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Cyber Security A.A.S. - Cyber Defense Emphasis (For transfer to National University, BS in Cyber Security)

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Program Available at:

  • Richland

Transferrable to:

  • National University

Catalog Year 2021-2022 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type Associate of Applied Science

GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI Must be Complete

For more information, visit the Dallas College Cyber Security webpage and your success coach at your campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Cyber Security – Cyber Defense Emphasis associate degree. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Cyber Security. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours (15 hours) required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official degree requirements.

The A.A.S. degree in Cyber Security–Cyber Defense Emphasis is designed to prepare students for various entry-level opportunities in the information security sector with emphasis in cyber security. The Cyber Defense emphasis combines both networking and systems administration fundamentals with a focus on defensive strategies to securing networks and systems.  Students completing this degree can apply for jobs such as: SOC Analyst, Penetration Tester, Incident Responder. Courses that complete the degree are noted below.

Visit National University to view more information about transferring to National University. Speak with your success coach to choose courses that will help you to transfer to NU.

SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official degree requirements.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE MINIMUM: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. You must earn a grade of "C" or better.

ITCC 1414 – CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks

MATH 1314 – College Algebra This is a Core course. You must earn a grade of "C" or better.

ITSC 1416 – Linux Installation and Configuration

POFI 1104 – Computer Fundamentals Students must choose Word Processing Skills or Spreadsheet Skills.

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
  2. Meet with a success coach to research your career options.
  3. Attend an industry related meetup group.
  4. Get certified in Redhat or Linux+.

    Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 2

ITSY 1400 – Fundamentals of Information Security

ITMT 2405 – Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure

ITCC 1440 – CCNA 2: Routing and Switching Essentials This course is now offered as ITCC 1444.

SPCH 1321 – Business and Professional Communication This is a Core course.

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
  2. Obtain Security+ certification.
  3. Attend an industry related meetup group.

  4. Participate in Cyber Security club meetings and competitions.

    Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 3

ITMT 1457 – Administering a Windows Server Operating System

ITSY 1442 – Information Technology Security

ITSE 1429 – Programming Logic and Design

HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS ELECTIVE* This is a Core course.

* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with a success coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
  2. Obtain CySA+ certification.
  3. Attend an industry related meetup group.
  4. Participate in Cyber Security club meetings and competitions.
  5. Meet with faculty regarding internship opportunities.

     Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 4

ITSY 2401 – Firewalls and Network Security

ITSC 2425 – Advanced Linux

SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE * This is a Core course.

CHOOSE ONE: 

  • ITSY 2472 – Ethical Hacking and System Defense OR
  • ITSY 2486 – Internship-Computer and Information Security

* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.

SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Obtain Pentest+ Certification.
  2. See a faculty advisor or your success coach for employment opportunities.
  3. Review your degree plan and apply for the Cyber Security A.A.S.
  4. Request final transcripts to be sent to National University.
  5. Sign up for Commencement.
  6. Join the Alumni Network!

     Total Hours: 15  

DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

National University

For questions about the National University portion of this transfer pathway, contact the Academic Advising Office at (855) 355-6288 or advisor@nu.edu. It is best to apply to National University a full semester before you plan to transfer. It will help if you submit a copy of this pathway with your application. Each class at National University is one month (4 weeks) long. Students take one class per month. Students can complete 6 courses during each semester. Each class is 4.5 quarter units, which is equivalent to 3 semester units at Dallas College. See catalog for official degree requirements.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CYBERSECURITY

SEMESTER 1

CYB 204 – Operating System Fundamentals (4 weeks)

CYB 213 – Data Fundamentals for Cybersec (4 weeks)

CYB 215 – Fund of Virt and Cloud Comp (4 weeks)

CYB 216 – Programming for Cybersecurity (4 weeks)

CYB 320 – Tech Writing/Proj Mgmt for CYB (4 weeks)

CYB 331 – Secure Linux System Admin (4 weeks)

Total Hours: 27 quarter units

SEMESTER 2 

CYB 332 – Secure Windows Administration (4 weeks)

CYB 333 – Security Automation (4 weeks)

CYB 340 – Sys Sec Arch for Cybersec (4 weeks)

CYB 420 – Sec Audit and Assessments (4 weeks)

CYB 450 – Cyber Threat Intelligence (4 weeks)

CYB 451 – Incident Handling/Response (4 weeks)

Total Hours: 27 quarter units

SEMESTER 3 

CYB 452 – Intro to Ethical Hacking (4 weeks)

CYB 453 – Network Defense (4 weeks)

CYB 454 – Cybersec Planning and Policy (4 weeks)

CYB 499A – Cybersecurity Project I (4 weeks)

CYB 499B – Cybersecurity Project II (4 weeks)

CYB 499C – Cybersecurity Project III (4 weeks)

Total Hours: 27 quarter units

SEMESTER 4

One Concentration or Upper Division Elective course (4 weeks)

One Concentration or Upper Division Elective course (4 weeks)

One Concentration or Upper Division Elective course (4 weeks)

One Concentration or Upper Division Elective course (4 weeks)

One Upper Division General Elective course (4 weeks)

Total Hours: 22.5 quarter units 

Please see program catalog for the BSCYB Concentration, Upper Division Elective, and General Education Upper Division courses.

Note: In addition to Preparatory, Major Core, and Upper Division/Concentration Courses for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at National University, all students are required to complete 70.5 quarter units of General Education. Students completing the Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security with Emphasis in Cyber Defense at Dallas College will need to complete an additional estimated 51 quarter units (34.5 semester units) of GE to meet program and unit requirements. For more information, please see National University's catalog.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PATHWAY TOTAL: 103.5 QUARTER UNITS

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE MINIMUM: 180 QUARTER UNITS

(Transfer Pathway Approved 9.8.2021 by National University)

Updated August 10, 2025