Cybersecurity

Program Pathways

Cybersecurity Certificate

Program Details

Award Certificate
Credits 16
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 2
Time to Complete 9 months
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
Cybersecurity – Certificate
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1 — Fall
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Fundamentals of Network Security
  • Programming for Network Administrators
Term 2 — Spring
  • Intro to Cyber Security
  • Network Attacks: Detection, Analysis & Countermeasures

See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.

Next step: Continue to the Cybersecurity Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program or graduate and enter the workforce.

Cybersecurity Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Program Details

Award Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Credits 64
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 5
Time to Complete 2 years
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
Cybersecurity – AAS
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1 — Fall
  • A+ Certification Prep Course
  • College Experience
  • Introduction to Database
  • Programming for Network Administrators
Term 2 — Spring
  • Cisco Networking
  • Human and Work Relations
  • Intro to Cyber Security
  • Linux System Administration
  • Windows Server
Term 3 — Summer
  • Cisco Networking II
Term 4 — Fall
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Fundamentals of Network Security
  • Virtual Machines
  • Written Communication in the Workplace
Term 5 — Spring
  • Cybersecurity Experiential Learning
  • Internship
  • Network Attacks: Detection, Analysis & Countermeasures
  • Project Management
Cybersecurity Electives
  • Administering Windows Server
  • Advanced Network Technology
  • Certification Preparation
  • Cisco Networking III
  • Introduction to Programming Logic
  • Introduction to Web Development
  • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
  • Visual Basic
  • Web Layouts

See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.

You have completed the Cybersecurity Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program. Check out the Computers and Technology continuing education courses to keep up to date in your profession.

Careers

Positions

Our graduates can be employed in many careers, including:

  • Information Security Analyst
  • Computer Network Support Specialist
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
  • Computer and Information Systems Manager

Example Careers and Average Wages

Occupation Growth * Entry Average Experienced
Computer and Information Systems Managers 12% $92,220 $134,240 $167,610
Computer Network Support Specialists 12% $48,420 $63,730 $78,910
Computer User Support Specialists 14.4% $37,180 $52,280 $64,860
Information Security Analysts 34% $65,760 $117,520 $201,220
Network and Computer Systems Administrators 8% $57,990 $85,380 $105,390

Source: 2023 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development — Statewide Wages

* Source: 2019 Economic Development and Employer Planning System

Employers

Many business sectors have a growing need for Security professionals including:

  • IT Managed Services Providers
  • Banking, Credit and Finance
  • Healthcare and Medical
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Government
  • Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Retail and Food Service

Program Admission

Step #1: Apply at Hawkeye

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.

  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.

Step #2: Program Admittance Score Requirement

In order to be eligible for the Cybersecurity program, all students must meet minimum score requirements in math and literacy. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.

Minimum score requirements
ALEKS ACCUPLACER Next Generation ACCUPLACER Classic COMPASS ACT GPA
Math 14 225 Arithmetic
246 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
63 Arithmetic
56 Elementary Algebra
39 Pre-Algebra 16
Literacy 239 Reading or
240 Writing
58 Reading or
64 Sentence Skills
69 Reading or
41 Writing
16 Reading or
16 English
2.25

The ALEKS Placement Assessment can be taken online. ACCUPLACER Next Generation and ACT can be taken at Hawkeye. ACCUPLACER Classic and COMPASS are no longer offered, but if you've taken either in the past your test scores can be used for program admittance.

Step #3: Program Acceptance

Applicants successfully demonstrating college readiness criteria are eligible for acceptance.

Applicants falling short of successful demonstration of college readiness criteria will be accepted to a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you will begin with general education and prerequisite classes. An advisor will help you create an academic plan to meet your program admission requirements. Once you have completed your pre-program coursework contact Admissions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Program Contacts

Admissions
Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor
Last Names A – L
Brittany Warren Email Brittany Warren 319-296-4014 ext.1086 Hawkeye Center 208J
Academic/College Success Advisor
Last Names M – Z
Honey Lynn Email Honey Lynn 319-296-4014 ext.1083 Hawkeye Center 208E
Faculty Advisor
Barry Griffiths Email Barry Griffiths 319-296-4287

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