Cybersecurity Degree
Prepare for a career in cybersecurity with a degree from Montgomery College.
The program emphasizes computer security and information assurance concepts, augmented with current industry standard techniques. Topics cover threats and vulnerabilities, prevention at the technical (hardware and software) and human levels, detection, response, and management aspects of security.
The program prepares entry-level computer technicians with cybersecurity expertise and offers transfer options to four-year institutions. It is also designed to address the homeland security industry's need for trained cybersecurity workers.
You can also prepare for a variety of industry certifications, including:
- Computing Technology Industry Association’s (CompTIA) A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification
- Security Certified Network Professional certification
As a member of CyberWatch, the Montgomery College curriculum follows National Security Telecommunications and Systems Security Instruction (NSTISSI) 4011 and 4013 standards. Also, the courseware is certified as mapping 100% to the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) National Standard 4011.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Apply software patches to operating systems and applications.
- Evaluate a system for security vulnerabilities using appropriate resources.
- Use standard software tools to detect attempted security breaches in networks.
- Implement network security defenses.
- Describe a professional's responsibility in the areas of individual privacy, intellectual property rights, and ethics and codes of conduct.
- Examine legal, social, and ethical concerns related to securing information systems and networks.
- Explain how to use current forensic tools.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills on issues related to cybersecurity.
- Describe the differences between internal and external threats and how to defend against each.
- Propose cybersecurity solutions based on real-world problem scenarios.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to be successful in passing at least 2 of the following certification exams: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and/or ISC2 Professional Security certification(s).
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
Our degree program has transfer agreements with many four-year institutions, including Bowie State University, Capitol Technology University, University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland Global Campus at The Universities at Shady Grove, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, and more. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Career opportunities include network security engineer, information security analyst, network security specialist, network security administrator, network security architect, and systems engineer.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- CMSC 135 - Introduction to Scripting 3 semester hours
- NWIT 127 - Microcomputer Essentials 3 semester hours
- NWIT 151 - Introduction to Networking 3 semester hours
- NWIT 173 - Network Security 3 semester hours
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- CMSC 253 - UNIX/LINUX System Administration 4 semester hours
- NWIT 245 - Defending the Network 3 semester hours
- NWIT 263 - Introduction to Digital Forensics 3 semester hours
Third Semester
- Natural Sciences Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- PHIL 140 - Introduction to the Study of Ethics 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- NWIT 105 - Introduction to Cloud Computing 3 semester hours
- NWIT 230 - Intro to Cyber Ops 3 semester hours
- NWIT 246 - Attacker Tools and Techniques 3 semester hours
Fourth Semester
- Arts or Humanities Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD)
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- NWIT 247 - Introduction to Incident Response 3 semester hours
- NWIT 275 - Wi-Fi Pen Testing 3 semester hours
- NWIT 291 - Cybersecurity Capstone 1 semester hour
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or NWIT or CMSC elective.
This program can be completed either on campus or online.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.