Cybersecurity (APCSCY)

Associate in Applied Science

In this Associate’s degree program, students are introduced to the skills and strategies needed to plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Students will learn networking and network security skills using server, infrastructure and perimeter technologies working in Linux operating systems, Cisco infrastructure and perimeter devices, and Microsoft operating systems.
Learners in this program acquire the following skills:

  • Understand common networking and security terms and concepts.
  • Learn basic Linux tools and utilities.
  • Deploy server and clients in a Microsoft Windows network.
  • Learn basic scripting using Python.
  • Solve internetworking problems using Cisco devices in a “real-life” and emulated internetwork.
  • Configure secure topologies using a “real-life” and emulated internetwork.
  • Learn basic penetration testing techniques using contemporary tools in a virtual environment.
  • Monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing and responding to security events.

This degree program transfers into Eastern Michigan University’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity undergraduate program. For the student either deferring or not desiring transfer, sufficient skills are acquired to qualify the learner for an entry-level position in network administration or information security.

For the working professional, many courses in this program are available online.

Students completing this program are also eligible to receive Computer Networking Academy Certificate, Principles of Cybersecurity certificate and Cybersecurity Operations Security by completing 2 additional credit hours in certification preparation (CNT 295 and CSS 295).

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

NSA-Certified

Washtenaw Community College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. We are extremely pleased to receive this acknowledgment and will continue our commitment to providing a comprehensive cybersecurity education to our students.
NSA and Department of Defense Seals

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2024-2025 Academic Requirements

In this program, students are introduced to the skills and strategies needed to plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Students will learn networking and network security skills using server, infrastructure and perimeter technologies working in Linux operating systems, Cisco infrastructure and perimeter devices, and Microsoft operating systems.

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program, as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Eastern Michigan University, BS degree

Copies can be obtained from the Counseling Office, a program advisor, or from the Curriculum and Assessment Office Web site: https://www.wccnet.edu/learn/transfer-wcc-credits/articulation-agreements.php .

Minimum grade of "C" in all major courses

Division
Business/Computer Technologies
Department
Computer Instruction Dept
Advisors
Scott Shaper
Michael Kidd
Sandro Tuccinardi
Raechel Espinoza
First Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
CIS 120   Linux/UNIX I: Fundamentals 3
CNT 201   Administering Microsoft Windows Client Operating Systems 3
CNT 206   Introduction to Networks 4
Elective   Writing Elective(s)* 3
Elective   Soc. Sci. Elective(s) 3
Total 16
Second Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
CNT 216   Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials 4
CPS 141   Introduction to Programming Using Python 4
CSS 200   Introduction to Network Security - Security+ 4
CSS 205   Essentials of Network Penetration Testing 4
Total 16
Third Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
CNT 211   Installation, Storage, and Compute - Windows Server 4
CNT 226   Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (ENSA) 4
CSS 210   Network Perimeter Protection - CCNA Security 4
MTH 160   Basic Statistics 4
Total 16
Fourth Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
CNT 290   Network Forensics 4
CSS 225   Cybersecurity Operations - CCNA Cyber Ops 4
Elective   Speech/Comp. Elective(s) 3
Elective   Nat. Sci. Elective(s) 3
Elective   Arts/Human. Elective(s) 3
Total 17

Total Credits Required
65

Footnotes

*Students planning to transfer to a 4-year college should take ENG 111; otherwise, student may consider ENG 107.