Cybersecurity Specialist (ND)

This certificate is designed to prepare students for a career in cybersecurity. Students receive hands-on instruction on how to operate, install, configure, troubleshoot, upgrade, secure, and maintain computer networks as well as various ways to protect and secure the network. Students will become fully prepared to take the Network+, Security+, Cybersecurity Analyst (CySa+) certification tests sponsored by CompTIA and offered at testing centers throughout the country. This certificate requires 18-20 units. Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, prepares student to develop and implement a structured network utilizing routers, switches, access points, and intrusion detection services; Develop and analyze procedures and policy in an organizational setting; Prepare students to work in a lower level security position for an IT department and transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in Cybersecurity; Evaluate and explain ethical hacking tools in cybersecurity.

This certificate does not satisfy the major requirements for the Associate in Science degree.

Certificate Program Map

PREREQUISITE COURSES	REQUIRED COURSES FOR CERTIFICATE		UNITS
	CS/IS 186	Workstation Security and Support	3
	CS/IS 190	Introduction to Computer Networks	3
	CS/IS 193	Introduction to Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking	3
	CS/IS 196	Advanced Networking: Security	3
	Select two courses from the following:
	CS/IS 172	Unix/Linux Operating System	4
	CS/IS 174	Unix/Linux Administration	4
	CS/IS 194	Information Technology Essentials	3
	CS/IS 197	Advanced Networking: Server Operations	3
	CS/IS 240	Cloud Computing -Fundamentals	3
	CS/IS 242	Cloud Computing - Security	3
	TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED		18-20

Courses taken more than three years before the granting of the certificate must have division chair approval.
NOTE: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK MIGHT BE REQUIRED IF PREREQUISITES ARE NOT MET. SEE A COUNSELOR TO PREPARE A STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN.

Fall 2025	GCC Catalog 2025-2026
Important Notice: In the event of a discrepancy between the information presented above and the online and/or print versions of the GCC Catalog, please contact a counselor or the office of Admissions and Records. For previous years requirements please see the catalog from that year.