Information Assurance and Cyber Security

Program Type: Face-to-Face, Fully Online

Program Level: Degrees, Online, Certificates

Department: Computer Science, Technology & Business

Institute: Science & Technology

College: NVC

These programs will prepare you for jobs in the field of information technology, including those related to cyber security, networking, and other computer support positions.

Program Brochure

Current Awards

Associate Degrees:

Certificates

♦ This symbol indicates the offering is also available fully online.

Occupational/Marketable Skills Awards

♦ This symbol indicates the offering is also available fully online.

Do I need any experience to pursue my Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Security and Assurance at Northwest Vista College?

Our Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Security and Assurance starts from the ground up, and requires no prior security experience. Students are expected to have basic computer skills, access to the Internet, and access to either a Windows or UNIX-based PC (Mac/Linux).

What are the industry certifications the AAS-Network Administrator prepares a student for?

Linux +, CCENT, CCNA, MCSE/MCSA, and Security +

What industries will the AAS-Network Administrator prepare me for?

Students earning this degree will be prepared to pursue information technology and networking careers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, hosting companies, financial services, education, entertainment, and basically any employer with a computer network.

What is a Network Administrator?

These workers provide day-to-day on site administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government and large corporations. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems and monitor the network to ensure availability to system users. Network administrators gather data to identify customer needs and then use that information to identify, interpret and evaluate system and network requirements. They may also plan, coordinate and implement network security measures.

What is Information Security and Assurance?

Information security is the process of protecting and defending information systems to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data to authorized users. Information assurance is a broader term that encompasses information security activities in addition to strategic and corporate governance issues including privacy, regulatory and standards compliance, physical security, risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery.

What jobs will the AAS-Network Administrator prepare me for?

Entry-level career opportunities such as Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Network Installer, Network Technician, or Help Desk Technician.

What will I learn in the Network Administrator program?

With an emphasis on practical experience, students learn the basics of routing, switching, wireless, troubleshooting, as well as the basics of the Linux Operating System and how to configure, design and manage Microsoft Servers.

Job Outlook

Students earning this degree will be prepared to pursue information technology and networking careers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial services, education, entertainment, and more. With an emphasis on practical experience, students learn the basics of routing, switching, wireless, troubleshooting, and other advanced technologies to prepare for the globally-recognized Cisco CCNA® certification, continued education, and for entry-level career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth and excellent job prospects for Network Administrators.

Occupational profiles indicate a 24% growth for Network and Computer Systems Administrators by the year 2022 in the Alamo Region. Estimated average hourly wage is *$35.49 in the Alamo Region. (Source: SOCRATES-Occupational Profiles-Alamo Region) *Note: Variations should be expected.

Careers Available:

The following titles are examples of careers associated with both the Network Administrator and Information Security & Assurance programs but not limited to:

Network Administrator
Network Engineer
Network Installer
Network Technician
Help Desk Technician
Information Technology Specialist
Data Security
Computer Security
Information Security Officer Specialist

Useful Links

Network Administrator

Information Security & Assurance

TechTarget SearchSecurity offers a variety of resources including Information Assurance and Security news, tutorials, advice, whitepapers, editorials, and certification information:

http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/

SANS is widely regarded as the industry’s most trusted source for computer security training, certification and research:

http://www.sans.org/

FIRST is the premier organization and recognized global leader in incident response:

http://www.first.org/

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the cyber security readiness and response of public and private sector entities:

http://www.cisecurity.org/

CERT Vulnerability Analysis:

http://www.cert.org/vulnerability-analysis/

National Institute of Justice (Office of Justice Programs): Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders

https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/219941.pdf