IT - Cybersecurity Specialist

An IT - Cybersecurity Specialist student working hands-on with classroom technology

IT - Cybersecurity Specialist

Associate Degree

62 Credits | 2 Years

Financial Aid-Eligible

Ashland*, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior

Full program available at the New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior campuses

*First-year coursework available at the Ashland campus and complete your full program at any of our other campuses.

Career Cluster: Information Technology

Detect. Protect. Defend. In today's connected world, everyone benefits from advanced cyberdefense programs. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks and programs from digital attacks. Students in this program will be immersed in an IT ecosystem and learn how to secure an organization's desktops, servers, networks and applications to support a thriving business. 

Program Overview

The IT-Cybersecurity Specialist program will give students hands-on experience with networking, operation systems, virtualization and security. Students will build a strong IT base as they install and configure Windows and Linux environments and create networks for a business-like environment. Students will study attacks and security practices to protect data as they configure security settings, test and monitoring configurations. Students will configure and test routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, workstations and servers with using vendor tools and open source resources. The IT-Cybersecurity program also supports remote learning through the use of equipment pods in their Netlab (24/7).

Program Outcomes

IT - Cybersecurity Specialist graduates will be able to:

  • Identify security strategies
  • Implement secure infrastructures
  • Conduct security testing
  • Analyze security data
  • Mitigate risk
  • Develop security documentation

Northwood Tech is affiliated with the following industry partners providing students with access to a variety of materials and software: Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, Palo Alto and VMware. As a member of the Microsoft, Cisco and VMware academies, students in the IT programs receive free access to vendor software and tools. Students may choose to complete certifications, many through the on-campus VUE testing center. Industry certifications students may pursue include: CompTIA+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, PenTest+, CSA+, CISCO: CCNA, CCNA Cyber-Ops, Microsoft Windows, MTA, MCSA, MCSE, VMWare, CEH and CISSP. 

A student working on a computer

Free access to industry software.

An instructor helping a student at a computer

Hands-on experience.

Students working on their computers in a classroom

Achieve industry certification. 


Academics

The full program is available at New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior. You can complete the first year of coursework at the Ashland campus and complete your full program at any of our other campuses.

Most courses are taught in a learner-centered classroom format in order to access the required equipment. Courses are offered on-site, hybrid, and online to fit your lifestyle. 

 

Dual Major

Students in the IT - Cybersecurity Specialist program have the opportunity to dual major with the IT - Systems Administration Specialist program by completing additional coursework.

Transfer Options

Graduates have the option to transfer coursework to complete a bachelor's degree at UW-Stout, Lakeland University and other institutions with degree completion programs. 

Industry Partners

Northwood Tech is affiliated with the following industry partners providing students with access to a variety of materials and software: CompTIA+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, PenTest+, CSA+, CISCO: CCNA, CCNA Cyber-Ops, Microsoft Windows, MTA, MCSA, MCSE, VMWare, CEH and CISSP. Northwood Tech locations are Cisco Networking, Red Hat, and Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity academies, and Northwood Tech is a CompTIA academy partner. VUE testing centers are available at each location.


Required Courses

Northwood Tech incorporates the latest technology into the required courses. Students will get hands-on experience working with the software and technology that is used by industry professionals. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Courses

10151104
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
Description: This course provides a broad overview of the tools and techniques commonly used for detecting network sourced attacks. In depth hands-on exercises are used to instruct the student in the proper selection and application of a given tool for the intended task. Also included are basic strategies for documenting and reporting on detected events. The student must demonstrate the ability to plan, design, and implement a network IDS/IPS that fulfills the security needs of a common business or organization. Tools used may include: Security Onion, firepower, Palo Alto, tcpdump, snort, barnyard, etc… PREREQUISITE 10150102 Information Security
10151102
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Description: This course provides an overview of computer forensics. Operating system structures and file/disk structures (partitions, MBR, GPT) will be covered for Windows, Android and Linux. Imaging of dives and memory will be done using computer forensic hardware and software tools. The details of data acquisition will identify artifacts for the operating system, files system, browsers, and email. File and password recovery will be performed with data carving tools. Students will generate reports to document their activities. Tools used may include FTK, dd, Kali. PREREQUISITE: 10154103 Linux Operating Systems
10151103
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
This course will provide an overview of the tools and techniques commonly used for exposing the vulnerabilities of an organization's IT systems. Hands-on labs are used to introduce the proper selection and application of a given tool, with a focus on security techniques to prevent or mitigate such attacks. Along with this, students will explore options for documenting and reporting on the outcome of the tests to stakeholders. PREREQUISITE 10150102 Information Security

IT - Cybersecurity Specialist is Part of a Career Pathway

As an IT - Cybersecurity Specialist student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way! 

This technical diploma is embedded in the IT - Cybersecurity Specialist program.

IT - Network Technician

Technical Diploma
19 Credits / Less than 1 Year Part Time
Potential Careers
Computer Technician, Network Technician
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This is the program you’re looking at.

Associate Degree
62 Credits / 2 Years Full Time; 3 Years Part Time
Potential Careers
Network Administrator, Network Support Specialist, Cyber Security Specialist, Network Security Specialist, Network Specialist, Computer Specialist, SOC Analyst
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Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree. 


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Learn More About Paying for College

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

IT - Cybersecurity Specialist

62 Credits | 2 Years

$10,108


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn an IT - Network Technician technical diploma and an IT - Cybersecurity Specialist associate degree. 

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

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Cisco Networking Academy Partner

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Cisco Networking Academy partners closely with educational institutions and instructors to develop and deliver a curriculum that gives students the digital, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills they need to get a job, earn a promotion, or start a business of their own. Students do more than gain technical mastery, they come away prepared to drive innovation and help companies meet the challenges of digital transformation. 70% of those who complete advanced courses obtain new or better jobs, take on increased responsibility, or earn higher pay.


The IT-Cybersecurity Specialist program is supported with funds from the WTCS Grant Funds ($166,300)

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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