Cybersecurity
This program is designed to give you the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
What You'll Learn
Protect the technology that powers our world.
Most two-year cybersecurity programs focus entirely on the technical side or the theoretical side. Our program is a blend of the two. You'll graduate with the ability to configure and defend a network, while also understanding the risk, policy, and compliance side well enough to communicate effectively with company leadership. Employers need both, so that's what we prepare you for.
Lessons in network security, programming, ethical hacking, and artificial intelligence will prepare you for the evolving challenges of digital security. Learn how to identify vulnerabilities, strengthen computer systems and understand how organizations defend against cyber threats. With coursework in AI prompt engineering, organizational cybersecurity, and the opportunity to complete an internship or capstone project, you'll develop the necessary technical and problem-solving skills.
Whether your goal is to transfer to a 4-year school to continue toward a Bachelor's degree or to enter the workforce right away, we'll get you ready.
Where You’ll Go
Information Security Engineer
- Identify security system weaknesses, using penetration tests.
- Coordinate monitoring of networks or systems for security breaches or intrusions.
- Assess the quality of security controls, using performance indicators.
- Scan networks, using vulnerability assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities.
- Train staff on, and oversee the use of, information security standards, policies, and best practices.
Information Security Analyst
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
- Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
- Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
- Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
Digital Forensics Analyst
- Adhere to legal policies and procedures related to handling digital media.
- Analyze log files or other digital information to identify the perpetrators of network intrusions.
- Conduct predictive or reactive analyses on security measures to support cyber security initiatives.
- Create system images or capture network settings from information technology environments to preserve as evidence.
- Develop plans for investigating alleged computer crimes, violations, or suspicious activity.
Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer. Labor market data is based on 2025 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)
The careers listed above are just a starting point. Our programs mix together important concepts and hands-on skills—but that doesn’t mean your future has to follow the same script. Find out more at Career Exploration & Support.
Program Requirements
To graduate [ 62 credits + 2.0 GPA or higher ]
| CourseID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS108 | Intro to Computer Information Systems | 3 | |
| ENGL100 | Academic Writing I | 3 | |
| MATH138 OR MATH201 | Precalculus OR Calculus I | 4 | |
| SUNY GE | Humanities | 3 | |
| SOCI101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| CourseID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS213 | Computer Programming for Info Tech | 3 | |
| CIS214 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 | |
| CIS132 | Network Design | 3 | |
| ENGL101 | Academic Writing II | 3 | |
| ENGL201 OR ENGL204 | Public Speaking OR Interpersonal Communication OR ENGL210 - Intercultural Communication | 3 | |
| CIS221 | AI Prompt Engineering for Cybersecurity | 1 |
| CourseID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS224 | Fundamentals of Security | 3 | |
| CIS215 | Operating Systems | 3 | |
| CIS220 | Database Concepts | 3 | |
| CIS275 OR CIS280 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing OR On-Premise and Cloud Computing | 3 | |
| MATH200 | Statistics | 3 |
| CourseID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS246 | Organizational Cybersecurity | 3 | |
| SUNY GE | US History and Civic Engagement | 3 | |
| SUNY GE | Natural Sciences and Scientific Reasoning (with lab) | 3 | |
| CIS290 OR CIS295 | Capstone in Technology and Security OR Cybersecurity Internship | 3 | |
| ENGL102 | Approaches to Literature | 3 |
Transfer Agreements
| Transfer School Sort descending | Transfer Program |
|---|---|
Transfer School: SUNY Oswego |
Transfer Programl: Information Science B.A. |
Transfer School: SUNY Canton |
Transfer Programl: Cybersecurity B.S. |
Transfer School: Syracuse University |
Transfer Programl: College of Professional Studies |
On this page
Take on as much (or as little) as you want. Our smaller programs provide you with credits you can apply to higher programs – when you’re ready!