Cybersecurity

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity is designed to focus on the necessary skills required to secure, protect and identify vulnerabilities in a network, including various operating systems and network devices. Emphasis is placed on developing the theoretical, legal, ethical and practical skills needed to maintain security on mission-critical networking and server systems. The program is designed to meet the training needs of government and industry employees. The program covers a variety of information security technologies and structured languages. The Cybersecurity program also focuses on the skills needed for internationally recognized IT certifications and high demands in business, industry, and government. Certificates of Completion (CCLs) are also available in the following areas: Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Cyber Operations, Linux System Administration, Microsoft, Cisco Networking CCNA Security, Cyber Engineering, and Critical Infrastructure. Some of these programs are available at select colleges. Please check with your local college for program availability.

Details

Field of Interest
Computer and Information Technology
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Cybersecurity (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3197
Total credits required
62-77
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Courses within any of the following prefixes must be taken within five (5) years prior to completion of the program to be applied toward this award: AIM, BPC, CIS, CLD, CNT, CSC, ITS, and MST.

What You'll Learn
  • Explain the fundamental components, concepts, and application of cybersecurity principles.
  • Describe cyber defense tools, methods, and components.
  • Apply cyber defense methods to prepare a system to repel attacks.
  • Analyze common security failures and identify specific design principles that have been violated.
  • Describe the interaction between security and system usability and the importance for minimizing the effects of security mechanisms.
  • Apply appropriate protocols, tools, and techniques to maximize security in the network environment.
  • Describe the fundamental concepts, technologies, components, vulnerabilities, and issues related to networks.
  • Identify and describe basic security issues of operating systems.
  • Identify perpetrators, their resources, and their motivations in cyberspace.
  • Compare and contrast offensive and defensive resources used in cybersecurity ecosystems/environment.
  • Delineate differences between the moral, behavioral, ethical, and legal ramifications found in the cybersecurity world.
  • Apply knowledge of regulatory and legal requirements to ensure compliance.
  • Apply risk analysis methodologies to identify potential vulnerabilities, associated impacts, and recommend appropriate responses.
  • Communicate professionally in formal and informal situations to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborate with others to solve cybersecurity problems.
Required Courses
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits: 25-28
BPC270 A+ Exam Prep: Operating System Configuration and Support (3) OR
MST150++ Any Microsoft Windows course (3) 3
(MST150++ required for Cloud System Administration specialization and Critical Infrastructure specialization)
CIS105 Survey of Computer Information Systems 3
CIS111 Ethics in Information Technology (3) OR
ITS120 Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Issues (3) 3
CIS126DL Linux Operating System (3) OR
CIS126RH Red Hat System Administration I (3) 3
CIS156 Python Programming: Level I 3
CIS190 Introduction to Networking (3) OR
CNT140AB Introduction to Networks (4) 3-4
(CNT140AB required for Cisco Network Administration and Security specialization and Critical Infrastructure specialization)
CIS270 Essentials of Network and Information Security (3) OR
ITS110 Information Security Fundamentals (3) 3
(ITS110 required for Cyber Operations specialization; CIS270 required for Critical Infrastructure specialization)
FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3
ITS240 Ethical Hacking and Network Defense 3
Restricted Electives
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits: 12-18
Students must complete 12-18 credits from the following list of courses. Courses that are required for a specialization in Cyber Operations, Linux System Administration, Cloud System Administration, Cisco Network Administration and Security, Cyber Engineering, and/or Critical Infrastructure are noted. Courses cannot be repeated for credit.
Specialization I: Cyber Operations
BPC170 A+ Exam Prep: Computer Hardware Configuration and Support 3
CIS238DL Linux System Administration (3) OR
CIS238RH Red Hat System Administration II (3) 3
CIS290AC Computer Information Systems Internship (3) OR
CIS298AC Special Projects (3) 3
ITS291 Computer Forensics Foundations 4
ITS292 Advanced Computer Forensics 4
Specialization II: Linux System Administration
CIS238DL Linux System Administration (3) OR
CIS238RH Red Hat System Administration II (3) 3
CIS239DL Linux Shell Scripting 3
CIS240DL Linux Network Administration (3) OR
CIS240RH Red Hat System Administration III (3) 3
CIS271DL Linux Security (3) OR
CIS271RH Red Hat System Administration IV (3) 3
CIS275DL Linux Capstone 3
Specialization III: Cloud System Administration
BPC274 Advanced Server Computer Maintenance: Server+ Prep 3
CIS121AH Microsoft PowerShell/Command Line Operations 3
CIS239DL Linux Shell Scripting 3
MST160 Azure Administrator (4), OR
CLD110 Amazon Web Services Cloud Foundations (3) 3-4
MST260 Microsoft Azure Cloud Development and Operations (3), OR
CLD120 Amazon Web Services Cloud Architect Associate (3) 3
Specialization IV: Cisco Network Administration and Security
CNT150AB Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials 4
CNT160AB Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation 4
CNT202 Cisco Secure Firewall Appliance Configuration (4) OR
CNT205 Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (4) 4
Specialization V: Cyber Engineering
CIS119DO Introduction to Oracle: SQL (3) OR
CIS276++ Any SQL Database course (3) 3
CIS162++ Any C Programming: Level I course 3
(Students intending to transfer to U of A South should take CIS162 C Programming)
CIS227 Assembler Language 3
CIS238DL Linux System Administration (3) OR
CIS238RH Red Hat System Administration II (3) 3
CIS250 Management of Information Systems 3
CIS262++ Any C Programming: Level II course 3
Specialization VI: Critical Infrastructure
CIS143 Introduction to Critical Infrastructure Protection 3
CIS201 Introduction to Operational Technology 3
CIS202 Introduction to Smart Grid Security 3
CIS203 Principles of the Risk Management Framework 3
CNT150AB Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials 4
Free Electives
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits: 0-3
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete the minimum total program credits required for this degree. It is recommended to select from the Restricted Elective options. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Read the official description