Computer Networking & Information Systems Security

Prepares students for careers involving the protection of information on computers and networks against unauthorized access or modification of information, and against the denial of service to authorized users.

Includes those security measures, both physical and virtual, necessary to detect, document, and counter such threats. Curriculum content includes basic and advanced computer and networking skills, physical and virtual security processes and procedures, and introduction to security management, planning, and recovery.

The AAT or AAS-T degree is earned by completing technical core requirements, general education requirements, and choosing one specialty option (Option 1: Cisco Network Design & Security; or Option 2: Computer & Communications Security; or Option 3: Microsoft Network Administration & Security).

The program includes preparing students for the CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+ and Linux+; Cisco CCENT and CCNA; and Microsoft MCTS & MCITP certification examinations and internship work experience.

Employers include business and industrial firms, financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, software developers, health providers, and Internet service providers. Innovations in computer technology continue to rapidly change and expand the computer security field. Therefore, the following courses of study may be subject to change in order to offer students training based on current industry standards.

The CNISS program is certified for cyber-security skills education through the National Security Agencies (NSA), Committee on National Systems Security. The program has been awarded CNSS 4011 National Training Standards for Information Systems Security Professionals and is currently working on the CNSS 4013 National Training Standard for System Administrators in Information Systems Security.

This program is approximately six quarters in length, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements. Program hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition to the program course requirements, students must also complete the general education requirements for the degree they seek to obtain. The two degree options in this program are the Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) or the Associate of Applied Science-T (AAS-T). The different requirements for each degree are listed below:

AAT Degree General Education Requirements (15 credits):

1. ENGL& 101 English Composition or CMST& 220 (or higher)
2. MAT 105 Math for Industrial Professions (or higher)
3. PSYC& 100 General Psychology or other social science or humanities class

AAS-T Degree General Education Requirements (20 credits):

All AAS-T degrees must have a minimum of 20 credits of transferable general education. These credits replace the academic courses required for the AAT degree. Required credits include:

1. 5 credits in Communication: ENGL& 101

2. 5 credits in quantitative reasoning: MATH 110, MATH& 141, MATH& 142, MATH& 146 or MATH& 151

3. 10 credits in social science, humanities or science (choose two from the following): PSYC& 100, PSYC& 200, PSY 210, PSYC& 220, SOC& 101, ART& 100, MUS& 105, ASL& 121, BIOL 118, BIOL& 241, BIOL& 242, CHEM& 121, CHEM& 110, GEOL& 110, PHYS& 121, ECON 101, ECON& 201 or ECON& 202
   

Students pursuing an AAT or AAS-T degree must complete all college degree requirements prior to graduation. This includes courses that meet the capstone project, diversity, and computer literacy requirements.

Prerequisites: COMPASS Reading 68 and Writing 33, or successful completion of ENG 82. Prior to completion of first quarter, student must provide documentation of a background check with the Washington State Patrol.

Admission Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters

AAT Program Requirements

AAS-T Program Requirements

For an AAT or AAS-T degree, students must complete one of the specialty options listed below. These options may also be taken as a stand-alone certificate for those not pursing a degree.

Option 1: Cisco Network Design & Security

Option 2: Computer & Communications Security

Option 3: Microsoft Network Administration & Security

*Articulated courses with High Schools for Dual Enrollment                                                                                                            

To review course descriptions, please click here.