Information Assurance & Cybersecurity

Mission Statement

Prepare students to meet emerging security and technology career challenges, to ensure they are technologically skilled, perform professionally, and provide excellent services.

Overview

The Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (CSEC) program offers several options for the student or industry professional interested in employment in this high-wage, high-demand industry. The Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in CSEC combines coursework from the traditional Information Technology Services (ITS) program and specialized coursework to prepare for a position as an entry-level Security Analyst.

A Security Analyst will plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information; ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure; and may respond to computer security breaches and viruses. Additionally, the program prepares students to gain industry-recognized skills-based certifications including Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA.

As the Cyber Security program derives from ITS, both programs share the first-year Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC), which provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level IT service work. The ITS ITC also trains to industry-recognized certifications.

Program Options/Length

For newcomers to the field

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS):
  60 Credits | 4 full-time semesters (24 months) | Including general education classes
• Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC): 30 Credits | 2 semesters (2 months) | Includes General Education Courses

For industry professionals or those with previous experience or education

• Specialized Certificate (SC):
  • 24 Credits | 2 semesters (12 months)

What do our students learn?

• Learn to install, configure, secure, troubleshoot, and maintain hardware and software
• Design, configure, & troubleshoot network infrastructure
• Backup and restore methods, & maintaining trouble-free operation
• Management and maintenance of remote computing environments
• Network infrastructure design with devices, servers, and applications
• Installation and operation of network devices such as switches
• Industry certification in A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+ (CompTIA), Splunk, and Security Onion

Why CEI’s Cyber Program?

• The Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency.
• Lowest cost statewide in Idaho
• 20:1 student-to-teacher ratio
• Graduate with quality training from industry professionals
• Evening programs available

Where are our graduates working?

Through the learning outcomes and hand-on experience students receive in these programs, graduates can feel prepared for a variety of employment options. Many graduates find jobs in small, medium or large environments that may consist of multiple physical locations, both local and remote, and work with multiple domain controllers and network services such as messaging, database, file and print. Students can work as Technical Support Representative, PC-Technician, Network Support Technician, Network Administrator, Network Server Administrator, and Technical/Network Design Consulting, Cyber Analyst, Cybersecurity Auditor, etc.

Placement

85% average positive placement for graduates over the past five years