IT Cybersecurity Specialist

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
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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

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.

Term: 1
  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
       
Term: 2
  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
       
Term: 3
  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
       
Term: 4
  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.

“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.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

IT Cybersecurity Specialist Pathway