IT - Cybersecurity Specialist
Associate Degree
63 Credits | 2 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
Ashland*, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior**
Full program available at the New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior campuses
*Only first-year coursework available at the Ashland campus
** via Hybrid instruction
Career Cluster: Information Technology
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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 be exposed to router, switches, firewalls, wireless, virtual and IPS devices from multiple vendors, along with commercial and open source software.
Program Outcomes
IT - Cybersecurity Specialist graduates will be able to:
- Identify security strategies
- Implement secure infrastructures
- Conduct secure 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.
Free access to industry software.
Hands-on experience.
Achieve industry certification.
Academics
Most courses are taught in a learner-centered classroom format in order to access the required equipment, while some courses are available online Hybrid.
You can complete the first year of coursework at the Ashland campus; the full program is available at New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior.
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. Students can fulfill electives by taking classes from either program.
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 academies, and Northwood Tech is a CompTIA academy partner. VUE testing centers are available at each location.
Curriculum
Northwood Tech incorporates the latest technology into the curriculum. Students will get hands-on experience working with the software and technology that is used by industry professionals.
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IT - Cybersecurity Specialist is Part of a Career Pathway
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This technical diploma is embedded in the IT - Cybersecurity Specialist program.
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Continue your education to obtain a bachelor's degree.
IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Transfer Options
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has a simple admission process that can be completed in one visit. To start the process, simply fill out an application form along with a $30 application fee. After you’ve successfully submitted your application, your next step is to schedule an admissions meeting with a Northwood Tech counselor to discuss your goals and expectations. That’s it!
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.
Estimated Total Program Costs 2021-22*
IT - Cybersecurity Specialist
63 Credits | 2 Years
$9,825
*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 obtain an IT - Network Technician technical diploma and an IT - Cybersecurity Specialist associate degree.
Transfer Options
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college in Wisconsin to obtain your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
