Cybersecurity & Information Assurance

Program Overview

The A.A.S. in Cyber Security & Information Assurance program at Gallatin College MSU prepares students to support the information security needs of businesses. The curriculum includes courses in computer and network systems, security, and ethical hacking. Students will also earn industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, and Cisco Certified Network Associate. Graduates will be qualified for careers in security consulting, penetration testing, and cyber security response management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The A.A.S.
in Cyber Security & Information Assurance program at Gallatin College MSU prepares students to support the information security needs of businesses.
• Objectives: Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
• Identify cyber threats
• Implement and maintain proper security measures
• Respond to system intrusions
• Provide creative solutions to emerging risks
• Program Description: The curriculum also prepares students to earn the following certifications:
• CompTIA (Network+, Linux+, Security+)
• EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker
• Cisco Certified Network Associate

Outline:

• Program Content:
• Computer and network systems terms and concepts
• Network-based voice, audio, and video technologies
• Network infrastructure equipment and software
• Computer and network security terms and concepts
• Network security software and hardware
• Secure computer and network infrastructures
• Course Schedule:
• Year One:
• WRIT 101W - College Writing I
• ITS 164 - Networking Fundamentals
• ITS 280 - Computer Repair Maintenance
• ITS 163 - Windows and Configuration
• ITS 218 - Network Security
• CSCI 107 - Joy and Beauty of Computing
• ITS 271 - Securing Desktop/Mobile Devices
• CSCI 127 - Joy and Beauty of Data
• ITS 272 - Cyber Defense
• ITS 274 - Ethical Hacking and Network Defense
• ITS 299 Capstone
• Modules:
• ITS 164 - Networking Fundamentals:
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of networking, including network topologies, protocols, and network devices.
• ITS 280 - Computer Repair Maintenance: This course provides students with the skills necessary to troubleshoot and repair computer hardware and software.
• CSCI 107 - Joy and Beauty of Computing: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of computer science, including programming, algorithms, and data structures.
• ITS 271 - Securing Desktop/Mobile Devices: This course covers the security of desktop and mobile devices, including threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures.
• CSCI 127 - Joy and Beauty of Data: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of data science, including data collection, analysis, and visualization.
• ITS 272 - Cyber Defense: This course covers the principles of cyber defense, including threat detection, incident response, and recovery.
• ITS 274 - Ethical Hacking and Network Defense: This course teaches students the techniques used by ethical hackers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems.
• ITS 299 Capstone: This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in the program to a real-world project.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Assessment Criteria:
• Knowledge of course material
• Ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Hands-on labs
• Faculty:
• Highly qualified instructors with relevant industry experience
• Unique Approaches:
• Small class sizes
• Personalized instruction
• Student-centered approach
• Focus on success and goal fulfillment

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Security Consultant
• Penetration Tester
• SOC Tier 2 Analyst
• Cyber Security Response Manager
• Auditor
• Network Security Operations
• Vulnerability Tester
• Ethical Hacker
• Opportunities:
• Gallatin College MSU has a variety of resources available to help students with the job search process, including career services and internal job postings.
• Outcomes:
• Potential annual salary: $45,000 (entry) - $130,000 (after 4+ years)