IT Security, A.S.

Program Codes: 3840, 3841, or 3842

The Associate in Science in IT Security degree offers students a broad spectrum of cyber-security knowledge to prepare individuals for demanding positions in public and private sectors overseeing, operating, or protecting critical computer systems, information, networks, infrastructures, and communications networks. The courses align with industry security certifications, arduous academic standards, and relevant technical knowledge and skills. Students who successfully complete this Associate in Science degree are exposed to the competencies included in the following industry certifications: CompTIA’s A+, Network+, Security+, Project+, PenTest+, Cisco CCT (Cisco Certified Technician), and CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).

Requirements for Admission

There are no Admissions requirements for this program.

If a student is not at college level, they would take the prep classes before beginning the program courses but could still be admitted.

Once you complete this degree you are eligible to enter into the B.A.S.-IST Security Degree.

Students can pursue two programs at the same time, such as an A.S. degree and an A.A. degree, or a primary degree and an alternate degree.

Program Goals
Students completing the A.S. in Information Technology Security will attain the following learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of network security hardware fundamentals.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of network security applications fundamentals.
3. Demonstrate fundamental proficiency in foundational security essentials.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in security tools and techniques for protecting infrastructures and data.
5. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of computer networking.

 

Academic Progress Policies
Students in the Associate in Science in Information Technology Security (ITS) program must meet the following standards of academic progress:

• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in lower-division courses. Failure to maintain this standard will initially result in a registration flag. A registration flag suspends the student’s right to register for further lower-division courses without advisor permission. Failure to restore the student’s GPA to a 2.0 will result in removal from the program. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.
• Lower-division course grades below ‘C’ will not count towards degree completion. Any course receiving a grade of ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘W’ or ‘I’ must be successfully completed within the next two terms, earning a minimum grade of ‘C.’
• Upon receiving a second grade of ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘W’ or ‘I’ in any lower-division coursework, a registration flag will be placed on the student’s records. Appeals may be made to the Program Coordinator.
• Students will remain in good standing when earning a grade of ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘W’ or ‘I’ in less than 20% of lower-division courses attempted/completed. For example, a student enrolled in 15 credit hours (five 3-credit hour courses) is allowed a ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘W’ or ‘I’ in one course. Students exceeding this allowance will receive a registration flag. Furthermore, students exceeding this allowance for two consecutive semesters will be removed from the A.S. program. Appeals may be made to the Program Coordinator.
• A grade of XF for academic dishonesty will result in removal from the program. Appeals may be made to the Program Coordinator.
• A minimum of two courses per academic year are required to remain in the program. Students not successfully completing two courses per academic year are considered not actively pursuing an A.S. degree and will be removed from the program.
   

It is recommended that students meet with SF Advising at least once a semester. Students are responsible for keeping advisors up to date on any issues that may hinder successful academic progress.

Definitions:
Lower-division: courses numbered in the 1000 and 2000 level categories.
Registration Flag: a student’s right to register for further upper-division courses will be suspended, pending advisor approval.
Appeals: a registration flag or program year removal appeal may be made in writing to the Program Coordinator, indicating sufficient evidence of unusual hardship which proved to be the proximate cause of a failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

• Students must apply for graduation upon enrollment in their last semester of coursework.