Program Goals:
The Cyber Security Certificate is designed to prepare graduates to work in the information technology field as computer support specialists with an emphasis in cyber security. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 18% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.1 Demand for these workers will result as organizations and individuals continue to adopt the newest forms of technology. As technology becomes more complex and widespread, support specialists will be needed in greater numbers to implement technology solutions and resolve the technical problems that arise. Businesses, especially, will demand greater levels of support, as information technology has become essential in the business environment. “We lead Internet-connected, digital lives. From our desks and homes to on the go, we work, learn, and play online. Even when we are not directly connected to the Internet, our critical infrastructure - the vast, worldwide connection of computers, data, and websites supporting our everyday lives through financial transactions, transportation systems, healthcare records, emergency response systems, personal communications and more - impacts everyone. Cybersecurity is the mechanism that maximizes our ability to grow commerce, communications, community, and content in a connected world.”2
1www.bls.gov/ooh/
2https://www.staysafeonline.org/aboutus
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate the application of information technology to common business functions, including the implementation and use of basic end user software.
- Analyze and apply operating systems concepts to implement and support multiple industry standard operating systems in enterprise networking environments.
- Apply networking concepts to design, implement, and maintain LANs and WANs to support modern implementations, including internetworking and data convergence.
- Design and implement basic and advanced routing utilizing the TCP/IP and other common networking protocols and utilities.
- Analyze and apply security in computer and networking infrastructures while detecting any legal and ethical breaches.
- Troubleshoot computer networking infrastructures to resolve user problems.
Admissions Process:
Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.
Program Admissions Requirements:
Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.
- High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.
Additional Cost:
See the Program Fees page.
- Students who pursue any of the industry certifications will incur additional expenses for testing fees.
Technical Performance Standards:
See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).
Credit for Prior Learning:
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.
Career Outlook:
Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 11.1003.
Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:
Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.
Additional Information:
- The Cyber Security Certificate offers extensive coursework, lecturing on theoretical information technology design, principles, and approaches and supplementing the lecture with practical hands-on application in QCC’s state-of-the-art CSET labs.
- The Cyber Security Certificate offers courses that teach material from several industry standard certifications including:
- Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA):
- Network+ - CSC 234
- Linux+ - CST 245
- Security+ - CST 205
- Microsoft’s 365 Certified Associate and Microsoft Certified Windows Server Hybrid Associate in the following topics:
- Windows Desktop - CSC 141
- Windows Server - CSC 241
- International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - CST 208
