Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Cybersecurity

Career Studies Certificate
Mountain Empire Community College

The Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce with essential cybersecurity training to help plan and implement an organization’s information security, install security hardware and software, monitor networks for security breaches, respond to cyber-attacks, and gather evidence to be used in prosecuting cyber-crime. The training focuses on the strategies, techniques, and defense mechanisms required to mitigate global cyber threats. This certificate includes both classroom and lab instruction.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Analyze, design and document computer network specifications to meet client needs.
2. Understand computer systems, networking, and information security terminology.
3. Install, configure, and troubleshoot workstations, servers, and network infrastructure.
4. Use computer systems and network security in a responsible and ethical manner.
5. Ensure the implementation of the five security keys: confidentiality, integrity, availability, accountability and auditability when creating security policies and procedures.
6. Understand different hacking attacks and defense methodologies.
7. Analyze local and global information technology (IT) and security trends, while recognizing the influences of IT on culture, economic, ethical, and legal issues and responsibilities.
8. Gain the ability for computer forensic investigation by collecting computer-related evidence at the physical layer from a variety of digital media.
9. Secure communication protocols from hacking attacks by highlighting protocol weaknesses that include Internet architecture, routing, addressing, topology, fragmentation and protocol analysis.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce with essential cybersecurity training to help plan and implement an organization’s information security, install security hardware and software, monitor networks for security breaches, respond to cyber-attacks, and gather evidence to be used in prosecuting cyber-crime. The training focuses on the strategies, techniques, and defense mechanisms required to mitigate global cyber threats. This certificate includes both classroom and lab instruction.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses The Cybersecurity Career Studies Program can also be used to transition to an Associate of Applied Science degree path since several of its courses can be applied to two MECC degree programs—Computer Networking Technology and Computer Software Specialist.
Doing More With Your Degree The Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate program will prepare students for a wide range of careers in fields such as computer forensics, information security, and systems administration. As cybersecurity job growth in Virginia continues to trend upwards, the certificate will enable students to be a part of this trend and remain competitive as the region’s economy continues to evolve.
Program Successes & Highlights Mountain Empire Community College, with its Cybersecurity Career Studies Program, is accredited by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Career Studies Certificate in Cybersecurity
27
Career Studies Certificate in Cybersecurity
27
Course Requirements for 221-732-09
27
Core Requirements 221-732-09
27
ITP 100
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITN 170
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ITN 257
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITN 260
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITN 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITN 261
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITN 101
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ITP 150
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITN 262
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Residency
27
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 20 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 221-732-09
27
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Computer & Electronics TecAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Computer and Electronics Technology: Secure Computer NetworkingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Central Virginia Community CollegeAAS in Computer and Electronics Technology - Computer NetworkingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate in Science Degree in EngineeringAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical/ElectronicsAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Programming and Logic Control)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Industrial and Business Management)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Renewable Energy Technologies)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Fiber and Data Cabling)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Occupational Safety)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering TechnologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
17-3021.00Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and TechniciansOperate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3028.00Calibration Technologists and TechniciansExecute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3023.00Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and TechniciansApply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3012.00Electrical and Electronics DraftersPrepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
49-2095.00Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and RelayInspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
17-3024.00Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and TechniciansOperate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3024.01Robotics TechniciansBuild, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 27 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Cybersecurity at Mountain Empire Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 2 semesters or 1 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $167 Per Credit $4,509 $0 $4,509
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.