Information Technology-Cyber Security, AAS
North Central State College's Cyber Security degree is a great starting point for a successful and exciting career in Information Technology ‐ Cyber Security. Students learn how to detect and defend against network infrastructure attacks by learning how to think like a hacker and how to use the tools hackers use to penetrate network defenses. Successful students can earn the following information technology and security certifications:
- EC‐Council
- Certified Ethical Hacker, Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator
- Cisco
- CCENT
- CompTIA
- Cloud+(CV0‐002), Linux+, Security+
- Microsoft
- Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 (70‐740)
Graduates of this program develop problem solving and communication skills necessary to function effectively with end-users and decision makers throughout all levels of the organization. Our graduates develop life‐long learning skills ‐‐ the key to success in the exciting and dynamic field of Cyber Security.
NCSC graduates are employed as incident handlers, security auditors, security specialists, penetration testers, and other related positions within the information security realm. Graduates work in private, public, and government sectors for businesses and industries that require security practitioners to meet government regulations or to help safeguard company resources and data.
The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded for the completion of this program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students earning an IT Cyber Security degree from NCSC are prepared to:
- Use ethical hacking to perform penetration testing, and perform digital forensics to collect information about cyber incidents.
- Compare and contrast common network security components and devices and their use throughout the IT infrastructure.
- Implement and administer SMB network security: identify and remediate threats and secure data and network communication.
- Implement the concepts of confidentiality, availability and integrity in information assurance, including physical, software, devices, policies, and people.
- Attain Cisco®, CompTIA®, EC‐Council©, or VMware® certification.
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Where You Could Go
NC State has over 40 agreements with four-year colleges and universities to provide a smooth transition for students would want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Through university partnerships, some four-year courses are also offered on the NC State campus or online,
North Central State College has articulation agreements specifically for Information Technology Students with Western Governors’ University, DeVry University, Franklin University, and Herzing University.
$64,000 - $94,000*
These estimated earnings are for employees who have completed their associate degree in Cyber Security. Career advancement is available if you transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree. As experience and education increase, you can expect to earn significantly more during your career.
For more information on regional jobs and pay, go to NC State’s Career Coach page.
*Earnings figure is based on EMSI employment information for north central Ohio.
$18,163 - $12,690 = $5,473 in net cost*
The calculation above includes the following:
- The estimated current cost of tuition, fees and books to complete this two-year associate degree at NC State is $18,163.
- Minus the average amount of financial aid ($6,690 x 2 years) students received. NOTE: Your financial aid could be higher or lower than this average.
- Leaving just $5,473 to be funded by other sources — which may include additional scholarships, grants and loans. Many students opt for payment plans to avoid debt. Employed students should inquire with their employers about the possibility of reimbursement for educational expenses.
Three out of four NC State graduates have $0 college debt. We will work with you to explore every source of financial aid available.
*These figures were calculated using data available when this information was published.
$47,336*
Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year public institution in Ohio.
$86,064*
Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year private institution in Ohio.
*This estimate is an average of the cost including room and board for residential students.
Year One
Fall Semester
ENGL 1010 - English Composition I
This is a basic course in expository writing and critical reading. Students read a variety of nonfiction works and write summaries, analysis, essays, and a researched argument in response to their reading. Students learn to read actively and accurately and to organize, develop, and revise coherent papers appropriate for a college-educated audience. (OTM for First Writing Course TME001)
ITEC 1420 - Introduction to Information Security
This course provides an overview of security challenges and strategies of countermeasure in the information systems environment. Topics include definition of terms, concepts, elements, and goals incorporating industry standards and practices with a focus on confidentiality, availability and integrity aspects of information systems.
ITEC 1610 - IT Essentials
This course covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as more advanced concepts such as security, networking, and the responsibilities of an information and communications technology (ICT)professional. The curriculum helps students prepare for entry-level ICT career opportunities and the CompTIA A+ certification. CTAG# CTIT014
ITEC 1640 - Introduction to Networks CCNA1
This is the first course in a series of three. The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to the networking field and in-depth exposure to fundamental networking, LAN switching, wireless LANs, basic routing, Cybersecurity, WAN concepts, VPNs, QoS, virtualization, and network automation. Threaded throughout the course are security concepts and skills including threat mitigation through LAN security, ACLs, and IPsec. Through hands-on lab activities, students learn how to implement network technologies and troubleshoot common issues. This course, together with ITEC 1645 and ITEC 1665, prepares students for Cisco's CCNA certification exam. CTAG: CTIT007
ITEC 1645 - Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials CCNA2
This is the second course in a series of three. The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to the networking field and in-depth exposure to fundamental networking, LAN switching, wireless LANs, basic routing, Cybersecurity, WAN concepts, VPNs, QoS, virtualization, and network automation. Threaded throughout the course are security concepts and skills including threat mitigation through LAN security, ACLs, and IPsec. Through hands-on lab activities, students learn how to implement network technologies and troubleshoot common issues. This course, together with ITEC 1640 and ITEC 1665, prepares students for Cisco's CCNA certification exam. CTAG: CTIT008
ITEC 1650 - Linux Fundamentals (Linux+)
This course presents an overview of Linux operating systems and an introduction to data communication concepts in Linux environments. Architecture, package management, and GNU/Unix commands are discussed. Basic Linux shell and scripting tools are demonstrated. Students learn how to install and administer essential Linux system and networking services. This course prepares students for CompTIA's Linux+ certification.
STAT 1010 - Probability and Statistics
This course provides the student with an overview of probability and statistics. Probability terminology, concepts and rules are emphasized in solving probability problems. Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, charts, tables and diagrams are used to summarize data. The student is introduced to the binomial, Poisson, hyper-geometric, normal and t-distributions. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and linear regression are used to make conclusions concerning population parameters from sample data. This course meets the requirements for OTM Introductory Statistics TMM010.
Spring Semester
BUSM 1260 - Project Management
In this course, students will learn ways to manage all aspects of a project. Project Management (PM) concepts enable projects to be planned, managed, and delivered on time, on budget, and with high quality. This course covers nine major sub-disciplines of Project Management based on the Project Management Institute's PM Book of Knowledge (PMBOK). This course satisfies the education requirement for the Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) test. Certification testing is governed by the Project Management Institute, and this is not a prep class for the exam. PMI Certification is internationally recognized and highly portable to a number of industries and businesses.
ENGL 1030 - English Composition II
This is a course in argument and research writing. Students read issue-based works and write summaries, responses, and an argument and research paper. Students learn to organize research projects, find and evaluate sources, incorporate ideas and quotations from sources, document their sources in MLA and APA style, analyze and use argumentative strategies and persuasive appeals, and prepare and revise effective, coherent papers. (OTM for Second Writing Course TME002)
ITEC 1690 - Network Security (Security+)
This course helps students acquire the knowledge and skills required to identify risk and to employ risk mitigation activities that ensure infrastructure and operational security with respect to network and data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Students will use a variety of tools to capture, analyze, and generate network traffic. Students will also gain an awareness of applicable security policies, laws, and regulations. This course prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.
ITEC 1810 - Microsoft Office for IT Professional
This course prepares students to use the advanced features of Microsoft Office in a business environment. The skills learned in this course will prepare students to support business users, use the integrated tools within Microsoft Office, and apply advanced skills for analysis, reporting and presentations. Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency by producing integrated presentations, documents, spreadsheets, and relational databases.
ITEC 1840 - Ethics in Information Age
This course provides a strong understanding of the legal, ethical, and societal implications of information technology. Updated to cover the latest technological developments, this edition examines issues associated with the professional code of ethics, cyberattacks and cybersecurity, security risk assessment, privacy, electronic surveillance, freedom of expression, censorship, protection and infringement of intellectual property, development of high-quality software systems, the impact of IT on society, social networking, and the ethics of IT corporations.
Year Two
Fall Semester
COMM 1010 - Speech
This course involves instruction and experience in giving a presentation. Students are taught the principles of speech content and delivery so that they can effectively participate in a variety of practical speaking situations. Presentations will include the informative speech, persuasive speech, visual aid/demonstration speech, impromptu speech, and group presentation. (OTM for Oral Communication TMCOM and TAG# OCM013)
ITEC 1430 - Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
This ethical hacking and countermeasures course prepares students for EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam. The course focuses on hacking techniques and technology from an offensive perspective. The student will learn to scan, test, hack and secure systems. Students will learn the five phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance; gaining access; enumeration; maintaining access; and covering their tracks. Throughout the course students will be immersed in a hacker's mindset, evaluating not just logical, but physical security-exploring every possible point of entry to find the weakest link in an organization.
ITEC 1860 - Introduction to Programming
Python is a user-friendly, object-oriented programming language. This course provides a clear, accessible, and skill-focused approach to programming with Python using Python 3. The course offers students a thorough overview of multiple applied areas, including image processing, cryptography, astronomy, the Internet, and bioinformatics. Problem sets are based on real-world examples and problem-solving rather than language features. This course offers students a solid platform of key problem-solving skills that translate easily across programming languages.
ITEC 2420 - Advanced Network Security
This course offers an introduction to virtual private networks (VPNs) and firewalls for securing a network. Various network security-related issues are introduced and examined. Different types of VPNs for securing data in an organizational setup are discussed as well as the benefits and architecture of a VPN and how to implement a VPN. Other topics include the utility of firewalls in tackling security problems and the limitations of a firewall. In addition, instruction is also given on how to construct, configure, and administer a firewall and the functionality of a firewall.
ITEC 2610 - Implementing Window Server
This course focuses on the installation, storage, and compute features in Windows Server 2016. It covers general installation tasks and considerations, and the management of images for deployment. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to implement and configure Windows Server compute resources and Hyper-V virtualization services in an enterprise environment. This course prepares students for Microsoft's 70-740 certification exam: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016.
Spring Semester
HIST 1010 - American History I
This American Studies course is an introductory survey course covering the development of American politics, law, religion, philosophy, art and literature from 1600 to 1877. The goal of the course is to help students understand the cultural development of the United States especially in relation to its religion, art, philosophy, law, and political system. (TAG# OHS043 or if combined with HIST1030 OHS010. This course also meets the requirements for the OTM Arts and Humanities - TMAH)
ITEC 2450 - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
This course is based on EC-Council's Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator course and presents a detailed methodological approach to computer forensics and evidence analysis. This is a comprehensive course covering major forensic investigation scenarios. The course enables students to acquire necessary hands-on experience on various forensic investigation techniques and standard forensic tools necessary to successfully carry out a computer forensic investigation leading to prosecution.
ITEC 2460 - Cloud Computing
This course offers an introduction to cloud computing overview, concepts, and models. This course serves as a basis for understanding the standard cloud terminologies and methodologies needed to implement, maintain, and support cloud technologies and infrastructure. This course covers 100% of all exam CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-002, with a practical focus on real-world skills. Topics include cloud service and delivery models, various types of disk storage systems network infrastructure and management, virtualization components, performance tuning, systems management, troubleshooting and security. Mobile Device Management (MDM), business continuity and disaster recovery are also covered.
ITEC 2500 - Capstone for Cyber Security Professional
This course requires students to work in teams to analyze, design, implement, and manage solutions for a comprehensive project. Teams document and present their work in formal settings throughout the course. Final presentations are reviewed by one or more information technology professionals.
ITEC 2980 - Cooperative Work Experience
A cooperative work experience provides an opportunity for students to obtain practical work experience in the Information Technology field while earning college credit. This on or off campus employment experience can be paid or unpaid. The work experience is coordinated by a faculty member who visits the job site for a conference with the student and the supervisor at least once per semester. Students must complete 150 hours of work experience for each hour of credit. This class is Pass/No Pass (P/NP).
ITEC 2990 - Seminar
This course is taken concurrently with ITEC 2980 - Cooperative Work Experience . Students will discuss their work place experiences, identify the skills required, assess their performance, and present their learning experience and how it prepared them for a career in Information Technology. Students must obtain permission from the instructor to enroll in this class. This class is Pass/No Pass (P/NP).
SOCY 2010 - Cultural Diversity and Racism
Total Credit Hours: 61‐62
Certification Technical Electives
Courses
ITEC 2701 - Certification Prep for A+
This course, together with ITEC 1610, prepares the student to take the CompTIA A+ certification exams. Exam codes 220-901 and 220-902.
ITEC 2702 - Certification Preparation for Security+
This course, together with ITEC 1690, prepares the student to take the CompTIA Security+ exam, SY0-401.
ITEC 2703 - Certification Prep for Linux+
This course, together with ITEC 1650, prepares the student to take the CompTIA Linux+ exam, LX0-101.
ITEC 2705 - Certification Preparation for CCNA Routing & Switching
This course, together with ITEC 1665, prepares the student to take the Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching Certification exam.
ITEC 2706 - Certification Preparation for Vmware (vca)
This course, together with ITEC 2650, prepares the student to take the VMware Certification Exam VCA-Data Center Virtualization.
ITEC 2707 - Certification Preparation for Windows Server Exam (I)
This course, together with ITEC 2610, prepares the student to take Microsoft Exam 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012.
ITEC 2708 - Certification Preparation for Windows Server Exam (II)
This course, together with ITEC 2670, prepares the student to take Microsoft Exam 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012.
ITEC 2709 - Certification Preparation for CWNA Wireless
This course, together with ITEC 2665, prepares the student for Certified Wireless Network Profession's (CWNP) Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) wireless certification exam.
ITEC 2710 - Certification Preparation for CCNA Security
This course, together with ITEC 1410, prepares the student to take the Cisco CCNA Security Certification Exam IINS 210-260.
ITEC 2711 - Certification Preparation for Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
This course, together with ITEC 1430, prepares the student to take EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker exam (EC-CEH).
ITEC 2712 - Certification Preparation for Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
This course, together with ITEC 2450, prepares the student to take EC Council's Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator exam (EC-CHFI).