Cybersecurity
Join an in-demand field and provide online defense with an AAS or BAS degree in Cybersecurity from Arapahoe Community College.
If you are scientific, imaginative, curious, responsive, persistent, perceptive, instinctive, detailed, and analytical...cybersecurity may be the perfect career for you.
With the increasingly complex and challenging cyberattacks facing our nation, there is a growing national and local demand for cybersecurity specialists. In fact, there are more positions open than currently qualified candidates. As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 31% from 2019 to 2029, with the median annual salary at $99,730 per year. At Arapahoe Community College, you'll learn the skills you need to get a job after graduation or continue your education at a 4-year institution with our easily transferred credits.
ACC is a proud member of the Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community (CAE-C), which is a sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA). As a CAE-C institution, ACC is accredited and has met rigorous requirements outlined by the NSA. We are committed to producing high-quality cybersecurity professionals to safeguard the US national infrastructure. ACC faculty and students are given the opportunity to network and present research findings to the cybersecurity community at the annual CAE-C Symposium.
Why Choose ACC's Cybersecurity Program?
ACC’s Cybersecurity Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program will help you become a qualified professional with expertise in information assurance, IT security, digital forensics, risk management, and security architecture. Upon successful completion of the program, you'll also be prepared for industry certifications required by many positions: CompTIA A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, and CySA+, and the ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner. You may also be prepared for the Certified Ethical Hacker industry certification. Secure your future with an AAS in Cybersecurity and enjoy a rewarding career in a dynamic, well-paying field.
CIP 111003 (BCYS)
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity program offers a flexible and accessible pathway for students to pursue a career in one of the most in-demand fields today. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical hands-on training, preparing students to protect digital assets and combat cyber threats effectively.
Through interactive online modules, students gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, including network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, risk management, and incident response. They also learn to analyze cyber threats, develop security strategies, and implement cybersecurity solutions in diverse organizational settings. The online format allows students to balance their education with work and other commitments, offering convenience without compromising the quality of instruction. Students benefit from engaging with industry-experienced faculty, participating in virtual labs and simulations, and accessing a range of resources to support their learning journey.
Upon graduation, students are equipped with the skills and certifications needed to pursue careers as cybersecurity analysts, information security specialists, penetration testers, and cybersecurity consultants. Our online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity empowers students to thrive in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape while maintaining the flexibility to learn on their own schedule.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- Must have a completed associate degree or be enrolled in a related associate degree (dual enrollment). Related degrees include AAS in Cybersecurity, Networking, Secure Software Development, or a related degree.
Program Requirements
- Any GT-CO1 and GT-CO2
OR - Any GT-CO2 and GT-CO3
- MAT 1340 - College Algebra: GT-MA1 OR higher
Select one course from the following:
AND
Select 18 credits from any of the following Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Categories:
- Written Communication: GT-CO1, GT-CO2, GT-CO3
- Arts & Humanities: GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4
- History: GT-HI1
- Mathematics: GT-MA1
- Natural & Physical Sciences: GT-SC1, GT-SC2
- Social & Behavioral Sciences: GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3
- BUS 2017 - Business Communication and Report Writing 3 credits
- BUS 2026 - Business Statistics 3 credits
- CIS 2020 - Fundamentals of UNIX 3 Credits
- CNG 1024 - Networking I: Network+ 3 Credits
- CNG 1025 - Networking II: Network+ 3 Credits
- CNG 1032 - Network Security Fundamentals 3 Credits
- CNG 1042 - Introduction to Cloud Computing 3 Credits
- CNG 2056 - Vulnerability Assessment Level 1 3 Credits
- CNG 2057 - Network Defense and Counter Measures 3 Credits
- CNG 2059 - Enterprise Security 3 Credits
- CSC 1019 - Introduction to Programming: (Programming Language) 3 Credits
Any courses within the CIS, CNG, CSC, CWB, or DAT prefixes.
The courses below are recommended:
- CIS 2032 - Unix Shell Programming 3 Credits
- CIS 2040 - Database Design and Development 3 Credits
- CIS 2068 - Systems Analysis and Design I 3 Credits
- CIS 2087 - Cooperative Education 3 Credits
- CIS 2089 - Capstone 3 Credits
- CNG 1036 - Guide to IT Disaster Recovery 3 Credits
- CNG 2002 - Unix/Linux Server Admin 3 Credits
- CNG 2012 - Configuring Windows Server 4 Credits
- CNG 2043 - Cloud Security and Cyber Law 3 Credits
- CNG 2057 - Network Defense and Counter Measures 3 Credits
- CNG 2058 - Digital Forensics 4 Credits
- CSC 1060 - Computer Science I (Language) 4 Credits
- DAT 1001 - Introduction to Data Science 3 Credits
- CNG 3020 - Cyber Law Ethics and Policy 4 Credits
- CNG 3036 - Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery 4 Credits
- CNG 3040 - Cyber Operations 4 Credits
- CNG 3050 - Cyber Investigations and Forensics 4 Credits
- CNG 3056 - Vulnerability Assessment II 4 Credits
- CNG 4000 - Active Cyber Defense 4 Credits
- CNG 4010 - Cyber Threat Intelligence 4 Credits
Select four courses from the following:
- CNG 3010 - Fundamentals of Cybersecurity 4 Credits
- CNG 3030 - Methods of Network Analysis 4 Credits
- CNG 4020 - Zero Trust Networks 4 Credits
- CNG 4030 - Cyber War 4 Credits
- CNG 4054 - Malware Threats and Analysis 4 Credits
- CNG 4080 - Internship 2 Credits
- CNG 4089 - Capstone 3 Credits
Graduation Requirements
- 120 credits completed with at least 30 credits of General Education
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation
CIP 111003 (4ACY)
In response to the national and local unmet demand for Cybersecurity Specialists and the increasingly complex and challenging cyber-attacks facing our nation, this cybersecurity program will produce qualified professionals with expertise in information assurance, cybersecurity, and network forensics disciplines. Upon successful completion of the program and depending on organizational employability requirements, students from this program will be prepared for a number of jobs that require the following industry certifications: CompTia A+; Network+; Linux+; Security+, CYSA+, Server+; Cloud+.
Admission Requirements
Program Requirements
Any GT-CO1 and GT-CO2 OR any GT-CO2 and GT-CO3
MAT 1340 - College Algebra: GT-MA1 4 credits OR higher
Select one course from the following:
COM 1150 - Public Speaking OR COM 1250 - Interpersonal Communication:GT-SS3
AND
Select one course from any of the following Guaranteed Transfer (GT) categories:
Arts & Humanities: GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4
History: GT-HI1
Natural & Physical Sciences: GT-SC1, GT-SC2
Social & Behavioral Sciences: GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3
Select one course from the following:
BUS 2017 - Business Communication and Report Writing OR BUS 2026 - Business Statistics
* Students intending to transfer to CSU-Pueblo should take CIS 315 at CSU-Pueblo and back transfer the course.
1. Students intending to transfer to CSU-Pueblo should take CIS 462, CIS 401, and CIS 461 at CSU-P and reverse transferring to earn the degree.
2. Students intending to transfer to CSU-Pueblo are strongly encouraged to take CSC-1060 at ACC.
- * These courses are required courses for students who intend to transfer to CSU to earn a baccalaureate degree in Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity Concentration. For this option students need to meet with a Computer Network Technology Advisor to choose the correct sequence of classes. Please call 303.660.3166 for more information.
- ** CompTia Exam vouchers for Network+ and Security+ are included in the course fees and are expected to be taken when the course has completed.
Graduation Requirements
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
ACC academic plans will help guide you through your chosen program. The academic plan will provide you with important information, like which semesters courses are offered if there are any prerequisites or co-requisites for courses, program outcomes, course sequence recommendations, notes for the program, graduation requirements, and other important information. These are updated annually, so we recommend downloading a copy of yours to keep on track to graduation.
Job Opportunities in Cybersecurity
Degree Transfer Options
Through ACC’s partnership with CSU Pueblo, you can earn both your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Cybersecurity and your BS in Computer Information Systems (Cybersecurity Emphasis) at the Sturm Collaboration Campus at Castle Rock! As an ACC student, you can begin CSU-Pueblo courses as early as your 2nd semester in the Cybersecurity AAS program!
ACC’s partnership with Norwich University, the nation’s oldest private military college and the birthplace of ROTC, allows the student to complete the AAS Cybersecurity (ACC pathway) to fully transfer to the BS Cybersecurity concentration in Forensics. This degree is fully online with a satellite campus in downtown Denver.
Partners
