Cybersecurity (AAS)

Program Description

Cybersecurity is a vital component of “best practices” for businesses, industry, and government, and the demand for trained professionals in the field will continue to grow. The Cybersecurity program at Black Hawk College is designed to prepare individuals with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in this important and dynamic arena.

Cybersecurity professionals are tasked with protecting information confidentiality, integrity, and availability by configuring and maintaining network routers, firewalls and intrusion-detection systems, detecting and minimizing security vulnerabilities, maintaining secure remote communication and implementing corporate security policy. Students in the program will gain hands-on experience in these skills, as well as broad background training that includes computer hardware, networking, operating systems, and programming and scripting courses. Course content is shaped by an Advisory board made up of local IT and business professionals, who regularly review the curriculum and offer input, to ensure the program maintains relevance with industry trends.

Students who complete the Cybersecurity AAS degree will have served an internship to enhance classroom training with real-world experience. They will also have the opportunity to earn several industry certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ and Cisco CCNA.

Interested students are encouraged to contact an advisor or faculty member for more information.

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Suggested Courses

Course (Credit Hours):

First Semester

ITS 116 Computer Hardware (3)
ITS 125 IT Professional Skills (1)
CIP 214 C Programming (3)
NETW 125 Introduction to Networks (4)
Gen Ed Communications (3)

Second Semester

ITS 112 Operating Systems (3)
NETW 145 Switching, Routing, & Wireless (4)
NETW 170 Intro to Information Security (3)
NETW 215 Windows Server (3)
Gen Ed Math & Science (3)

Third Semester

ITS 212 Linux Shell Programming (3)
NETW 167 PowerShell (3)
* Technical Elective (3)
Gen Ed Humanities, Social Sciences, Science
or Non-Western Studies (6)

Fourth Semester

NETW 274 Ethical Hacking/Security+ Prep (3)
NETW 280 Cisco CCNA Security (3)
NETW 290 IT Internship (3)
* Technical Elective (3)
Gen Ed Humanities, Social Sciences, Science
or Non-Western Studies (3)

*Technical Electives – 6 credits
ITS 118 Computer Troubleshooting (3)
ITS 216 Advanced PC Hardware/A+ Prep (3)
NETW 265 Enterprise Net.Sec./Automation (4)

Minimum total hours required for degree: 60