The Associate in Science in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering degree introduces core concepts in hardware, software, and networking fundamentals layered on a foundation of cybersecurity concepts. Students apply practical cybersecurity theory to real-life cyber incidents and computer system issues in hands-on scenarios. The curriculum focuses on providing students the skillset they need to properly deploy and secure information technology systems in a wide range of environments. Students will learn how operating systems like Linux and Windows along with core networking technology play a critical role in cyber operations. Students are introduced to the current cyber threat landscape and taught how to assess and plan for threats in both the business and personal realms.

From multi-national corporations to local small businesses, cybersecurity defense is an integral piece of an organization’s strategy. Information and the technology infrastructure it resides on are two of an organization’s most valuable assets and these are often continuously threatened or under active attack. Successful defense and protection of these assets requires a trained cybersecurity professional who not only understands the technical aspects, but also is aware of strategic business interests. An internship course is available in Quarter VI during which students work off-campus in an organization where they will practice and enhance their technical skills. Students will be prepared to take Microsoft MCP, Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Security Fundamentals, CCNA Cyber Ops, and the CompTIA A+ exams.

Graduates of this program are prepared for entry-level positions as computer security specialists, information security analysts, and systems administrators. Associate degree graduates can continue in the NEIT Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering program.

Through input from a Technical Advisory Committee, professional cybersecurity organizations and local businesses, this program was developed to meet the current cybersecurity needs and those that may arise in the next several years.

Program Mission

The mission of the Cybersecurity and Network Engineering associate degree program is to provide a program that will allow students to pursue an entry-level career in Information Technology and prepare them to further their education in our Bachelor of Science degree program.

Program Goals

  1. Provide appropriate opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, applicable skills, and professional attitude necessary to function as an entry level security analyst and IT professional via experiential learning.
  2. Introduce students to some of the objectives for various entry level industry certifications and help prepare students to acquire those certifications.
  3. Endeavor to cultivate each student’s ability to critically analyze security problems, and efficiently and correctly troubleshoot those problems.
  4. Strive to instill in each student a sense of professional commitment and integrity with respect to the security and privacy of clientele and information, the rights of copyright holders, and the inherent responsibilities of license users.
  5. Provide an environment that encourages self-learning and the continuation of each student’s education beyond graduation with the goal of furthering each student’s ability to adapt to and incorporate new concepts, ideas, and evolving technologies.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Follow and meet objectives of a project plan and recognize the need for adaptation, adjustments, and restructuring of the plan, both as an individual security professional, and in a team environment. Assessments will be conducted using exams, performance reviews, projects, and reports.
  2. Acquire proficiency with and provide support for security principals, computer hardware, operating systems, software, Internet/network connectivity based on legacy, current, and state of the art technologies.
  3. Analyze digital evidence to determine user and intruder activity on systems.
  4. Demonstrate effective oral and written communications with supervisors, team members and clients. In particular, students should exhibit lucid, clear and concise technical and professional communication as well as be able to communicate complex technical ideas in layman’s terms to non-technically trained people. This will be assessed via reports, self-assessments, instructor observations, peer evaluations, and technical documentation.
  5. Research, formulate and critique security policies regarding the collection, preservation, safeguarding and disposition of log data and personally identifiable information.