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Program Requirements

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Program Requirements

IT - Cybersecurity Specialist

Associate Degree 10-151-2

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: August

Effective: August 2026

First Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
150-143 IT Essentials 3   This course addresses the fundamentals of personal computer (PC) workstations hardware systems and the integration of operating systems used by business and industry into those systems. Course topics include: integration, configuration, troubleshooting, and documentation of PC subsystems including motherboard architecture, form factors, power supplies, IDE devices and removable storage, system memory, multimedia devices, I/O devices, BIOS and boot process, and video/display fundamentals, Additionally, the integration, configuration, troubleshooting, and documentation of commonly used (current and legacy) operating systems, as they relate to system hardware, is explored.
Course #: 150-143
Title: IT Essentials
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course addresses the fundamentals of personal computer (PC) workstations hardware systems and the integration of operating systems used by business and industry into those systems. Course topics include: integration, configuration, troubleshooting, and documentation of PC subsystems including motherboard architecture, form factors, power supplies, IDE devices and removable storage, system memory, multimedia devices, I/O devices, BIOS and boot process, and video/display fundamentals, Additionally, the integration, configuration, troubleshooting, and documentation of commonly used (current and legacy) operating systems, as they relate to system hardware, is explored.
150-150 CCNA 1: Intro to Networks 3   This is the first of three courses that are aligned to the CCNA Certification Exam. It introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the following CCNA courses. By the end of this course, learners will be able to build simple local area networks (LAN), perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes.
Course #: 150-150
Title: CCNA 1: Intro to Networks
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This is the first of three courses that are aligned to the CCNA Certification Exam. It introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the following CCNA courses. By the end of this course, learners will be able to build simple local area networks (LAN), perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes.
150-176 Linux 1 2   This course introduces students to the Linux operating system and foundational command-line skills. Students will explore the command-line interface, navigate the file system, and manage files, users, and permissions using terminal commands. Topics include software installation, shell scripting, and basic system configuration. Hands-on labs and assessments provide practical experience for roles in IT, support, or cybersecurity.
Course #: 150-176
Title: Linux 1
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course introduces students to the Linux operating system and foundational command-line skills. Students will explore the command-line interface, navigate the file system, and manage files, users, and permissions using terminal commands. Topics include software installation, shell scripting, and basic system configuration. Hands-on labs and assessments provide practical experience for roles in IT, support, or cybersecurity.
151-120 Intro to Information Security 2   This course introduces core information security concepts, terminology, and best practices. Students explore both technical and non-technical areas, including security principles, threats, physical controls, access management, governance, and basic risk management. The course builds a broad understanding of how organizations protect information and maintain secure environments, and supports preparation for further study in cybersecurity.
Course #: 151-120
Title: Intro to Information Security
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course introduces core information security concepts, terminology, and best practices. Students explore both technical and non-technical areas, including security principles, threats, physical controls, access management, governance, and basic risk management. The course builds a broad understanding of how organizations protect information and maintain secure environments, and supports preparation for further study in cybersecurity.
804-133 Mathematics and Logic 3   Students will apply problem solving techniques from discrete mathematics. Topics include symbolic logic, sets, algebra and base number systems.
Course #: 804-133
Title: Mathematics and Logic
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Students will apply problem solving techniques from discrete mathematics. Topics include symbolic logic, sets, algebra and base number systems.
801-136 English Composition I 3   Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.
Course #: 801-136
Title: English Composition I
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.
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801-219 English Composition 1 3   English Composition 1 develops critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both exposition and argumentation. The course emphasizes college-level writing skills supported by reasoning, organization, and language conventions for research, presentations, and other discourse.
Course #: 801-219
Title: English Composition 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   English Composition 1 develops critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both exposition and argumentation. The course emphasizes college-level writing skills supported by reasoning, organization, and language conventions for research, presentations, and other discourse.
  Total Credits: 16  
Total Credits: 16

Second Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
150-151 CCNA 2: Switch/Routing/Wire Essentials 3 150-150 The second of three CCNA courses focuses on the technologies, functions, and configuration of switches and routers in support of small-to-medium business networks. The learner is also introduced to wireless local area networks (WLANs) and network security concepts. By the end of this course the learner will be able to configure mid-level functionality in routers and switches, apply basic network security measures, and perform basic troubleshooting of IPv4 and IPv6 network components.
Course #: 150-151
Title: CCNA 2: Switch/Routing/Wire Essentials
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 150-150 The second of three CCNA courses focuses on the technologies, functions, and configuration of switches and routers in support of small-to-medium business networks. The learner is also introduced to wireless local area networks (WLANs) and network security concepts. By the end of this course the learner will be able to configure mid-level functionality in routers and switches, apply basic network security measures, and perform basic troubleshooting of IPv4 and IPv6 network components.
150-165 Microsoft Server 1 2 154-111 or concurrent This course allows the learner to acquire necessary skills for supporting and configuring Windows Server including installation and configuration of an Active Directory Domain. Account administration, group policy management and core server roles and features are identified while preparing for MCSA Exam 70-410.
Course #: 150-165
Title: Microsoft Server 1
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 154-111 or concurrent This course allows the learner to acquire necessary skills for supporting and configuring Windows Server including installation and configuration of an Active Directory Domain. Account administration, group policy management and core server roles and features are identified while preparing for MCSA Exam 70-410.
150-177 Linux 2 2 150-176 This course focuses on guiding the learner to refine previously acquired Linux knowledge and use it to implement advanced Linux features, functions, and troubleshooting processes. Topics covered include: Process management; Common network services setup and configuration (DNS, DHCP, Firewall, etc.); Advanced partition management using LVM, alternate file system formats, implementations of RAID, quota management, as well as file system encryption; LDAP authentication; and local system security. Throughout all areas, troubleshooting, security, and recovery will be discussed. This course, along with Linux 1 and Scripting, prepares the learner with the knowledge to take the CompTIA Linux+ and the Linux Foundation's - Linux System Administration certifications.
Course #: 150-177
Title: Linux 2
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 150-176 This course focuses on guiding the learner to refine previously acquired Linux knowledge and use it to implement advanced Linux features, functions, and troubleshooting processes. Topics covered include: Process management; Common network services setup and configuration (DNS, DHCP, Firewall, etc.); Advanced partition management using LVM, alternate file system formats, implementations of RAID, quota management, as well as file system encryption; LDAP authentication; and local system security. Throughout all areas, troubleshooting, security, and recovery will be discussed. This course, along with Linux 1 and Scripting, prepares the learner with the knowledge to take the CompTIA Linux+ and the Linux Foundation's - Linux System Administration certifications.
150-183 Wireless Networking 2   This course in an introduction to wireless local area networks (WLANs). Students will develop, implement, and troubleshoot wireless networks. Students will acquire competencies in wireless technologies, security, and network design practices. Course topics include WLAN setup and troubleshooting. 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n technologies, products and solutions, site surveys, resilient WLAN design, installation and configuration, WLAN security, and vendor interoperability strategies. The course will be delivered via a combination of lecture/discussion and hands-on application laboratory.
Course #: 150-183
Title: Wireless Networking
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course in an introduction to wireless local area networks (WLANs). Students will develop, implement, and troubleshoot wireless networks. Students will acquire competencies in wireless technologies, security, and network design practices. Course topics include WLAN setup and troubleshooting. 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n technologies, products and solutions, site surveys, resilient WLAN design, installation and configuration, WLAN security, and vendor interoperability strategies. The course will be delivered via a combination of lecture/discussion and hands-on application laboratory.
151-123 Cyber Controls 2 151-120 and (150-151 or concurrent) This course covers the core cybersecurity controls used to protect modern systems and networks. Students explore technical measures such as system hardening, network security, authentication and authorization, and monitoring and response. Emphasis is placed on how layered controls work together to reduce risk and maintain secure operations, supporting continued development in cybersecurity.
Course #: 151-123
Title: Cyber Controls
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 151-120 and (150-151 or concurrent) This course covers the core cybersecurity controls used to protect modern systems and networks. Students explore technical measures such as system hardening, network security, authentication and authorization, and monitoring and response. Emphasis is placed on how layered controls work together to reduce risk and maintain secure operations, supporting continued development in cybersecurity.
151-126 Policy, Risk, & Compliance 2 151-120 and (801-136 or 801-219) This course introduces the principles of organizational security policy, risk management, and compliance. Students learn how policies are created, implemented, and maintained, with emphasis on security awareness, separation of duties, business continuity, and auditing. The course also covers risk assessment, control evaluation, and policy review using common frameworks and standards that guide effective security governance.
Course #: 151-126
Title: Policy, Risk, & Compliance
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 151-120 and (801-136 or 801-219) This course introduces the principles of organizational security policy, risk management, and compliance. Students learn how policies are created, implemented, and maintained, with emphasis on security awareness, separation of duties, business continuity, and auditing. The course also covers risk assessment, control evaluation, and policy review using common frameworks and standards that guide effective security governance.
154-111 Endpoint Management 3   Learn knowledge and skills to install, configure and support end-user devices, client operating systems, and software. Develop skills needed to connect various computing devices to networks, perform basic cybersecurity mitigations, troubleshoot common problems to identify, diagnose and resolve issues. Demonstrate basic understanding of scripting, the cloud, virtualization, and security.   The course prepares students to take the CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification.
Course #: 154-111
Title: Endpoint Management
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Learn knowledge and skills to install, configure and support end-user devices, client operating systems, and software. Develop skills needed to connect various computing devices to networks, perform basic cybersecurity mitigations, troubleshoot common problems to identify, diagnose and resolve issues. Demonstrate basic understanding of scripting, the cloud, virtualization, and security.   The course prepares students to take the CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification.
  Total Credits: 16  
Total Credits: 16

Third Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
150-110 Help Desk and User Support 1   This course will provide an overview of the functions, services, and management of IT help desks. Learners shall explore a variety of topics including effective communication, model value-added end-user training sessions, troubleshooting techniques, issue tracking software, and help desk documentation. Learners will gain or improve upon the skills via discussions, research projects, written assignments, roleplay, and presentations.
Course #: 150-110
Title: Help Desk and User Support
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course will provide an overview of the functions, services, and management of IT help desks. Learners shall explore a variety of topics including effective communication, model value-added end-user training sessions, troubleshooting techniques, issue tracking software, and help desk documentation. Learners will gain or improve upon the skills via discussions, research projects, written assignments, roleplay, and presentations.
150-118 Scripting 2   This course will introduce students to Linux/Unix and Windows shell scripts, Python and PowerShell scripting and how scripting is used for administration and management of network servers and clients. Students will learn to access file systems, data stores, the Windows registry as well as skills needed to install, manage and troubleshoot enterprise networks.
Course #: 150-118
Title: Scripting
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course will introduce students to Linux/Unix and Windows shell scripts, Python and PowerShell scripting and how scripting is used for administration and management of network servers and clients. Students will learn to access file systems, data stores, the Windows registry as well as skills needed to install, manage and troubleshoot enterprise networks.
150-153 CCNA 3:Netwkg/Security/Automat 3 150-151 The final course aligned to the CCNA Certification Exam describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. This course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies, quality of service (QoS) mechanisms, network security, and introduces the concepts of software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation that support the digitalization of networks. Learners gain skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks and learn to identify and protect against cybersecurity threats. Learners are also introduced to network management tools and learn key concepts of software-defined networking (SDN) including controller-based architectures and how application programming interfaces (APIs) enable network automation. By the end of this course learners will be able to configure, troubleshoot, and secure enterprise network devices. Learners who successfully complete this course are ready to prepare to take the CCNA Certification Exam.
Course #: 150-153
Title: CCNA 3:Netwkg/Security/Automat
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 150-151 The final course aligned to the CCNA Certification Exam describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. This course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies, quality of service (QoS) mechanisms, network security, and introduces the concepts of software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation that support the digitalization of networks. Learners gain skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks and learn to identify and protect against cybersecurity threats. Learners are also introduced to network management tools and learn key concepts of software-defined networking (SDN) including controller-based architectures and how application programming interfaces (APIs) enable network automation. By the end of this course learners will be able to configure, troubleshoot, and secure enterprise network devices. Learners who successfully complete this course are ready to prepare to take the CCNA Certification Exam.
151-129 Perimeter Security 3 151-123 and 150-153 or concurrent This course explores perimeter defense through network defense technologies. Students examine the role of firewalls in network security, including traffic filtering, rule design, segmentation, and secure architecture planning. Topics include major firewall types, deployment models, administration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Emphasis is placed on how perimeter controls support overall organizational security.
Course #: 151-129
Title: Perimeter Security
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 151-123 and 150-153 or concurrent This course explores perimeter defense through network defense technologies. Students examine the role of firewalls in network security, including traffic filtering, rule design, segmentation, and secure architecture planning. Topics include major firewall types, deployment models, administration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Emphasis is placed on how perimeter controls support overall organizational security.
151-132 Ethical Hacking 3 151-123 This course introduces the principles and practices of ethical hacking within a legal and structured framework. Students learn how security professionals identify and analyze vulnerabilities to strengthen defenses, with emphasis on attacker techniques, defensive countermeasures, and ethical responsibilities. Guided work with tools, processes, and scenarios builds foundational skills used in penetration testing and red-team operations.
Course #: 151-132
Title: Ethical Hacking
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 151-123 This course introduces the principles and practices of ethical hacking within a legal and structured framework. Students learn how security professionals identify and analyze vulnerabilities to strengthen defenses, with emphasis on attacker techniques, defensive countermeasures, and ethical responsibilities. Guided work with tools, processes, and scenarios builds foundational skills used in penetration testing and red-team operations.
801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Comm 3   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
Course #: 801-196
Title: Oral/Interpersonal Comm
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Fourth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
151-135 Incident Response & Forensics 2 151-126 and 151-132 This course introduces the foundational practices of digital forensics and incident response. Students learn how organizations prepare for, detect, contain, and recover from security incidents, with emphasis on building and testing effective incident response plans. Key forensic topics include evidence handling, basic data acquisition, and maintaining data integrity. The course provides a practical understanding of how response and forensic processes support organizational resilience.
Course #: 151-135
Title: Incident Response & Forensics
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 151-126 and 151-132 This course introduces the foundational practices of digital forensics and incident response. Students learn how organizations prepare for, detect, contain, and recover from security incidents, with emphasis on building and testing effective incident response plans. Key forensic topics include evidence handling, basic data acquisition, and maintaining data integrity. The course provides a practical understanding of how response and forensic processes support organizational resilience.
151-138 Threat Hunting 3 151-129 This course introduces the tools, techniques, and analytical methods used in modern security operations centers. Students learn how organizations detect, investigate, and respond to threats through monitoring and analysis, with emphasis on attacker behavior, abnormal activity, and structured threat-hunting approaches. By the end, students will understand how threat hunting supports continuous monitoring and strengthens organizational defense.
Course #: 151-138
Title: Threat Hunting
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 151-129 This course introduces the tools, techniques, and analytical methods used in modern security operations centers. Students learn how organizations detect, investigate, and respond to threats through monitoring and analysis, with emphasis on attacker behavior, abnormal activity, and structured threat-hunting approaches. By the end, students will understand how threat hunting supports continuous monitoring and strengthens organizational defense.
151-140 Cybersecurity Mgmt & Training 4 151-138 and 151-135 or concurrent This course offers a top-down look at how cybersecurity is implemented and managed in organizations of all sizes. Students examine the strategic and operational duties of cybersecurity leadership, including risk management, asset protection, policy development, and program oversight. Emphasis is placed on building effective security programs, integrating cybersecurity into organizational processes, and supporting compliance needs. Students also gain experience creating and delivering security awareness training. This capstone-style course brings together concepts from across the cybersecurity curriculum.
Course #: 151-140
Title: Cybersecurity Mgmt & Training
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 151-138 and 151-135 or concurrent This course offers a top-down look at how cybersecurity is implemented and managed in organizations of all sizes. Students examine the strategic and operational duties of cybersecurity leadership, including risk management, asset protection, policy development, and program oversight. Emphasis is placed on building effective security programs, integrating cybersecurity into organizational processes, and supporting compliance needs. Students also gain experience creating and delivering security awareness training. This capstone-style course brings together concepts from across the cybersecurity curriculum.
809-196 Intro to Sociology 3   This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.
Course #: 809-196
Title: Intro to Sociology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.
  or  
or
809-271 Introductory Sociology 3   Defines and examines concepts and realities of social structure, the social processes that shape behavior, culture, socialization, social groups, and social change. Analyzes concepts and phenomena such as complex organizations, roles, stratification, class, inequality, deviance, and race. Examines institutions such as the family, religion, education, politics, economics and the media.
Course #: 809-271
Title: Introductory Sociology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Defines and examines concepts and realities of social structure, the social processes that shape behavior, culture, socialization, social groups, and social change. Analyzes concepts and phenomena such as complex organizations, roles, stratification, class, inequality, deviance, and race. Examines institutions such as the family, religion, education, politics, economics and the media.
809-198 Intro to Psychology 3   This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
Course #: 809-198
Title: Intro to Psychology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
  or  
or
809-251 General Psychology 3   The course will encompass all aspects of the field of psychology from basic research to psychological disorders and treatments. This course will explore the areas of psychology through psychological, environmental, and biological perspectives. The course directs the student to be able to understand and analyze human behavior in everyday life. This is a two hundred 200-level psychology course designed to transfer to the university system, and it includes greater emphasis on psychological theory and research as compared with the 100-level Introduction to Psychology course.
Course #: 809-251
Title: General Psychology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   The course will encompass all aspects of the field of psychology from basic research to psychological disorders and treatments. This course will explore the areas of psychology through psychological, environmental, and biological perspectives. The course directs the student to be able to understand and analyze human behavior in everyday life. This is a two hundred 200-level psychology course designed to transfer to the university system, and it includes greater emphasis on psychological theory and research as compared with the 100-level Introduction to Psychology course.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 62

A Grade of "C-" or Higher is Required in All Courses..

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 12/11/2025 1:15 p.m.  |  Printed: 2/14/2026 7:22 a.m.

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