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IT Cybersecurity Specialist
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Why choose IT Cybersecurity Specialist?
- Prepare for an entry-level position in the large and growing world of cybersecurity.
- A great career choice for creative thinkers and problem solvers who are self-motivated and work well with others.
- Capable IT security specialists are often able to advance to positions of greater responsibility.
All organizations today experience ongoing and evolving threats to data security. More than ever they rely on skilled IT cybersecurity specialists to protect the information in their computer networks and cloud-based systems as well as ensure safe transmission of data to and from external entities.
Program Locations
Stevens Point Downtown Campus
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Delivery:
Hybrid/Blended
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
16-Week Classes
Length of Program: Two years
Credits: 60
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of this program understand the security measures needed to safeguard an organization’s electronic files and computer networking infrastructure. Students will be involved in planning, implementing, and monitoring information technology security systems.
Through hands-on projects, you will learn ethical hacking techniques in order to fully understand network vulnerabilities. You will also learn effective ways to implement intrusion detection systems to mitigate security risks. Includes demonstration of the use of computer forensics to help track down and stop potential information security breaches.
Outcomes
- Identify security strategies.
- Implement secure infrastructures.
- Conduct security testing.
- Analyze security data.
- Mitigate risk.
- Develop security documentation.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $9,773.20
- Books: $1,456.20
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
- Total Estimated Cost: $11,229.40
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10154102 | IT Essentials | 3 | |
| 10150110 | Networking I | 3 | |
| 10151105 | Linux | 3 | |
| 10801198 | Speech | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| 10804135 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10152101 | Intro to Programming | 3 | |
| 10150111 | Networking II | 3 | |
| 10150165 | Network Server Scripting | 3 | |
| 10150120 | Server Administration-Beginning | 3 | |
| 10151110 | Information Security 1 | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10150112 | Networking III | 3 | |
| 10151111 | Information Security 2 | 3 | |
| 10809198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| 10151160 | Ethical Hacking | 3 | |
| 10809103 | Think Critically and Creatively | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10801195 | Written Communication | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801136 | English Composition 1 | 3 |
| 10809166 | Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application | 3 | |
| 10151162 | Secure Software Applications | 3 | |
| 10151112 | Information Security 3 | 3 | |
| 10151161 | IT Security Capstone | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 60 Credits |
Instructors
Careers
- Computer Security Specialist
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Information Security Specialist
- Junior Penetration Tester
- Security Auditor
- Security Engineer
- Systems Administrator
Video
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
Take the Next Step
“The education I received at Mid-State was outstanding. The courses focus on practical knowledge and honed my troubleshooting ability. I secured my first position in IT right out of college."
KYLE PAVLOSKI
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
