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Cyber Security A.A.S. - Digital Forensics 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 Digital Forensics 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 program in Cyber Security-Digital Forensics Emphasis is designed to prepare students for various entry-level opportunities in the information security sector with emphasis in secure systems administration. The Digital Forensics places emphasis on investigative techniques and digital forensic analysis applicable to computers, mobile, and network devices. Students completing this degree can apply for jobs such as: Digital Forensics Technical, Incident Response Analyst. 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

SEM​​ESTER 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.

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

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • ITSC 1416 – Linux Installation and Configuration OR
  • ITSC 1405 – Introduction to PC Operating Systems NEC recommends ITSC 1405.

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.
    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Total Hours: 15​​​

SEMESTER 2

ITSY 1400 – Fundamentals of Information Security

ITMT 2405 – Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure

ITDF 1400 – Introduction to Digital Forensics​

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. Attend an industry related meetup group.
  3. Participate in Cyber Security club meetings and competitions.​​​

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 3

ITDF 1405 – Digital Data Storage Forensics

ITDF 2425 – Digital Forensics Tools

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

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • ITDF 2420 – Digital Forensics Collection OR
  • ITSE 1429 – Programming Logic and Design NEC recommends ITSE 1429.

* 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. Attend an industry related meetup group.
  3. Participate in Cyber Security club meetings and competitions.
  4. Meet with faculty regarding internship opportunities.
    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Total Hours: 15​

SEMESTER 4

ITSY 2442 – Incident Response and Handling

ITDF 2430 – Digital Forensics Analysis

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

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • ITDF 2435 – Comprehensive Digital Forensics Project OR
  • ITDF 2471 – Internship for Digital Forensics

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

SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS

  1. See faculty or your success coach for employment opportunities.
  2. Review your degree plan and apply for the Cyber Security A.A.S.
  3. Request final transcripts to be sent to New England College.
  4. Sign up for Commencement.
  5. 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 2000 – Cybersecurity Principles This is a major course.

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

 Total Hours: 8​​

FIRST YEAR – THIRD TERM

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

Total Hours: 4

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.

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

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:   

  • Free Elective (Technical track) Contact your academic advisor for options. 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