Mar 28, 2024  
Middlesex Community College Academic Catalog and Student Handbook 2023-2024 
    
Middlesex Community College Academic Catalog and Student Handbook 2023-2024

IT Cybersecurity Operations Certificate


Program Description:

The IT Cybersecurity Operations Certificate provides students with the necessary skills required for entry-level information security professionals. The program helps students understand the Cybersecurity Operations environment, how it fits within a business and gives the students the skills to join those operations. Skills include networking, end-device security, and scripting for security. The IT Cybersecurity Operations certificate will provide students who want to build on their basic IT knowledge to learn the essential skills of Cybersecurity Operations. The certificate includes courses that will give students the skills needed to find an initial cybersecurity industry position. Completing the program in a single semester will provide a rapid pathway for transition and allow students to “get in and get out” and find employment. It may be completed part-time to upskill from a general IT position (as covered in the IT Networking and Support Certificate) to a role in Cybersecurity. This certificate is the second in a series of stackable certificates that can be continued and can help students towards an associate degree.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

This program will give students the skills necessary for an entry-level position in Cybersecurity Operations, such as a Security Operation Center (SOC) analyst. The certificate will also prepare students for further study in Information Technology and Cybersecurity through additional certificates or Associate degrees.

Helpful Hints:

Upon completion of the certificate, students should have a sufficient background in IT to study for and take the CompTIA Security+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, or the Cisco Certified Technician Routing and Switching certification exams.

This certificate can serve as the foundation for the IT Advanced Cybersecurity Operations Certificate, the IT Cybersecurity Associate degree, or the IT User and Network Support Associate degree. Upon completion of the IT Networking and User Support Certificate and this certificate, a student will have completed 27 credit hours towards either of the above associate degrees.

Program Outcomes:

  • Explain cybersecurity processes, tools, and cyberdefense responses.
  • Create and modify scripts to support security processes.
  • Configure and troubleshoot networking routing and switching systems.
  • Interpret events in the context of business and apply ethical principles to the implementation of cybersecurity systems.

Total Credits: 16


Admission Information

Completion of IT Networking & User Support Certificate or documentation of experience or training equivalent to the course work.