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Cyber Security A.A.S. - Information Assurance Emphasis

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Program Available at:

  • Richland

Catalog Year 2022-2023 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 Information Assurance 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-Information Assurance Emphasis places more emphasis on computer operating systems, network security, and incident response to security threats. Courses that complete the degree are noted below.

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 ASSOCIATE 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.

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

ITCC 1314 – CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks

ITSC 1316 – Linux Installation and Configuration

ITSC 1325 – Personal Computer Hardware

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. Get certified in Redhat or Linux+.
  4. Attend an industry related meetup group.

    Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 2

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

ITSY 1300 – Fundamentals of Information Security

ITDF 1300 – Introduction to Digital Forensics

ITMT 2305 – Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure

ITSC 1305 – Introduction to PC Operating Systems

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

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

ITMT 1357 – Administering a Windows Server Operating System

ITSE 1370 – Introduction to Python Programming

ITSY 1342 – Information Technology Security

ITSY 2301 – Firewalls and Network Security Design

* 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

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

ITSY 2342 – Incident Response and Handling

ITSY 2345 – Network Defense and Countermeasures

ITSY 2359 – Security Assessment and Auditing

CHOOSE ONE

  • ITSY 2341 – Security Management Practices This is the capstone experience for the Information Assurance Emphasis. OR
  • ITSY 2386 – Internship-Computer and Information Systems Security This is the capstone experience for the Information Assurance Emphasis.

* 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. Sign up for Commencement.
  5. Join the Alumni Network!

    Total Hours: 15​ 

DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

Updated August 6, 2025