Information Technology - Networking and Cyber Defense, A.A.S. (A25590NS)

The National Security Agency has designated Gaston College a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Institutions receiving this designation have met rigorous requirements established by the NSA and have a commitment to “producing cybersecurity professionals that will reduce vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure,” as per the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.

The Networking and Cyber Defense track prepares individuals for employment supporting network infrastructure environments. The curriculum provides individuals with the skills required to implement effective and comprehensive information security controls.

Course work includes design, installation, configuration, and management of network infrastructure technologies, network operating systems, information policy, and industry best practices to protect data communications.

Graduates may find employment in entry-level jobs as local area network managers, network operators, network analysts, network technicians and security administrators. Graduates may also be qualified to take certification examinations for various network and security industry certifications.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

1. Identify legal, ethical, social, and security issues related to information technology.
2. Create and manage a spreadsheet using formulas, functions, and tables. 
3. Install, manage, and maintain workstation and server operating system hardware and software.
4. Create plans for intrusion detection solutions and identify best practices for the defense of systems.
5. Apply systematic troubleshooting strategies to solve network/security issues in a switched network/router environment.

Course Selection Information

Students, to help you progress in your degree program, take prerequisite courses along with English and Math early in your academic career. This will align you for greater success in completing your program of study. Click on the courses listed below to ensure you are aware of prerequisites. The order shown below under the student program priorities is a guide.

Student Program Priorities:

1. CTI 120 ,CTI 140 ,NET 125  
2. CTI 110 ,CTS 115 ,CTS 120 ,NET 225 ,SEC 110