Program Description:

The IT Cybersecurity Entry-Level Certificate prepares students either to enroll in the IT Cybersecurity Advanced Certificate or Liberal Studies IT Cybersecurity Transfer Associate Degree program. They also prepare employment in a variety of entry-level network administration positions.

Problem-solving and analytical thinking  are emphasized throughout the certificate, with a hands-on approach to learning.

The IT Cybersecurity Entry-Level Certificate conforms to the National Initiative for Cyber Security Education (NICE) framework for academic programs, developed jointly by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Career and Transfer Outlook:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation predicts cybersecurity eventually will become the No. 1 threat against the U.S. The U.S. Department of Labor projects computer security specialists’ employment to grow by 22% from 2010 to 2020, a faster-than average outlook. The U.S. Department of Labor projects 65,700 new jobs requiring cybersecurity skills between 2010 and 2020. Graduates of this certificate will have basic cybersecurity knowledge and will be prepared to find entry-level network administration positions. They will be able to transfer to either the IT Cybersecurity Advanced Certificate or the Liberal Studies IT Cybersecurity Transfer Associate Degree program.

Helpful Hints:

Career opportunities are open to students with Certificate, A.S, B.S. and advanced degrees in the secure configuration, operation and analysis of enterprise computer networks, including infrastructure devices, network services and the servers upon which they run.

Program Outcomes:

• Students will be able to securely configure and operate an enterprise computer network (to include infrastructure devices, network services and the servers upon which they run).

• Students will be able to effectively work with others to design, develop, evaluate, and present solutions to network security problems.

• Students will be able update their skills when new cybersecurity challenges are presented.

• Students will be able to analyze problems, gather appropriate data, use logic to solve, predict and analyze results for relevance, accuracy, and consistency.

• Students will be able to recognize solution patterns of common problems and apply them to new challenges.

• Students will be able to communicate clearly, accurately, and succinctly through written and verbal means.