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Cyber Security A.A.S. - Cyber Defense Emphasis (For transfer to New England College, BS in Cybersecurity)

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Program Available at:

  • Richland

Transferrable to:

  • New England College

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 www.nec.edu to view more information about transferring to New England College. Speak with your success coach to choose courses that will help you to transfer to New England College.

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 your 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 your 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 faculty 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 New England College.
  5. Sign up for Commencement.
  6. Join the Alumni Network!

    Total Hours: 15  

DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

New England College

A maximum of 90 credits may be transferred to New England College (“NEC"). Please see the NEC Academic Catalog for full transfer credit policies, graduation requirements, and program requirements (www.nec.edu). Depending on your first term with NEC, courses may not be offered in the sequence below, but an educational plan will be developed based on your needs with the help of your Academic Advisor. For questions about the New England College portion of this transfer pathway, contact the SGPS Admissions Office at (603) 428-2252 or graduateadmission@nec.edu. It is best to apply to New England College a full semester before you plan to transfer. It will help if you submit a copy of this pathway with your application. Minimum GPA requirement: Cumulative GPA of 2.00; Major GPA of 2.00. See catalog for official degree requirements.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CYBERSECURITY

FIRST YEAR – FIRST TERM

CS 3101 – Policy, Legal, Ethics and Compliance This is a major course.

​ Total Hours: 4

FIRST YEAR – SECOND TERM

CS 2001 – IT System Components This is a major course.

Total Hours: 4

FIRST YEAR – THIRD TERM

LAS 1 – The Natural Environment This is a Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum course.

Free Elective There are several options to meet this requirement. Please contact your academic advisor for a list of available options for this term.

​Total Hours: 8​

FIRST YEAR – FOURTH TERM

LAS 2 – The Civic Environment – Democratic Values This is a Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum course.

​Total Hours: 4

FIRST YEAR – FIFTH TERM       

CompTIA Certification Prep (Choose from CS 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) This is a major course.

LAS Elective – Choose from LAS 1 – 7 This is a Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum course.

Total Hours: 6

FIRST YEAR – SIXTH TERM

LAS 3 – The Creative Arts This is a Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum course.

 Total Hours: 4​

SECOND YEAR – FIRST TERM

TAKE THE COURSE FOR YOUR TRACK:   CS 3304 – Basic Cryptography (Technical track) OR

CS 3105 – Data Administration (Management track)

Total Hours: 4

SECOND YEAR – SECOND TERM

LAS 5 – Laboratory Science This is a Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum course.

TAKE THE COURSE FOR YOUR TRACK:   Free Elective (Technical track) Contact your academic advisor for options. OR
CS 3102 – Cybersecurity Planning and Management (Management track)

Total Hours: 8

SECOND YEAR – THIRD TERM

TAKE THE COURSE FOR YOUR TRACK:   CS 3306 – Databases (Technical track) OR

CS 3106 – Fraud Prevention and Management (Management track)

Total Hours: 4

SECOND YEAR – FOURTH TERM

TAKE THE COURSE FOR YOUR TRACK:   CS 3305 – Operating Systems Concepts (Technical track) OR

CS 3103 – Security Program Management (Management track)

Total Hours: 4

SECOND YEAR – FIFTH TERM

CompTIA Certification Prep (Choose from CS 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) This is a major course.

LAS 7 – Global Perspectives This is a Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum course.

Total Hours: 6​​

SECOND YEAR – SIXTH TERM

TAKE THE COURSE FOR YOUR TRACK:   CS 4301 – Network Defense (Technical track) OR

CS 3104 – Security Risk Analysis (Management track)

Total Hours: 4​  

NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE MINIMUM: 120 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

(Transfer Pathway Approved 8.3.2021 by New England College)​

 

Updated August 10, 2025