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A Complete Guide to Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree

Cybersecurity Degree

First, the bad news: Our increasingly interconnected world, as you are probably aware, is susceptible and becoming more fragile by the day.

Crazy hacker activity, malware, spyware, social engineering, and dreaded computer viruses all seem to be in the headlines on a regular basis.

As key information (not just our personal information like vital records and financial data, but also extremely essential corporate and government data) migrates to data centres, clouds, and internet servers, the risk of it being stolen or corrupted increases.

It’s what security experts and analysts refer to as an expanding attack surface. As the internet becomes increasingly important for almost every function, the risk that some criminal organisation will try to steal data grows tremendously.

After all, data is now as valuable as cash.

So, here’s the good news: the burgeoning sector of cybersecurity offers a plethora of (and profitable) options. Cybersecurity is now a growing profession covering a variety of different types of employment needing various backgrounds and skill levels. It was once the territory of government contractors and computer experts with specific abilities.

In-house cybersecurity professionals are being sought by businesses of all sizes. Firms and organisations that specialise in cybersecurity issues — anything from ethical hacking and penetration testing to information technology infrastructure and networking — are also increasing in number, in order to meet the growing need for safe and secure computing.

There are a few ways to get started in this rapidly expanding sector. Obtaining an associate’s degree in cybersecurity is a fantastic place to start.

An associate’s degree was traditionally a two-year programme at a college or university that provided entry-level instruction (the curriculum equal of the first and second years of a four-year degree) for students seeking a higher education than a high school diploma.

An associate’s degree was a good way to learn the skills needed to get hired into a skilled entry-level career-track work in some industries, such as nursing, or professions such as data entry or occupations like paralegal.

The types of associate’s degree programmes available today are expanding, and the new options are meant to help students land high-demand employment in a booming area.

The Upside of a Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree

So, how does an associate’s degree in cybersecurity fit into the picture of a successful cybersecurity career? Hands-on expertise and industry credentials are the two things that employers seek for when hiring for cybersecurity positions, according to research.

And cybersecurity associate degree programmes excel in obtaining skills and experience, as well as preparing for cybersecurity industry certifications. Whether as stand-alone programmes or as part of broader funnels to serve as stepping stones to higher cybersecurity education, such as a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a cybersecurity master’s or Ph.D.

Another factor that attracts many students to associate degrees is that they are now available in a variety of formats, including on-campus, online, and a hybrid method that combines online learning with more traditional campus-based study.

Finally, many cybersecurity associate’s degree programmes offer scheduling flexibility, making them an excellent choice for students who need to work or have other obligations that prevent them from enrolling full-time.

What to Look for in a Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree Programme

A variety of factors will determine whether or not a cybersecurity associate’s degree programme is a good fit for prospective students. Other elements such as the possible return on investment and career services and support should also play a vital role in assessing whether or not certain cybersecurity programmes are worth pursuing.

When considering enrolling in a cybersecurity associate’s degree programme, geography and schedule are always important factors to consider. And new programmes that provide online or self-paced teaching help with schedule and location (since students are no longer need to reside near the institution they attend), making this type of education more accessible.

The entire programme cost is another important factor for prospective cybersecurity associate degree programme students – perhaps the most important. Like any other undergraduate or graduate school, associate degree training is measured in terms of credit cost and then overall programme cost. The good news is that an associate’s degree is usually the most economical option among all post-secondary career preparation alternatives because it only requires half the number of credits as a bachelor’s programme.

Tuition for associate’s degree programmes in cybersecurity varies greatly, ranging from $3,000 to $4,000 for entirely remote, online degree programmes to $18,000 to $20,000 for on-campus instruction.

Concentrations/Focus Areas

Some associate degree programmes in cybersecurity may be organised under a school’s computer science or information technology departments. Other schools, on the other hand, have separate cybersecurity programmes with specialised resources and services. One thing to bear in mind is that cybersecurity has many different components, thus colleges and universities may have different concentration areas.

A couple of popular cybersecurity focus areas are as follows:

  • Network security is the study of how things like passwords, firewalls, and hacks function in order to protect networks from assault or corruption.
  • Computer security experts are concerned with securing individual machines on a network, which typically necessitates familiarity with the security requirements of particular hardware and software components.
  • Information security, often known as InfoSec, is the study of how to secure and preserve data such that it remains private and only the intended users have access to it.

Length of Programme

In most cases, associate degrees in cybersecurity require 60 credit hours to accomplish. Those credit hours are split between general education classes and cybersecurity training that is more targeted and specialised.

A cybersecurity associate’s degree can take anywhere from two to four years to complete, depending on the number of courses available and how frequently they are offered, as well as the degree requirements.

Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree Admission Requirements

The prerequisites for a cybersecurity associate’s degree are quite conventional, and they are similar to those for associate degree programmes. Prospective candidates must possess a high school diploma, have completed prerequisite math and scientific courses (precise criteria vary by degree), and be skilled in English.

General Associate Degree Level Career Outlook

An associate’s degree in cybersecurity can help you launch a successful career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry-level cybersecurity positions such as information security analysts will rise by about 30% over the next few years, outpacing chances in other industries.

For more information on specific programmes, look through these school lists.

School Location Link to Program Website
Alamo Colleges District – Northeast Lakeview College Universal City, Texas Cyber Defense-A.A.S.
Alexandria Technical and Community College Alexandria, Minnesota Cybersecurity, Virtualization, & Networking AAS Degree
Alexandria Technical and Community College Alexandria, Minnesota Computer Information Systems – A.S. Degree
Amarillo College Amarillo, Texas A.A.S. in Computer Networking/Cyber Security
Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, Maryland A.A.S. in Digital Forensics, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, Maryland A.A.S. in Networking, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, Maryland A.A.S. in Security, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
ASA College Brooklyn, New York Associate of Occupational Studies in Network Administration and Security
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Asheville, North Carolina Information Systems Security A.A.S.
Baltimore City Community College Baltimore, Maryland Cyber Security and Assurance Degree
Beaufort County Community College Washington, North Carolina A.A.S. in Information Technology – Network Management
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Martinsburg, West Virginia A.A.S. in Cyber Security
Bristol Community College Fall River, Massachusetts Associate in Science in Computer Information Systems
Butler Community College El Dorado, Kansas Associate in Applied Science in Cyber Security
Butler County Community College Butler, Pennsylvania Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Computer Forensics and Security
Cameron University Lawton, Oklahoma Associate in Applied Science in IT – Information Assurance/Security
Cape Cod Community College West Barnstable, Massachusetts AS IT: Cybersecurity Concentration
Capital Community College Hartford, Connecticut A.S. in Computer Networking: Cybersecurity Option
Casper College Casper, Wyoming A.A.S in Cybersecurity
Casper College Casper, Wyoming Associate of Applied Science in Computer Security
Central Maine Community College Auburn, Maine Associate in Applied Science in Network Security / Computer Forensics
Central Texas College Killeen, Texas Associate of Science in Cyber Defense-Information Assurance
Clark State Community College Springfield, Ohio Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity / Information Assurance
Coastline Community College Fountain Valley, California Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
Cochise College Douglas, Arizona Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, Illinois Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Defense
College of Southern Maryland La Plata, Maryland Cybersecurity AAS
College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada Associate of Applied Science in Computing & Information Technology – Cyber Security – Digital Forensics
College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada Associate of Applied Science in Computing & Information Technology – Cyber Security – Network Security
College of Western Idaho Nampa, Idaho Associate of Applied Science in Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) – Cyber Security
Craven Community College New Bern, North Carolina Associate in Applied Science- CTI-Cybersecurity
Cypress College Cypress, California Associate of Science in Cyber Defense
Dallas County Community College District Dallas, Texas AAS in Cyber Security – Cyber Defense
Dallas County Community College District Dallas, Texas AAS in Cyber Security – Digital Forensics
Dallas County Community College District Dallas, Texas AAS in Cyber Security – Information Assurance
Dallas County Community College District Dallas, Texas AAS in Cyber Security – Network Security Administration
Dallas County Community College District Dallas, Texas AAS in Cyber Security – System Security Administration
Eastern Iowa Community College District Davenport, Iowa Associate in Applied Science – Information Technology, Security and Forensics Track
Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Campus Ruidoso, New Mexico Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity
Edmonds Community College Lynnwood, Washington Associate of Technical Arts in Computer Information Systems – Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics
El Paso Community College El Paso, Texas Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Systems – Information Security and Assurance
Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, Arizona Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
Ferris State University Big Rapids, Michigan Associate in Applied Science in Information Security and Intelligence
Forsyth Technical Community College Winston Salem, North Carolina Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology/Forensic Science
Forsyth Technical Community College Winston Salem, North Carolina Associate in Applied Science in IT – Systems Security
Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, Wisconsin Associate of Applied Science – Information Systems Security Specialist
Front Range Community College Westminster, Colorado A.A.S. in Cybersecurity & Cloud Computing
Georgia Military College Warner Robins, Georgia Cybersecurity Associate Degree
Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, Michigan Associates of Arts in Information Security
Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, Michigan Associates of Arts in Network Administration
Great Bay Community College Portsmouth, New Hampshire Associate in Science in Cyber Security Infrastructure
Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown, Maryland Cybersecurity, A.A.S.
Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown, Maryland Cybersecurity, A.S.
Harford Community College Bel Air, Maryland Associate of Applied Sciences in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Henry Ford Community College Dearborn, Michigan Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity
Hill College Hillsboro, Texas Networking Cybersecurity Degree
Honolulu Community College Honolulu, Hawaii Associate of Science in CENT – Information Assurance
Howard Community College Columbia, Maryland A.A. in Cybersecurity
Howard Community College Columbia, Maryland Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Forensics Technology
Howard Community College Columbia, Maryland Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Assurance
Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho Associate of Applied Science in Cyber-Physical Security
Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, Iowa Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networks and Security
Inver Hills Community College Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota A.A.S., Network Technology and Security
Jackson Community College Jackson, Michigan Associate in Applied Science – Cyber Security
Jackson State Community College Jackson, Tennessee Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems: Cyber Defense Concentration
James A Rhodes State College Lima, Ohio Associate of Applied Science in Network Security
John A Logan College Carterville, Illinois Associate in Applied Science in Computer Forensics
John A Logan College Carterville, Illinois Associate in Applied Science in Cyber Security/Information Assurance
John C Calhoun State Community College Tanner, Alabama CIS AAS Degree in Cybersecurity
Lake Area Technical Institute Watertown, South Dakota Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Security Specialist
Lake Washington Institute of Technology Kirkland, Washington Computer Security & Network Technology AAS degree
Lane Community College Eugene, Oregon Associate of Applied Science in Computer Network Operations
Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, Wyoming Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
Laredo Community College Laredo, Texas Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Network and Cyber Security Technology
Lehigh Carbon Community College Schnecksville, Pennsylvania Associate of Applied Science in Computer Specialist – Network Technology Track
Lehigh Carbon Community College Schnecksville, Pennsylvania Associate of Science in Computer Forensics and Digital Security
Lincoln Land Community College Springfield, Illinois Associate in Applied Science in Computer Systems – Networking Track
Lord Fairfax Community College Middletown, Virginia Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
Los Medanos College Pittsburg, California Networking and Security AAS
Macomb Community College Warren, Michigan Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology – Network Security
Madison Area Technical College Madison, Wisconsin Associate in Applied Science – IT Network Security Specialist
Manchester Community College Manchester, New Hampshire Associate in Cybersecurity Investigations
MassBay Community College Framingham, Massachusetts Cyber Security Associate in Science Degree
McHenry County College Crystal Lake, Illinois Network Security AAS
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City, Missouri Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science and Information Systems – Cyber Security Track
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City, Missouri Associate of Applied Science in CSIS: Advanced Networking emphasis
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City, Missouri Associate of Applied Science in CSIS: Cisco Security emphasis
Middlesex Community College Bedford, Massachusetts Associate in Science in Liberal Studies Information Technology – Cybersecurity Transfer
Miami Dade College Miami, Florida Cybersecurity Associate in Science
Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, Wisconsin Associate in Applied Science – IT Information Systems Security Specialist
Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, Minnesota Computer Forensics A.A.S. Degree
MiraCosta College Oceanside, California Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
Monroe County Community College Monroe, Michigan Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Montgomery College Rockville, Maryland Cybersecurity AAS
Motlow State Community College Tullahoma, Tennessee A.A.S. in Computer Information Technology – Cyber Defense Concentration
Mountain View College Dallas, Texas Associate in Applied Sciences – Computer Information Technology (Networking Security Awards)
Mt Hood Community College Gresham, Oregon Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Networking
Nashua Community College Nashua, New Hampshire Associate in Science in Cybersecurity Networking
Northampton Community College Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Information Security (InfoSec), Associate in Applied Science
North Idaho College Coeur D’Alene, Idaho Associate of Applied Science in Network Security Administration
North Iowa Area Community College Mason City, Iowa Associate in Applied Science – Information Assurance and Security
Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, Virginia Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
Norwalk Community College Norwalk, Connecticut A.S. in Computer Security
Oakland Community College Bloomfield, Hills, Michigan Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity Option (CIS.CYS.AAS)
Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City, Oklahoma OCCC Associate Degree in Applied Science in Cyber Information Security
Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City, Oklahoma OCCC Associate Degree in Science in Cyber Information Security
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology – Computer Forensics Option
Onondaga Community College Syracuse, New York Computer Forensics A.S.
Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, Florida Associate in Science – Networking Administrator
Palomar College San Marcos, California Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey, Florida Cyber and Information Security – Associate in Science
Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey, Florida Cyber and Information Security – Associate in Science
Piedmont Virginia Community College Charlottesville, Virginia Associate Degree in Cybersecurity
Pikes Peak Community College Colorado Springs, Colorado Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security
Pikes Peak Community College Colorado Springs, Colorado Dual Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security and Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networking
Pima Community College Tucson, Arizona Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programmer / Analyst – Cyber Operations Programming Concentration
Pima Community College Tucson, Arizona Associate of Applied Science in Computer Systems Administration / Networking – Cyber Security Focus
Prince George’s Community College Largo, Maryland Cybersecurity Assoc. of Applied Science
Pueblo Community College Pueblo Community College AAS in Networking Cyber Security – On Campus
Quincy College Quincy, Massachusetts Computer Science: Cyber Security Associate in Science Degree
Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, Colorado AAS in Cyber Security Specialist
Richland College Dallas, Texas AAS in Cyber Security
Rock Valley College Rockford, Illinois Data Assurance & IT Security Degree
Rose State College Midwest City, Oklahoma Cyber Security/Digital Forensics Associate in Applied Science Degree, Cyber Science Option
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Salisbury, North Carolina Associate in Applied Science in Cyber Security
Sacramento City College Sacramento, California Associate in Science in Information Systems Security
Saint Leo University Saint Leo, Florida Cyber Security Associate Degree
Saint Louis Community College Saint Louis, Missouri Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity
Sheridan College Sheridan, Wyoming Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security
Sinclair Community College Dayton, Ohio Secure System Administration – Associate of Applied Science
South State Community College Hillsboro, Ohio AA in Cyber Security & Forensics
South Texas College McAllen, Texas Cybersecurity Specialist Associate of Applied Science
Southeast Technical Institute Sioux Falls, South Dakota Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Security
Southern Maine Community College South Portland, Maine Associate Degree in Cyber Security
Southern Utah University Cedar City, Utah Associate of Applied Science in Computer & Information Systems Security
Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg, South Carolina Computer Technology, Networking/Cybersecurity, AAS
St Charles Community College Cottleville, Missouri Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security
St Philip’s College San Antonio, Texas Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist, A.A.S.
St. John’s University Queens, New York Cyber Security Systems, Associate of Science
Terra State Community College Fremont, Ohio Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Cyber Defense
Terra State Community College Fremont, Ohio Associate of Applied Science in Systems and Networking Support – Cyber Defense
Texas State Technical College-System Waco, Texas Associate of Applied Science – Computer Networking & Security Technology
Texas State Technical College-System Waco, Texas Associate of Applied Science – Cyber Security
The Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville, Maryland AAS in Cybersecurity
The University of Montana Missoula, Montana Associate of Applied Science – Network Administration & Security option
Thomas Nelson Community College Hampton, Virginia Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology – Cybersecurity Pathway
Tidewater Community College Norfolk, Virginia Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology – Cyber Security Concentration
Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, Nevada Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology – Cyber Security Emphasis
University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska Information Technology – Network and Cybersecurity AAS
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus Los Alamos, New Mexico Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis
Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, North Carolina Cybersecurity – AAS Degree
Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, Michigan Cybersecurity (APCSCY)
Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, Wisconsin Associate of Applied Science
Wayne County Community College District Detroit, Michigan Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems: Cybersecurity
West Virginia Northern Community College Wheeling, West Virginia A.A.S. in Cyber Security
Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, Iowa Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security & Digital Crime
Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, Iowa Associate of Applied Science in Networking Administration and Security
Whatcom Community College Bellingham, Washington Associate of Applied Science – Transfer degree in Cybersecurity
Jennifer Thomas
Jennifer Thomas is the Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Cybers Guards. Prior to that, She was responsible for leading its Cyber Security Practice and Cyber Security Operations Center, which provided managed security services.