

IT:Network:PowerShell

2

10-150-192 IT:NETWORK:POWERSHELL...introduction to PowerShell concepts and how it is used for managing Microsoft networks; develop fundamental understanding of Windows management through the use of native command-lets, programming logic, and script development. (Prerequisite: 10-150-168, IT:Network: Cisco 2; 10-150-187, IT:Network: Microsoft Server 2; 10-150-191, Intro to Powershell)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-148

Compliance Fundamentals

1

10-150-148 COMPLIANCE FUNDAMENTALS ...this course provides the learner the opportunity to build an understanding of information security compliance regulations and guidelines to ensure the steps needed to protect confidential information including Non-Public Personal Information. (Prerequisite: 10-801-136, English Composition 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-809-195

Economics

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-195 ECONOMICS ...scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment, and global economic issues. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-105-103

Career Preparation

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-105-103 CAREER PREPARATION ...create professional resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews, understand interviewing techniques, participate in a mock interview, evaluate outcomes of interview, and prepare for Career Experience. (Prerequisites: 10-105-101, Career Planning; 10-801-136, English Composition 1)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

17

Fourth Semester

10-150-159

Linux Security Fundamentals

2

10-150-159 LINUX SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS ...this course provides the learner the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of configuration, troubleshooting and monitoring networking equipment using Linux. Linux will be used to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices; managing secure access, configure VPN access, firewall, intrusion detection, web content security, and endpoint security. (Prerequisites: 10-150-187, IT:Network:Microsoft Server 2; 10-150-178, IT:Network:Cisco 3; 10-150-153, IT: Network: Linux)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-176

Cisco Security Fundamentals

2

10-150-176 CISCO SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS ...this course will provide the learner the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of configuration, troubleshooting and monitoring Cisco network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices; managing secure access, VPN encryption, firewalls, intrusion prevention, web and email content security, and endpoint security. (Prerequisites: 10-150-178, IT:Network:Cisco 3)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-149

Network Monitoring

2

10-150-149 NETWORK MONITORING ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of protocol analysis at the packet level focusing on network performance, real-time monitoring of network traffic, and the configuration of Intrusion Detection Systems to continually monitor network traffic for security anomalies. (Prerequisite: 10-150-163, IT: Network: Cisco 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-147

Microsoft Security Fundamental

2

10-150-147 MICROSOFT SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS ...this course provides the learner the opportunity to build an understanding of security layers; authentication, authorization and accounting through VPN technologies; network security policies; operating system hardening, patch management and endpoint security, network application security; security reporting and auditing using PowerShell as well as other software tools. (Prerequisite: 10-150-187, IT:Network:Microsoft Server 2; 10-150-192 IT: Network:PowerShell; 10-150-178, IT:Network:Cisco 3)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-145

IT:Network:Security Fund

3

10-150-145 IT:NETWORK:SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS ...examine common security vulnerabilities and defenses used to protect network resources. Included is a discussion of security policies, user awareness training, network monitoring, and secure network design. (Prerequisites: 10-150-153. IT: Network: Linux; 10-150-187, IT:Network:Microsoft Server 2; 10-150-178, IT:Network:Cisco 3)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-170

IT:Network:Capstone

2

10-150-170 IT:NETWORK:CAPSTONE ...individual case studies to review and consolidate the knowledge and skills gained in previous classes. Course is intended to be taken during the student's last semester. (Prerequisites: 10-150-187, IT:Network:Microsoft Server 2; 10-150-178 IT:Network:Cisco 3; 10-150-185 IT:Network:Virtualization 1; 10-150-192 IT:Network:PowerShell)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-150-199

IT:Network: Career Experience

2

10-150-199 IT:NETWORK: CAREER EXPERIENCE...Students can select any hands on experience related to: Internship, Field Research, Service Learning, Simulations, Capstone, Industry Related, or International. Instructor approval required. (Prerequisite: 10-105-103, Career Preparation)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Total Credits

65

Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements.

Program Outcomes

• Install network hardware including interface cards and cabling
• Create effective user environments using Microsoft and UNIX/LINUX operating systems
• Install and configure network and desktop operating system software
• Install and configure application software
• Exercise structured problem solving techniques
• Develop technical documentation for network configuration and security
• Communicate technical information effectively
• Maintain computer hardware and peripherals
• Implement and configure wide area network (WAN) services
• Detect, analyze, and defend against network and system penetration
• Maintain data, confidentiality, and integrity through data and communication encryption

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.

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