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Computer Security Specialist Technical Certificate (CS11)

The Computer Security Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit program focuses on the skills necessary to maintain a secure Information Technology environment in the workplace. This program introduces students to basic security protocols.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Computer Security Specialist certificate program are prepared to be responsible for protecting the computer networks of a company or government agency. Someone in an entry-level position may operate software to monitor and analyze information, while a more senior-level position could require investigative work to determine whether a security breach has occurred.

Admissions Criteria

  • Submit a completed application and application fee;
  • Be at least 17 years of age;
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
  • Meet the following assessment requirements:
Test Reading Writing Numerical Algebra
Accuplacer 55 60 34 NA
Accuplacer (Next Gen) 224 236 229 NA
Compass 70 32 26 NA
SAT 16 15 18 NA
SAT 270 280 310 NA
ACT 14 13 14 NA
ASSET 37 38 32 NA
PSAT 16 15 18 NA
GED NA 145 145 NA
TABE 461 NA 442 NA

Computer Security Specialist Curriculum

The curriculum for the Computer Security Specialist certificate program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program any semester. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 26 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 465 contact hours and generally takes 2 semesters to complete.

Program Courses

General Education Core (19 Credits)

Area I – Language Arts/Communication (3 Credits)

ENGL 1101Composition and Rhetoric

3

Area II – Social/Behavioral Sciences

HIST 2111U.S. History I (to 1877)

3
Select one (3 Credits)
PSYC 1101Introductory Psychology

3
SOCI 1101Introduction to Sociology

3

Area III – Natural Sciences/Mathematics (3 Credits)

MATH 1101Mathematical Modeling

3
MATH 1103Quantitative Skills & Reasoning

3
MATH 1111College Algebra

3

Select one Traditional Lab Science cluster (4 Credits)

BIOL 1111Biology I

3
And
BIOL 1111LBiology Lab I

1

Or

CHEM 1211Chemistry I

3
And
CHEM 1211LChemistry Lab I

1

Area IV – Humanities/Fine Arts (3 Credits)

Select one
ARTS 1101Art Appreciation

3
MUSC 1101Music Appreciation

3

Occupational Courses (7 Credits)

CIST 1401Computer Networking Fundamentals

4
CIST 1601Information Security Fundamentals

3
NOTE: * “C” or higher grade is required for this course.

Program Costs

Tuition ($100 per credit hour): $2,600

Fees ($385 per semester): $770

Books/Supplies: $1,000

(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)