Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Cybersecurity, associate degree

Earn a degree in Cybersecurity at Portland Community College:

• Specialize in cybersecurity while learning about computing.
• Increase your understanding of robust cyber defense technology.
• Utilize computer technology to address information system needs with security in mind.
• Analyze common security vulnerabilities and apply appropriate security controls.

Program features

• Hands-on labs and lecture
• Classroom and/or web-based courses
• Courses mapped to the knowledge units of the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security requirements for a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Career possibilities

The cybersecurity sector has high growth and good salaries. Jobs you can apply for with an AAS in Cybersecurity:

Award information

Awards with a icon can be earned completely online, or you can choose a mix of online and on-campus classes.

Degrees and certificates by number of terms to complete

Award	Length	Financial aid eligible	Currently accepting students?
Associate Degree: Cybersecurity	2 years		Limited entry, see how to get into this program

Learn more about Computer Information Systems and all 16 awards available »

Courses

Course listing for the 2023-2024 catalog year.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CIS 121	Information Systems and Programming *	4
CIS 122	Introduction to Programming Logic *	4
CIS 140L	Introduction to Linux/UNIX	4
CIS 140M	Operating Systems I: Microsoft	4
CIS 179	Data Communication Concepts I	4
CIS 184C	Introduction to Information Security	4
CIS 240L	Linux Installation and Configuration	4
CIS 240M	Managing a Windows Server Environment	4
CIS 284C	Cybersecurity Concepts	4
WR 121	Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) Z	4
WR 227	Technical Writing (WR227=WR227Z) Z	4
CIS First Term Programming Elective		4
CIS Cybersecurity Degree Electives 1		23
CIS Cybersecurity Advanced Electives		8
CIS Cybersecurity Business Electives		6
General Education: 2 courses
Total Credits		91

*

Could be used as General Education.

¹

Cybersecurity Electives - at least 8 credits must be at the 200 level.

Z

This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:

WR 121 and WR 121Z 

WR 227 and WR227Z

Cybersecurity program educational objectives

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. The program educational objectives for the Cybersecurity AAS degree program are as follows:

• Identify, analyze, plan, implement, monitor cybersecurity mechanisms to protect information assets, computer systems, and networks, and respond to attacks.
• Hold professional positions in a cybersecurity-related occupation, or pursue advanced study in cybersecurity or a related field of interest.
• Effectively lead, work, and communicate in cross-functional teams.
• Be recognized as security professionals who apply ethical and moral standards in maintaining information security in cyberspace.
• Successfully adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies to remain current in their occupation.