CNM Online Cyber Security AAS Degree
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Earn Your Cyber Security Degree Online
The CNM Online Cyber Security AAS degree is designed to meet the requirements for an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security. It will also prepare you to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security from a four-year college or university. The degree's general education curriculum is accepted for transfer by many colleges and universities throughout New Mexico.
Throughout this program, you'll gain an understanding of current cyber security topics, including network security and defense, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. Your studies can train you to be analytical and detail-oriented.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are set to grow at 11% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Our curriculum prepares you for successful employment in a variety of in-demand positions related to cyber and information security.
Upon successful completion of this program, you will:
- Have met the associate of arts degree general education outcomes.
- Be able to transfer to a four-year program to continue studies toward a bachelor’s degree in criminology.
- Create a threat model for a given scenario, identifying assets, threats, and mitigations.
- Apply principles of secure system design to host and network security scenarios.
- Use derived requirements such as authentication and access control to secure systems and networks.
- Perform forensic analysis of systems and create a report of results.
CNM Online degree programs consist of two 7-week terms per semester. It is recommended that full-time students take six credit hours per term, for a total of 12 credit hours per semester. The following classes are listed in an order recommended by CNM Online program directors.
Courses from other accredited institutions can be transferred and used to earn your degree. CNM Online Associate degrees transfer to participating four-year colleges in the State of New Mexico. Some restrictions apply.
BCIS 1110 - Fundamentals of Information Literacy and Systems - 3 credit hours
You will examine systems and their impact on commerce, education, and personal activities, as well as the utilization of productivity tools for communications, data analysis, information management, and decision-making.
OR
CSCI 1108 - CS for All: Introduction to Computer Modeling - 4 credit hours
Introduction to Computational Science using modeling and simulation. Apply the fundamentals of computational thinking to solve a realistic problem of interdisciplinary environment. Employing lab activities integrated into the course, students will learn agent-based programming language to formulate their problem modules, experiment to find solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will practice cycling through the formulation, experiment, and evaluation process for a realistic conclusion.
BUSA 1110 - Introduction to Business - 3 credit hours
Fundamental concepts and terminology of business including areas such as management, marketing, accounting, economics, personnel, and finance; and the global environment in which they operate.
BUSA 1130 - Business Professionalism - 3 credit hours
Focuses on developing professional behavior appropriate for the business environment. Topics include life management, goal setting, workplace etiquette, job search skills, interviewing, teamwork and team building, motivation, leadership, business communication, and workplace interaction.
CIST 1410 - IT Essentials: Hardware - 3 credit hours - Pre or corequisite: BCIS 1110
Covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues. The basics of computer hardware technologies are introduced in a lab-oriented environment and will assist in preparation for the CompTIA A+ Hardware certification.
CIST 1858 - Introduction to Cyber Security - 3 credit hours - Pre or corequisite: BCIS 1110 or CSCI 1180
This course is an overview of the field of Cyber Security and cyber areas. It will cover terminology, principles, best practices and ethics which will provide a foundation for understanding detailed aspects of the weaknesses, attacks, and defenses used to attack or protect critical infrastructure. The course is designed as a starting point for IT, business and health care management professionals to help develop a cyber security mindset in both professional and personal lives.
CSCI 1220 - Computer Programming Fundamentals: Python – 3 credit hours
This course is an introduction to fundamental programming concepts, with a focus on problem-solving techniques and algorithm development using the Python programming language. Students will learn how to create basic scripts, work with data types and variables, use control structures, and build functions. The course is designed for students with little or no prior experience in programming and is intended to provide a foundation in programming that can be applied in a variety of fields.
CIST 1413 - Network Administration Concepts- 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIST 1410
Students will learn to design, configure, and troubleshoot various types of networks, implement security measures to protect network assets, analyze network protocols and services, diagnose network issues, and monitor network performance. Students will engage in hands-on/virtual lab exercises, performance-based assessments, and written assessments to apply their knowledge and skills. Upon completion of this course, students will be equipped for a successful career in network administration. The course aligns with the domains and objectives of the CompTIA Network+ and TestOut Network Pro certification exams.
CIST 1610 - IT Essentials: Software - 3 credit hours - Pre or corequisite: CIST 1410
Covers common features and functionality of known operating systems, system management, file management, common security threats and vulnerabilities. The basics of computer software technologies are introduced in a lab-oriented environment and will assist in preparation for the CompTIA A+ Software certification.
CIST 1680 - Linux Essentials - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: BCIS 1110 or CSCI 1108 or CIST 1220
Introduces the Linux operating system with emphasis on command line application. Students will learn management of the Linux file system, processes, storage devices, users and groups. Learning objectives also include configuration of boot activity, network, and printers.
CIST 2881 - Cybersecurity Fundamentals - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIST 1680 Pre or corequisite: CIST 1413
This course covers a range of topics including network and computer security, general security concepts, communication security, infrastructure security, operational and organizational security, encryption technologies, system and network security types of attacks, risk management, intrusion detection and prevention, assessing risk, auditing, and security control procedures. The course is designed to prepare students for an industry certification exam.
CIST 2620 – Windows Server Administration - 3 credit hours - Pre or corequisite: CIST 1413
This course addresses the implementation and support needs of IT professionals that are planning to deploy and support Window Servers. It provides in-depth, hands-on training for IT professionals responsible for the planning, implementation, management, and support of Windows Server operating systems. Assists in preparation for the Microsoft certification.
CIST 2853 - Cyber Defense Basics- 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIST 1680 + (CSCI 1220, CSCI 1240, CSCI 1230, or CSCI 1260) Pre or corequisite: CIST 2881
This course will provide fundamental skills needed to analyze the internal and external security threats against a computer network. Students will learn how to evaluate network and internet security issues and design, and how to implement successful security policies and firewall strategies to defend against system and network vulnerabilities.
CIST 2887 - Ethical Hacking - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIST 1680 + (CSCI 1220, CSCI 1240, CSCI 1230, or CSCI 1260)
This course introduces the essential concepts and practices of ethical hacking. Students will learn to use various ethical hacking tools and techniques to assess the security posture of a network and identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. The course is based on the EC Council Ethical Hacking ECH Version 12 and TestOut Ethical Hacker Pro certification exam domains/objectives. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of network security threats and vulnerabilities, and the ability to perform a comprehensive security assessment of a network. The course is suitable for students interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity or who want to improve their understanding of network security and ethical hacking.
CIST 2860 - Digital Forensics and Incident Response - 3 credit hour Prerequisite: CIST 1680 + (CSCI 1220, CSCI 1240, CSCI 1230, or CSCI 1260) Pre or corequisite: CIST 2881
This course offers students a structured approach to the field of computer forensics and the analysis of digital evidence. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical exercises, students will develop the skills necessary to conduct effective computer forensic investigations. The course will cover various forensic investigation techniques and utilize standard forensic tools to successfully gather, preserve and analyze digital evidence. This class prepares students for a position as a cybersecurity incident handler.
CIST 2999 - Capstone Course - 1 credit hour - Prerequisite: Department approval
Focuses on assessment of student learning outcomes for the program of study.
ENGL 1210 - Technical Communications - 3 credit hours
This is an introductory study of written and verbal communications used in the technical professions with an emphasis on the planning, execution, and editing of professional and technical documents and other communication media.
Students in the CNM Online Cyber Security Program must complete:
- Three credit hours of program-approved electives
Visit the CNM Online Coursework page to view a list of the courses that can be used as CNM Online Cyber Security Program electives.
Please speak with your advisor about additional options. Not all courses listed are offered every semester and some have pre or corequisites that need to be completed.
Communications Requirement - 3 credit hours
View the Communications classes offered through CNM Online.
Laboratory Science Requirement (Lab Required) - 4 credit hours
- NTSC courses will not satisfy the Laboratory Science Requirement.
View the Laboratory Science classes offered through CNM Online.
Humanities Requirement - 3 credit hours
View the Humanities classes offered through CNM Online.
OR
Social and Behavioral Science Requirement - 3 credit hours
View the Social and Behavioral Science classes offered through CNM Online.
Mathematics Requirement - 3 credit hours
View the Mathematics classes offered through CNM Online.