Cybersecurity Associate of Science

This degree provides graduates with foundational cybersecurity skills across a wide range of modern cybersecurity pillars including digital forensics, network security and defense, and penetration testing. In this program students receive extensive hands-on experience and develop the knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed in protection of an organization’s data and operations. It is a rigorous program designed to help students master the fundamentals of cybersecurity by applying industry-accepted and emerging practices to solve real-world security problems. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to evaluate security trends, recognize best practices, and understand Information Technology security products and threats. This program also provides preparation for several nationally recognized, high demand certifications in the field of Cybersecurity.

5 students per year

This program prepares students for entry-level Cybersecurity positions across industry and government. Upon completion students will have gained or be ready to attain industry recognized and DOD approved (per DOD 8570) certifications from CompTIA and EC-Council including A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst+), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

There are 2 course sequences that must be followed:

1. CSC117 is a prerequisite for and must be taken before CSC118
2. CSC158 is a prerequisite for and must be taken before CSC159

While not requirements, this program is built as the culmination of a series of stackable certificates of achievement offered/to be offered at Mendocino College. These include the existing "IT Specialist" certificate and the proposed Cybersecurity certificates for Digital Forensics, Network Defense, and Penetration Testing Professional.

The following sequencing is a suggested flow and not required so that students may adjust as needed to fit there individual circumstances.