Cybersecurity and Networking

An area of emphasis leading to an entry-level position which specializes in networking and cyber defense.  Students completing this sequence will be expected to assist network managers and cybersecurity managers in small, medium, and large-sized organizations.

Program Learning Outcomes

 Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Analyze and evaluate a computer-related situation in a business and/or scientific environment to identify a potential problem.
2. Design a technologically feasible and efficient solution.
3. Construct and complete the solution.
4. Demonstrate and explain their solution.

Catalog Descriptions for Each Course in the Degree

BUS 128: Business Communications. This course applies the principles of effective communication to the creation of effective letters, memos, emails, and written and oral reports for a variety of business situations.  The course emphasizes planning, organizing, composing, and revising business documents using word processing software for written documents and presentation-graphics software to create and deliver professional-level oral reports.  Since this course is designed for students who already have college-level writing skills, very little time will be devoted to the basics of writing or grammar.

CSIS 110: Principles of Information Systems. An introductory course in Information Technology with an emphasis on business and business-related applications. Concepts include computer organization, data processing systems, decision support systems, systems analysis, and design, as well as ethics, security, e-commerce, global information systems, and application software. The laboratory component consists of hands-on problem solving using software applications including spreadsheets and databases.

CSIS 113: Introduction to Linux. This course introduces the student to Multi-user, multitasking operating systems using the Linux Operating System (OS). Topics include general operating system design, examination, and comparison of different types of OS, security concerns and log-on procedures, file creation and manipulation, files and filesystem, Linux utilities, shell commands, and process creation and control.

CSIS 120: Computer Maintenance and A+ Certification. Preparation for the A+ Certification exam, an industry-sponsored test that establishes a benchmark level of knowledge and competence expected of computer service technicians in entry-level positions. A+ Certification also serves as the foundation for computer service professionals who are pursuing other valuable industry certifications such as the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), Network+, and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge base in computer hardware, DOS and Windows operating systems, networking basics, printers, and customer service. Hands-on labs using the latest computer components and operating systems provide an opportunity for students to enhance their skills in assembling, disassembling, servicing, troubleshooting, and upgrading advanced computer and networking systems.

CSIS 121: Introduction to Cybersecurity. Practical introductory course intended for those interested in learning about cybersecurity.  Lectures, laboratories, and practical assignments will emphasize the skills needed to work effectively in the area of cybersecurity.  Some topics include Internet security basics, hackers, spyware, phishing, spam, zombies, Trojan horses, worms, viruses, Wi-Fi security,denial-of-service, web-blocking, firewalls, and proxy servers, operating system security, browser and web security, and cryptography. Includes installation and configuration of security tools and utilities.

CSIS 125: Network+ Certification. Practical course intended for those interested in learning computer networking with an emphasis on earning the Computing Technology Industry Association’s (CompTIA) Network+ certification, a foundation-level, vendor-neutral international industry credential that validates the knowledge of networking professionals.

Earning this certification demonstrates that a candidate can describe the features and functions of networking components, and possesses the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols, and services. It also indicates technical ability in the areas of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation, and network support. Throughout the course, the theory will be demonstrated and practiced in laboratory exercises. Lectures, laboratories, and practical assignments will emphasize the skills needed to work effectively in the networking environment and to earn the Network+ certification.

CSIS 130: Windows Server I– Installing and Configuring. Comprehensive hands-on system administration course focusing on the installation, initial implementation, and configuration of Windows server software core services, including Active Directory (AD) Domain Services, local storage, file and print services, group policy and server virtualization technologies.

CSIS 145: Introduction to TCP/IP.  This course introduces the student to the operation of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol(TCP/IP) standard and related protocols. The course will cover the underlying components and protocols that make up the Internet.  Tools used to navigate and access information on the Internet will be studied.  Demonstrations will be given on some of the more popular Internet navigation tools, such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla, and Firefox.

CSIS 213: Linux System Administration. Comprehensive hands-on application and instruction in multi-user, multi-tasking operating systems and networked operating systems. Topics include operating system installation and configuration, storage configuration and management, server security configuration, user and group management, configuration and management of various server roles (such as LDAP, DNS, DHCP, Print, Mail, Samba, Apache), troubleshooting, and disaster recovery. Course maps to the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Certification Level 2exam.

CSIS 230: Windows Server II.  Administering. Comprehensive hands-on system administration course focusing on the administration tasks essential to administering a Windows server infrastructure, including user and group management, network access, and data security. 

CSIS 250: Introduction to Python Programming. This is an introductory course in Python programming.  Topics covered include basic language syntax, functions, control flow, looping, data types, strings, lists, dictionaries, exception handling, software tools and libraries, and functional vs object-oriented programming concepts.  This course is intended for persons with a prior background in any programming language.

CSIS 263: Security+Certification.  Entry-level course in network security that addresses the various aspects of designing and implementing a secure network. Designed for students interested in understanding the field of network security and how it relates to other areas of Information Technology (IT). Covers materials included in the CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) Security+ exam.

CSIS 264: Ethical Cybersecurity Hacking. This course immerses IT Professionals in hands-on intensive environments, providing in-depth knowledge and experience with current essential security systems. Provides an understanding of perimeter defenses and leads to scanning and attacking networks; no real networks are harmed. Students learn how intruders escalate privileges and the steps to be taken to secure a system. Also covers Intrusion Detection, Policy Creation, Social Engineering, DDoS Attacks, Buffer Overflows, and Virtual Creation. Focus includes legal and regulatory requirements, ethical issues, basic methodology and technical tools used for ethical hacking and penetration tests. Students establish a pre-test agreement with the enterprise, discover and exploit vulnerabilities, participate as a member of a pen test team and prepare a penetration test report.

CSIS 265: Computer Forensics Fundamentals.  This course introduces the methods used to properly conduct a computer forensics investigation. Topics include ethics, computer forensics as a profession, the computer investigation process, operating systems boot processes, and disk structures, data acquisition and analysis, technical writing, and a review of familiar computer forensics tools. The course prepares students for the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigation certification.

An analysis of data on the Cal-PASSPlus LaunchBoard showed that from 2016-2017, nine colleges in the San Diego-Imperial region had 1,611 completers and awarded 1,808 degrees and certificates in the sector of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It is anticipated that this certificate will serve as a valuable and strategic certificate within the Computer Science and Information Systems program area.

With marketing by Grossmont College and the pull of a regional certificate, increased enrollment is anticipated.  In partnership with our East County and San Diego Chamber, this program will be disseminated as an option for many of our local employers seeking qualified workers. The Cybersecurity and Networking will replace the existing curriculum, such as the Small Computer Specialist Degree, and make Grossmont College offerings more relevant and meaningful for the workforce in East County. With our completion rates for existing Grossmont College Computer Science and Information Systems programs being in the range of40-70%, it is our anticipation that the program will carry between 30-40 students in the Cybersecurity and Networking, COA or its courses per semester.

Grossmont College’s vision is “Changing Lives Through Education” and aims to meet its vision through several components: “Grossmont College is committed to providing an exceptional learning environment that enables diverse individuals to pursue their hopes, dreams, and full potential, and to developing enlightened leaders and thoughtful citizens for local and global communities.”

 Our mission is fulfilled by providing the people of East San Diego County with:

• Transfer degrees and certificates programs
• Career technical education and workforce development
• Basic skills
• Student support services that promote student access and achievement
• Community education

The Cybersecurity and Networking Certificate of Achievement (COA) supports the career and technical education and workforce development component of Grossmont College.  The goal of the COA is to provide relevant workforce development skills that meet industry needs and allow students to successfully place into demand-based job markets.  Students who successfully complete the Cybersecurity and Networking (NCSS) certificate will be prepared to thrive in the very large job arena related to Cybersecurity and Networking positions.  This is an area of emphasis leading to an entry-level position which specializes in networking and cyber defense.  Students completing this sequence will be expected to assist network managers and cybersecurity managers in small, medium, and large-sized organizations.

The goals and objectives of the Cybersecurity and Networking COA program are directly aligned with Grossmont College’s mission to provide career technical education and workforce development and transform lives through education.  The program was developed in collaboration with a knowledgeable local Industry Advisory Council, attendance at multiple Cybersecurity conferences, as well as a wide variety of Computer Science Information Systems faculty at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges. It includes preparation for three industry-standard certifications, the CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certificates, as well as an excellent set of skills which are in demand in the marketplace today and most assuredly in the future.  

Select at least NINE (9) units in any of the following courses:

Total required: 25-27 plus general education and elective requirements.