Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/information-technology-cybersecurity-specialist/

Program Number: 10-151-2
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Fond du Lac, West Bend, Online
This program is eligible for financial aid

Become an expert in internet security and enter a complex and quickly-growing career field with the Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist program.

About the Program

Cyberattacks are the fastest-growing crime in the U.S., and the complexity of these attacks is alarming. In response, organizations require internal resources to prevent these threats. The Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist program prepares students to work as cybersecurity specialists, whose main responsibility is to protect an organization's computer network and systems. They are also skilled at maintaining system security to prevent cyberattacks.

What You’ll Learn

Graduates will protect data confidentiality, integrity and availability while learning ways to implement security mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on vigilant security awareness, identifying network threats and deploying appropriate incident responses. Curriculum is aligned with industry recognized standards and prepares students for certification in IT security.

Earn Two Information Technology Degrees at Once!

With an additional 18 credits, students can earn both the Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist and Information Technology - Network Specialist Associate of Applied Science degrees in only five terms (just under two and a half years). Students should follow the Dual Degree Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist and Information Technology - Network Specialist program guide.

Earn Three Information Technology Degrees at Once (3-in-3)!

With an additional 27 credits, students can earn the Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist, Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology – Technical Support Specialist Associate of Applied Science degrees in only six terms (three degrees within three years!). Students should follow the Triple Degree Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist, Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology – Technical Support Specialist program guide.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
150-107 IT Fundamentals 1 3
150-108 IT Fundamentals 2 3
150-191 Principles of Information Security 3
150-192 Network Security Fundamentals 3
890-101 College 101 2
 Credits15
Semester 2
150-110 Cloud Computing 3
150-193 Network Attacks and Firewalls 3
150-194 Network Defense and Countermeasures 3
152-172 Web Site Security 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
809-166 Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application 3
 Credits18
Semester 3
150-120 Microsoft Servers 3
150-122 Virtualization 3
151-105 Ethical Hacking 3
154-128 Scripting 3
801-197 Technical Reporting 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits18
Semester 4
150-115 Emerging Innovations in Technology 3
150-126 Internet of Things 3
151-110 IT Cybersecurity Capstone 3
Mathematics Course 3
Behavioral Science Course 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits66

Program Outcomes

  • Identify security strategies
  • Implement secure infrastructures
  • Conduct security testing
  • Analyze security data
  • Mitigate risk
  • Develop security documentation

Career Opportunities

  • Data Security Administrator
  • Information Security Specialist
  • Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst)
  • Network Security Analyst

Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates

$51,996