AAS – Cybersecurity and Information Technology (IT) Specialist – Occupational Associate Degree in Applied Science program prepares students to obtain an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) degree in Cybersecurity and IT

Program Description

The Occupational Associate Degree program in Cybersecurity and Information Technology Specialist will benefit people who want to be part of the exciting world of cybersecurity and information technology. In the modern workplace, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology (IT), that is effective and reliable is crucial for all aspects of business. This career path is for people who like to plan, coordinate, and direct the implementation and support of the information technology systems that drive modern enterprise. Graduates of this program will work in positions where they will monitor and maintains the company’s network systems and troubleshoots network systems when necessary and makes improvements to the network.

Our program will prepare students to learn the knowledge and skills needed to excel at the job role. This program focuses on a skill level and validates the ability to design and build technology solutions in the cloud and on premises, which may include integrating multiple technology products and versions. This program would be beneficial for individuals looking for IT employment in positions such as technical support specialist, Systems Security Analyst, Cyber Security specialist, Penetration Tester, Network Administrator, Network Engineer, field service technician, Systems Architect, and IT support specialist.

Duration

All courses within this program will earn the respective quarter credit hours.  This program contains 90 quarter credit hours.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Note: We strive to deliver students the most current and up to date courses possible. The content listed in the following course descriptions are subject to change based on the current technology. Students should always refer to the course syllabus for up-to- date course content. A course within the program contains several streams of content. Your transcript will list the course names within the stream.

1. Mentoring and Leadership in the IT workspace

This course has potential for our students because it teaches students how to become leaders and manage the technology workspace. Upon completion of this course students will learn to assess and analyze the cases occurring within technology companies with leadership issues and how they overcame some of the issues. Again, we are looking at the development of personal skills, which needs to be a part of a leader’s agenda.

2. Information Technology Foundations

This course focuses on the essential IT skills and knowledge needed to perform tasks commonly performed by advanced end-users and entry-level IT professionals. This is also intended for candidates who are advanced end users and/or are considering a career in Information Technology. The course serves as a valuable pre-requisite for individuals seeking to obtain advanced IT certifications such as A+, Network+ etc.

3. Basic Word Processing and Spreadsheets

Students will learn the basic concepts and skills they will need to successfully use Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel in the workplace. Through hands-on exercises that simulate an actual workplace, students will learn to create and edit simple documents as well as how to create and utilize basic spreadsheets.

4. Computer Hardware & Operating Systems Support basic & advanced – A+ Certification

A+ Certification course can benefit you in two ways. Whether you work or plan to work in a mobile or corporate environment where you have a high level of face-to-face customer interaction, where client communication and client training are important, or in an environment with limited customer interaction and an emphasis on hardware activities, this course provides the background knowledge and skills you will require to be a successful A+ technician. It can also assist you if you are preparing to take the CompTIA A+ certification examinations, in order to become a CompTIA A+ Certified Professional.

5. IT Network Fundamentals basic & advanced – Network+ Certification

Network+ Certification Course builds on your existing user-level knowledge and experience with personal computer operating systems and networks to present fundamental skills and concepts that you will use on the job in any type of networking career. If you are pursuing a CompTIA technical certification path, the CompTIA A+ certification is an excellent first step to take before preparing for the CompTIA Network + certification.

6. IT Systems Security Foundations basic & advanced – Security+ Certification

Security+ is the primary course you will need to take if your job responsibilities include securing network services, devices, and traffic in your organization. You can also take this course to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification examination. In this course, you will build on your knowledge of and professional experience with security fundamentals, networks, and organizational security as you acquire the specific skills required in implementing basic security services on any type of computer network.

7. Linux Systems Administration basic & advanced

Students will install Linux, configure the X Window System, and learn to navigate the Linux command-line shell. Students will also learn fundamental concepts common to Linux: the kernel, Linux file system, boot process and run levels, shell scripting, and editing text files.

8. Network Administration with Cisco Routing and Switching – CCNA Parts I & II

The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNA) course is a hands-on approach to CCNAX exam preparation. Students will cover the objectives from both the ICND1 and ICND2 courses and will focus on tackling the objectives for the CCNAX exam. The CCNAX combines into one course the ICND1, which offers fundamental networking knowledge and ICND2, which will provide an advanced look at troubleshooting and introducing security and wireless topics.

9. Security Administration & Ethical Hacking and advanced – CEH

The Certified Ethical Hacker Program certifies individuals in the specific network security discipline of Ethical Hacking from a vendor neutral perspective. A Certified Ethical Hacker is a skilled professional who understands and knows how to look for the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems and uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker.

10. Cyber Security Systems Analyst – CySA Parts I & II

As attackers have learned to evade traditional signature-based solutions, such as firewalls and anti-virus software, an analytics-based approach within the IT security industry is increasingly important for organizations. Cyber Security Analyst applies behavioral analytics to networks to improve the overall state of security through identifying and combating malware and advanced persistent threats (APTs), resulting in an enhanced threat visibility across a broad attack surface. It will validate an IT professional’s ability to proactively defend and continuously improve the security of an organization.

11. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Azure Fundamentals certification is an opportunity to prove knowledge of cloud concepts, Azure services, Azure workloads, security and privacy in Azure, as well as Azure pricing and support. Candidates should be familiar with the general technology concepts, including concepts of networking, storage, compute, application support, and application development.

12. IT Security and Network Implementation Parts I, II & III

This course is intended to re-familiarize students with the IT technologies they have previously been exposed to. In addition to designing, building and securing IT systems, students will have an opportunity to troubleshoot general and specific issues faced in the real workplace.

13. IT English Composition

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of writing for information technology professionals. Students will write journal entries, project update reports, scope documents, functional documents, and a research paper. Both APA and MLA document styles will be examined, as well as how to properly use punctuation. Correct use of grammar and spelling will also be emphasized.

14. Technical Writing for IT Professionals

This course provides instruction on the basics of technical-oriented writing as a transactional process. Students will learn the purposes and importance of technical writing in business as well as how to write clear, concise, and legibly. The student will also learn sentence structure, how to use the parts of speech accurately, capitalization, and punctuation. These writing skills will be applied to technical documents and invoice writing.

15. Mathematics for Information Technology

At the completion of this course, students will be able to use binary and other number systems in order to work with MAC addressing, IP addressing, and communication protocols. Students will be able to plot math equations, and use Boolean logic to solve problems

16. Soft skills Career Placement and Resume Workshops

This course teaches students how to define career aspirations, develop career goals, create career strategies, identify personal preferences, develop skills for career advancement, explore career options, and evaluate a career. Students will also define the stages of career development, learn how to excel at work, market personal skills, remain competitive, maintain productivity, develop self-discipline, develop a professional image, identify the advantages and disadvantages of self-study and formal education, and maintain performance and morale. Course activities also cover how to network for career advancement, seek career guidance, develop a career network, network effectively, communicate effectively, build beneficial working relationships, and define mentoring and coaching.

EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:

Upon successfully graduating from this program, students will awarded an

Associate of Applied Science Occupational Associate Degree in

Cybersecurity and Information Technology Specialist.

This degree is transferable accredited colleges and universities based on their analysis and discretion. In addition, classes will also prepare students to take valuable industry related certification exams such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network +, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux, Cisco CCNA, EC- Council CEH and CySA, and Microsoft Azure.

Graduation Requirements

To maintain satisfactory status leading to graduation, all students must complete the following requirements:

1. All applicants for graduation must submit an application for graduation to the Director of Student Services four weeks prior to completion of his/her program of study.
2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 00 for all courses.
3. Abide by all ABCO Technology rules and
4. Maintain a creditable attendance and department record and settle all financial obligations to the
5. Complete the minimum number of credit hours required in the degree
6. Successfully complete all courses with a “C” or

Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from Department of Labor:

• 15-1121.00 Computer Systems Analysts
• 15-1151.00 Computer User Support Specialists
• 15-1142.00 Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• 15-1199.02 Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
• 15-1122.00 Information Security Analysts

POTENTIAL JOB POSITIONS

Upon successfully graduating from the program, students are eligible to obtain the following entry-level gainful employment as:

• Systems Administrator
• Systems Engineer
• Systems Architect
• Systems Security Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Security Administrator
• Cyber Security Specialist
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• Cisco Certified Network Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Computer Operator
• Web Administrator
• IT support specialist