Skip to Main Content Open Alternative Formats of This Page
Dallas College

GPS Map
Cyber Security A.A.S. - Cyber Defense Emphasis

Icons including an atomic symbol, a computer chip, a gear and pi

Program Available at:

  • Richland

Catalog Year 2023-2024 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 Computer Information Technology 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.

This degree is designed to prepare students for various entry-level opportunities in the information security sector with emphasis in cyber security in government, private sector, and law enforcement agencies. The program consists of four emphasis tracks leading to the Associate of Applied Science Degree. Students may specialize in Cyber Defense, Information Assurance, Network Security Administration, or System Security Administration. The Cyber Defense emphasis combines both networking and systems administration fundamentals with a focus on defensive strategies to securing networks and systems.  This program is intended to provide a foundation on which the graduate can build an information security career through expanded experience and/or further education. Courses that complete the degree are noted below.

Visit http://www.dallascollege.edu/transfer and select "Transfer from Dallas College," then click on a university to view more information about transferring to that institution. Speak with your success coach to choose courses that will help you to transfer to a specific university.

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.

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. Attend an industry related meetup group.

  4. Get certified in Redhat or Linux+.

    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

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

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

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

ITSC 2325 – Advanced Linux

ITSY 2341 – Security Management Practices

ITSY 2345 – Network Defense and Countermeasures

CHOOSE ONE: 

  • ITSY 2372 – Ethical Hacking and System Defense This is the capstone experience for the Cyber Defense Emphasis. OR
  • ITSY 2386 – Internship-Computer and Information Security This is the capstone experience for the Cyber Defense 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 July 15, 2025