Cybersecurity, A.A.S.

CIP Code: 11.1003

NOVA Code: 3450

Offered through AL, AN, LO, MA, NOL, WO

Purpose: This curriculum is designed for those who seek employment in the field of Cybersecurity (information assurance), for those who are presently in IT or a security field and who desire to increase their knowledge and update their skills, and for those who must augment their abilities in other fields with knowledge and skills in information security. The curriculum is mapped to the NSA/DHS Knowledge Units necessary for NOVA’s designation as a Center of Academic Excellence.

Transfer Information: Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements and arrangements that facilitate the transfer of this degree to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact their academic advisor early in the program for specific course requirements.

Recommended Preparation: The student should possess a proficiency in high school English, high school algebra and geometry, and computer keyboarding skills.

Two Years

1st Semester

ENG 111 - College Composition I (3 CR.)
ITE 115 - Intro. to Computer Applications and Concepts (3 CR.) OR
ITE 119 - Information Literacy (3 CR.)
ITN 101 - Introduction to Network Concepts (3 CR.) OR
ITN 100 - Introduction to Telecommunications (3 CR.)
ITN 106 - Microcomputer Operating Systems (3 CR.)
MTH 154 - Quantitative Reasoning (3 CR.) ¹OR Higher
SDV 101 - Orientation to Information Technology (1 CR.)

Total 16 credits

2nd Semester

ITP 100 - Software Design (3 CR.)
ITN 107 - Personal Computer Hardware and Troubleshooting (3 CR.) OR
ITE 221 - Personal Computer Hardware and OS Architecture (3 CR.)
ITN 170 - Linux System Administration (3 CR.) OR
ITN 171 - UNIX I (3 CR.)
ITN 260 - Network Security Basics (3 CR.)
ITN 261 - Network Attacks, Computer Crime, and Hacking (4 CR.)

Total 16 credits

3rd Semester

ITP ___ - Programming Elective (4 CR.) ²
ITN 200 - Administration of Network Resources (3 CR.)
ITN 262 - Network Communication, Security, and Authentication (4 CR.)
ITN 263 - Internet/Intranet Firewalls and E-Commerce Security (4 CR.)
ITN 266 - Network Security Layers (3 CR.)

Total 18 credits

4th Semester

CST ___ - Elective (3 CR.) ³
___ ___ - Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (3 CR.) ⁴
ITN ___ - Elective (3 CR.) ⁵
ITN 276 - Computer Forensics I (3 CR.)
___ ___ - Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective (3 CR.) ⁶

Total 15 credits

Total credits for the A.A.S. Degree in Applied Science in Cybersecurity: 65 credits

IT courses used for this program may not be more than 10 years old, unless approved by academic dean.

¹ May substitute a higher-level mathematics course. Consult with an academic advisor for appropriate selection.

² Select from the following: ITP 120 , ITP 132 , ITP 150 , ITP 225 or ITP 270 .

³ Select from the following: CST 100 , CST 110 , CST 126 , and CST 229 .

⁴See humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives . Electives should be selected with advice of a counselor or academic advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

⁵ Select from the following: ITN 267 , ITN 277 , ITN 290, or ITN 295.

⁶See social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives . Elective should be selected with advice of a counselor or faculty
advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.