Cyber Security
Associate in Applied Science
Division: STEM and Health Professions
Division Chair: Kathleen Hopkins, khopkins@sunyrockland.edu
Department Chair: Jeanette Geller, jgeller@sunyrockland.edu
Department Support Staff: Jeremy Cordock, jcordock@sunyrockland.edu
Department Office: Technology Center, Room 8307, Phone: 845-574-4731
Why Study Cyber Security?
Protecting and defending information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, and confidentiality is vital. The demand for personnel with cyber security skills exists in virtually every industry, from ensuring national security to day-to-day business operations. In the rapidly changing world of technology, it is imperative that businesses and individuals are able to keep their information secure. The AAS degree in Cyber Security is for students who plan to pursue a career in the field of data and network security and administration.
Related disciplines include Computer Information Systems/Computer Support, Corporate and Homeland Security, and Computer Support Services.
Degrees Offered:
Occupational Objectives:
Graduates of this program are prepared for entry-level positions as computer security specialists, information security analysts, and network administrators. Additional general education credits are necessary to attain full junior status at a 4-year institution if continuing your academic education towards a bachelor's degree.
5 Top Reasons
To Study Cyber Security at RCC:
- CERTIFICATION: NSA & DHS validated and mapped to their standards.
- CAREER: Extensive industry relationships provide internships and contacts for real world experience.
- CONVENIENCE: Flexible full or part-time schedules include hybrid courses and online components, onsite child care center.
- VALUE: Affordable tuition, financial aid, scholarships, free tutoring.
- SUPPORT: Small class sizes with dedicated faculty providing individual attention.
Opportunities at Rockland Community College:
RCC is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2-Year Education (CAE-CD 2Y) as designated by the National Security Agency and the US Department of Homeland Security. Cyber Security graduates transfer to a range of four-year institutions including Mercy College, Pace University, and St. John’s University. RCC graduates are eligible to apply for the prestigious CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service at participating institutions, which provides full tuition, fees, and a stipend. RCC Cyber Security courses prepare students to enter the workforce with many industry-recognized certifications including Cisco® CCNA, Microsoft®, CompTIA® A+, and Security+ Linux+ and Network+.
Program Goals:
The program provides students with the technological skills needed for careers in cyber security/networking/information assurance. Course work helps prepare students for vendor certifications including Microsoft® Windows®, CompTIA®, and Cisco®. Most course objectives are mapped to industry-recognized certification exams and include extensive lab work.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a variety of skills with installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting server and desktop operating systems in a standalone and networked environment
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and configuration of computer and network hardware including routers, switches, cabling, PCs, servers, and wireless devices
- Implement network and information security practices
- Develop successful hands-on experience through lab work
The NSA and DHS has validated the following RCC courses as meeting the requirements for becoming a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2-Year Education (CAE-CD 2Y):
CYB 106 Networking I/CCNA®
CYB 110 Intro to Linux
CYB 130 Intro to Network Security
CYB 216 Windows Server Installation and Configuration
ELT 249 PC Maintenance
CSP 105/SOC 105 Computer in Society