Associate in Science in Liberal Studies

Bedford Campus and Lowell Campus - Day

Program Description:

The Information Technology Cybersecurity - Transfer Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program prepares students either for transfer to a related bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity, or for employment in a variety of entry-level information security analyst positions in network security administration. Problem-solving and analytical thinking are emphasized throughout the program, with a hands-on approach to learning. The IT program conforms to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework for academic programs, developed jointly by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security.

• Visit the Department Website for this program
• View the Academic Advising Guide for this program
• View the Academic Map for this program

Career and Transfer Outlook:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation predicts cybersecurity eventually will become the number one 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 program will be prepared to find entry-level employment as information security analysts, or to transfer to a four-year program. Career opportunities are open to students with 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.

Helpful Hints:

Students should plan on taking courses in the sequence indicated in the Curriculum Map for this program. Content of the core courses is designed to logically build upon previous semesters, culminating in “Ethical Hacking” and the “Capstone” course.

Students should plan on satisfying the math requirement as early as possible.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Information Technology Cybersecurity Transfer program will achieve the learning outcomes of the Liberal Studies degree. Additionally, graduates are prepared

• To securely configure and operate an enterprise computer network (to include infrastructure devices, network services and the servers upon which they run).
• To effectively work with others to design, develop, evaluate and present solutions to network security problems.
• To update their skills when new cybersecurity challenges are presented.
• To analyze problems, gather appropriate data, use logic to solve, predict and analyze results for relevance, accuracy and consistency.
• To recognize solution patterns of common problems and apply them to new challenges.
• To communicate clearly, accurately and succinctly through written and verbal means.