Cybersecurity Concentration
Program Description
The Cybersecurity Concentration within the Associate in Science in Computer Science is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information security, or a related field.
This concentration focuses on the principles and technologies used to protect computer systems, networks, and digital information. Students explore topics such as network security, system vulnerabilities, threat detection, and ethical practices in information security. Coursework emphasizes analytical thinking, programming fundamentals, and the application of cybersecurity strategies to safeguard digital environments.
The program combines a strong foundation in computer science with introductory cybersecurity concepts, preparing students for upper-level study in cybersecurity and related computing disciplines.
Transfer Information
The Cybersecurity concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity, information assurance, computer science, and related disciplines.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Because cybersecurity programs often require strong preparation in programming, networking, and mathematics, students should carefully follow the recommended course sequence.
Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Career Information
The A.S. in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in cybersecurity and information security.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information Security Specialist
- Network Security Engineer
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Digital Forensics Specialist
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to explore transfer pathways, internships, and career opportunities in cybersecurity and information security fields.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| MATH 166 | Topics in Algebra | 4 |
| CSIT 165 | Programming I | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| MATH 196 | Precalculus | 4 |
| CSIT 144 | Introduction to Operating System Using Linux | 3 |
| CSIT 176 | Computer Organization & Architecture | 3 |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| CSIT 212 | Systems Analysis | 3 |
| CSIT 241 | Cybersecurity Legal and Regulatory Overview | 3 |
| CSIT 251 | Introduction to Networking | 3 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| CSIT 168 or CSIT 277 | Introduction to Python Programming or Introduction to Cloud Computing | 2-3 |
| CSIT 200 | Information Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| CSIT 261 or CSIT 244 | Advanced Networking Concepts or Digital Forensics Fundamentals | 3 |
| PHYS 281 & 281L | General Physics I Lecture and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
| Humanities or Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60-61 | |
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| CSIT 165 | Programming I | 4 |
| MATH 196 | Precalculus | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| CSIT 144 | Introduction to Operating System Using Linux | 3 |
| CSIT 176 | Computer Organization & Architecture | 3 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| CSIT 241 | Cybersecurity Legal and Regulatory Overview | 3 |
| CSIT 251 | Introduction to Networking | 3 |
| CSIT 212 | Systems Analysis | 3 |
| PHYS 281 & 281L | General Physics I Lecture and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| CSIT 200 | Information Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| CSIT 261 or CSIT 244 | Advanced Networking Concepts or Digital Forensics Fundamentals | 3 |
| MATH 270 | Discrete Mathematics 1 | 3 |
| CSIT 277 | Introduction to Cloud Computing | 4 |
| Humanities or Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |
- 1
The pre-requisite for MATH 270 is MATH 265 with a grade of B or better. Students who don't meet this requirement should take MATH 266.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| CSIT 165 | Programming I | 4 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| CSIT 144 | Introduction to Operating System Using Linux | 3 |
| CSIT 176 | Computer Organization & Architecture | 3 |
| MATH 266 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| CSIT 212 | Systems Analysis | 3 |
| CSIT 241 | Cybersecurity Legal and Regulatory Overview | 3 |
| CSIT 251 | Introduction to Networking | 3 |
| MATH 270 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| CSIT 200 | Information Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| CSIT 261 or CSIT 244 | Advanced Networking Concepts or Digital Forensics Fundamentals | 3 |
| CSIT 277 | Introduction to Cloud Computing | 4 |
| PHYS 281 & 281L | General Physics I Lecture and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
| Humanities or Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 20 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |