Information systems security

This program provides sufficient knowledge to prepare students for entry-level security positions and also serves those already working in the field who wish to update their skills. On completion of the program, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in security or transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelors degree in Information Assurance or related field. The influx of security into every aspect of information technology has created the need for a workforce skilled in implementing and managing the security infrastructure of organizations.

This degree is designed around industry-accepted certifications and current industry standard techniques that prepare the students to meet these workforce needs. Graduates will have the basic knowledge of networks and operating systems concepts, a solid foundation in Cisco networking, and will be prepared to take the CCNA certification exam.

This program has been certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) as meeting the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professional (NSTISSI No. 4011 and 4013).

Security is among the fastest-growing professional career areas worldwide and career opportunities exist in government, business, and industry. Security positions are available in network, internet, database, application and wireless security with job titles including security technician, security analyst, security associate, security administrator, security specialist, security consultant, and security engineer.

The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions into this program is 48.

Contact information: Wendy Hume, Program Coordinator, WendyH@csmd.edu

Degree Requirement:

ENG-1010* Composition and Rhetoric                    (3 credits)
ITS-1015* The Information Age: Emerging Technologies  (3 credits)
ITS-1020* Operating Systems Concepts                  (3 credits)
ITS-2090* Computer Security                           (3 credits)

ITS-2511* Networking 1                                (3 credits)
ITS-2516* Networking 2                         	      (3 credits)
ITS-2521* Networking 3                                (3 credits)
ITS-2526* Networking 4                                (3 credits)
ITS-2940* Cyber Ethics                                (3 credits)
ENG-2050* Business and Technical Writing              (3 credits)
ITS-2190* Microsoft Windows Server Environment        (3 credits)
ITS-2530* Hardening the Infrastructure                (3 credits)
ITS-2545* Information Systems Security                (3 credits)
ITS-2535* Network Defense and Countermeasures         (3 credits)
ITS-2500* Ethical Hacking			      (3 credits)
ITS-2550* Digital Forensics			      (3 credits)
COM-1450* Groups, Teams, and Leadership               (3 credits)

Mathematics                                           (3 credits)
Biological/physical sciences                          (3 credits)
Social/ behavioral sciences                           (3 credits)
Applied learning  (ITS-2900 or ITS-2910)              (3 credits)

Total                                                (63 credits)

Recommended Course Sequence:

Program Objectives and Outcomes:

The Department of Technical Studies offers a degree program in Information Systems Security (ISS). The educational objectives of the program reflect the mission of the Department and the College. The program objectives for ISS are listed below:

• Graduates will have the skills necessary to help organizations design, test, and implement well-planned Information Security (INFOSEC) measures as well as solve information security problems.
• Graduates will understand fundamental concepts that enable them to implement effective key security measures.
• Graduates will have a solid foundation in networking with exposure to key Microsoft and CISCO networking concepts.
• Graduates will have basic skills in networking operating systems, switches, and router configuration.
• Graduates will have the opportunity to prepare for a variety of INFOSEC certification exams including Security+ and CCNA.

• Students logically analyze social, professional, security, and ethical issues related to computing.
• Students apply industry standard information security practices to solve a variety of business and technical problems.
• Students demonstrate understanding of key security domain concepts including policy development, physical security, computer application security, network defense, user support, and disaster and recovery planning.
• Students secure information as it exists in networks and computer systems by applying a layered security policy.
• Students explain as well as justify, in both oral and written form, security procedures and recommendations for a non-technical audience.

Local Transfer Options:

This program of study is part of an articulated partnership with University of Maryland University College (UMUC). Students successfully meeting the requirements of this associate's program can transfer the necessary credits to UMUC and complete their Bachelor of Science in CyberSecurity through courses offered in Southern Maryland and online.

Career Opportunities:

Information systems security technician, security analyst, security associate, security administrator, security specialist, security consultant, information assurance technicians, network security administrator, and security engineer.