Program Description
This degree does NOT lead to eligibility for the Computer Science BS Degree.
Are you passionate about technology? Do you understand the importance of the security of your devices and data? By studying Cybersecurity & Network Administration, you can earn a competitive salary, immerse yourself in a rapidly-changing tech industry, and turn your talents into a career demanded by a growing number of workplaces across several industries.
Coursework begins with an introduction to networking, client/server operating systems and computer hardware. A steady progression follows to more advanced subject matter in these area, with additional emphasis on securing both wired and wireless networks, and a focus on ethical hacking.
The Cybersecurity Program is designed for persons interested in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting computer networks with an emphasis on security. The program prepares students for positions in network technical support, utilizing security tools and procedures. This program is for students interested in a pathway into the cybersecurity field. It helps to prepare the student for the A+, N+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+Cisco certifications, and Microsoft certifications.
SPSCC has articulations to WWU's BS Cybersecurity and Highline's Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics programs.
Career Opportunities
Job opportunities can be found in both public and private sectors. Students who earn their AAS degree will be exposed to current tools and techniques for implementing solutions for customers in networked environments. The continuing advancement of technology creates a demand for skilled technicians who can provide immediate support in these areas. Cyber Security Technician, Network Administrator and Desktop Support Technician.
- Network Administrator
- Information Security Analyst
- Computer Network Architect
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives. At the end of this program students will:
- Utilize applied skills with fundamental concepts, using industry standard security tools to secure computer and server networks, achieve design, planning, deployment and management goals where systems related technology and services are employed
- Design, implement and troubleshoot a variety of network topologies (both wired and wireless) and protocols with specific expertise in Cisco and Microsoft network and server products
- Demonstrate clear and concise communication including the ability to communicate highly technical information to a non-technical audience made up of a variety of stakeholders through the use of oral and written forms
- Demonstrate an understanding of industry related logic and statistical analysis used to achieve results where configuration and troubleshooting of IT security systems is required
- Practice and apply appropriate ethical and legal standards and mandates reflecting the most current laws and regulations in regard to designing, implementing, and testing security systems/processes
- Demonstrate the ability to participate in globally diverse team environments while engaged in technical projects
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Effective Communication
- Information Literacy
- Multicultural Awareness
- Social Responsibility
Courses by Quarter (Pathway Map)
Check with your advisor to determine where you will start. Advisors must approve changes to academic plan.
Pre-College Level
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| 1 - 7.5 |
| Applied Math I | |
| Applied Math II | |
| Contextualized Math I | |
| 1 -10 |
| ESOL Level I (Beginning Literacy) | |
| ESOL Level II (Low Beginning) | |
| ESOL Level III (High Beginning) | |
| ESOL Level IV (Low Intermediate) | |
| ESOL Level V (High Intermediate) | |
| ESOL Level VI (Advanced) | |
| ABE Language Arts III (Low Intermediate Language Arts) | |
| ABE Language Arts IV (High Intermediate Language Arts) | |
| ABE Language Arts V (Adult Secondary Level Language Arts) | |
College Level
This degree is a total of 104 credits.
CCS 101 Pathways to Success is a required course for all students. Skip if already taken in Pre-College.
Advising Notes
***Required indicates that students must take one of the specific courses listed. Any substitution would require Advisor and Department approval.
***Recommended indicates that Pathway faculty recommend the courses listed, but other courses may fulfill the degree requirement. Students should consult with Advisor about additional course options.
- This degree does NOT lead to eligibility for the Computer Science BS Degree.
- Some Courses may be offered in a different quarter on a Tues/Thurs evening + Saturday morning - afternoon schedule.
Option 1 & 2 Notes:
- The articulation agreement to WWU also requires students to complete ENGL& 101, MATH& 151, CS 142, and CS 143 with a C- or better. These courses may have other prerequisites so please work closely with your advisor.
Option 3 Notes:
- Some CNA courses may be offered in a different quarter on a Tuesday through Friday morning/afternoon schedule (i.e. rather than evening/Saturdays).
- This AAS in Cybersecurity and Network Administration variation requires MATH& 141 (or equivalent) or MATH& 146 instead of MATH 101.
- Students planning to take AMATH 141 should take AMATH 097. Students planning to take CMATH 146 should take MATH 092 or ABE 065.
Option 1: Day-Based Version for Articulation to Western Washington University - BS in Cybersecurity
Pathway Notes
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| MATH 101 | Technical Mathematics I 1 | 5 |
| CNA 113 | PC Operating Systems Su/F/W | 5 |
| ENGL 090 | Integrated Reading and Writing I | 5 |
| or ENGL 095 | Integrated Reading and Writing II |
| CCS 101 | Pathways to Success | 3 |
| CNA 100 | Introduction to Networking F/W | 5 |
| CNA 112 | PC Workstation Technical Support | 5 |
| ENGL 098 | Transitional English Composition | 5 |
| or ENGL& 101 | English Composition I |
| CNA 101 | Cisco I W/Sp | 5 |
| CNA 121 | Microsoft Workstation W | 5 |
| CNA 130 | Introduction to Linux/Unix F/W | 5 |
| CNA 150 | Cisco II Sp | 5 |
| CNA 120 | Command Line Interface W/Sp | 5 |
| 5 |
| Intro to Adaptive Physical Activity: Diversity | |
| Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity | |
| Interpersonal Communication: Diversity | |
| Intercultural Communication: Diversity | |
| Multicultural America: Diversity | |
| CNA 251 | Cisco III F | 5 |
| CNA 122 | Microsoft Server F/Sp | 5 |
| CNA 210 | Introduction to Network Security F | 5 |
| CNA 221 | Windows Server Administration F/W | 5 |
| CNA 256 | Python for Cybersecurity W | 5 |
| 2 | 3 |
| CNA 285 | Cisco Cybersecurity Sp | 5 |
| CNA 234 | Windows Server Services Sp | 5 |
| CNA 197 | Intro to Ethical Hacking Sp | 5 |
| CNA 296 | Managing Network Environments Sp | 3 |
Option 2: Evening/Sat-Based Version for Articulation to Western Washington University - BS in Cybersecurity
Pathway Notes
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| CCS 101 | Pathways to Success | 3 |
| MATH 101 | Technical Mathematics I 1 | 5 |
| ENGL 090 | Integrated Reading and Writing I | 5 |
| or ENGL 095 | Integrated Reading and Writing II |
| CNA 112 | PC Workstation Technical Support F | 5 |
| CNA 113 | PC Operating Systems F | 5 |
| ENGL 098 | Transitional English Composition | 5 |
| or ENGL& 101 | English Composition I |
| CNA 100 | Introduction to Networking W | 5 |
| CNA 120 | Command Line Interface W | 5 |
| 5 |
| Intro to Adaptive Physical Activity: Diversity | |
| Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity | |
| Interpersonal Communication: Diversity | |
| Intercultural Communication: Diversity | |
| Multicultural America: Diversity | |
| CNA 101 | Cisco I Sp | 5 |
| CNA 122 | Microsoft Server Sp | 5 |
| CNA 121 | Microsoft Workstation Sp | 5 |
| CNA 150 | Cisco II Su | 5 |
| CNA 221 | Windows Server Administration Su | 5 |
| CNA 251 | Cisco III F | 5 |
| CNA 234 | Windows Server Services F | 5 |
| CNA 210 | Introduction to Network Security F | 5 |
| CNA 285 | Cisco Cybersecurity W | 5 |
| CNA 130 | Introduction to Linux/Unix W | 5 |
| CNA 256 | Python for Cybersecurity W | 5 |
| CNA 296 | Managing Network Environments Sp | 3 |
| CNA 197 | Intro to Ethical Hacking Sp | 5 |
| 2 | 3 |
Option 3: Evening/Saturday-Based Version for Articulation to Highline's BAS in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Pathway Notes
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| |
| 5-7 |
| Corequisite Intermediate Algebra | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | |
| Contextualized Math II |
| CCS 101 | Pathways to Success | 3 |
| ENGL 090 | Integrated Reading and Writing I | 5 |
| or ENGL 095 | Integrated Reading and Writing II |
| AMATH 141 | Corequisite Precalculus I 1 | 7-8 |
| or CMATH 146 | Clippers Introduction to Statistics |
| CNA 112 | PC Workstation Technical Support F | 5 |
| CNA 113 | PC Operating Systems H/F | 5 |
| ENGL 098 | Transitional English Composition H (ENGL& 101) | 5 |
| or ENGL& 101 | English Composition I |
| CNA 100 | Introduction to Networking W | 5 |
| CNA 120 | Command Line Interface W | 5 |
| H | 5 |
| Intro to Adaptive Physical Activity: Diversity | |
| Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity | |
| Interpersonal Communication: Diversity | |
| Intercultural Communication: Diversity | |
| Multicultural America: Diversity | |
| CNA 101 | Cisco I H/Sp | 5 |
| CNA 122 | Microsoft Server Sp | 5 |
| CNA 121 | Microsoft Workstation Sp | 5 |
| CNA 150 | Cisco II Su | 5 |
| CNA 221 | Windows Server Administration H/Su | 5 |
| CNA 251 | Cisco III F | 5 |
| CNA 234 | Windows Server Services F | 5 |
| CNA 210 | Introduction to Network Security H/F | 5 |
| CNA 285 | Cisco Cybersecurity W | 5 |
| CNA 130 | Introduction to Linux/Unix H/W | 5 |
| CNA 256 | Python for Cybersecurity W | 5 |
| CNA 296 | Managing Network Environments Sp | 3 |
| CNA 197 | Intro to Ethical Hacking Sp | 5 |
| 2 | 3 |