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

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Program Available at:

  • Richland

Catalog Year 2024-2025 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 Specialization 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 three specialization tracks leading to the Associate of Applied Science Degree. Students may specialize in Cyber Defense, Information Assurance, or System Security Administration. The Cyber Defense specialization 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, the Cyber Operations Certificate (C) and the Information Security Occupational Skills Award (OSA) 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.

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

ITSE 1370 – Introduction to Python Programming

CHOOSE ONE: 

  • ITNW 1325 – Fundamentals of Networking Technologies (Course also applies to OSA, C) OR
  • ITCC 1314 – CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks (Course also applies to OSA, C)

ITSC 1305 – Introduction to PC Operating Systems

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

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

ITNW 1354 – Implementing and Supporting Servers

ITSY 1300 – Fundamentals of Information Security (Course also applies to OSA, C)

ITSY 1375 – Integrated Cybersecurity Concepts (Course also applies to C)

ITDF 1300 – Introduction to Digital Forensics (Course also applies to OSA, C)

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.

  5. Meet with your success coach to apply for the Information Security Occupational Skills Award.

    ​ Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 3

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

ITSC 1316 – Linux Installation and Configuration

ITSY 1342 – Information Technology Security (Course also applies to C)

ITSY 2301 – Firewalls and Network Security Design (Course also applies to C)

ITSY 2342 – Incident Response and Handling
 
* 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.

  6. Meet with your success coach to apply for the Cyber Operations Certificate.

    ​Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 4

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

ENGL 2311 – Technical and Business Writing

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 Specialization. OR
  • ITSY 2386 – Internship-Computer and Information Security This is the capstone experience for the Cyber Defense Specialization.

* 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 14, 2025