Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Cybersecurity, associate degree

Students in a computer lab classroom

Cybersecurity Center

Get involved or learn more with PCC’s Cybersecurity Center.

Earn a degree in Cybersecurity at Portland Community College:

  • Specialize in cybersecurity while learning about computing.
  • Increase your understanding of robust cyber defense technology.
  • Utilize computer technology to address information system needs with security in mind.
  • Analyze common security vulnerabilities and apply appropriate security controls.

Program features

  • Hands-on labs and lecture
  • Classroom and/or web-based courses
  • Courses mapped to the knowledge units of the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security requirements for a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Career possibilities

The cybersecurity sector has high growth and good salaries. Jobs you can apply for with an AAS in Cybersecurity:

  • Network Defense Technician
  • Cyber Defense Analyst
  • Intrusion Analyst
  • Incident Responder
  • IT Auditor

Award information

Awards with a icon can be earned completely online, or you can choose a mix of online and on-campus classes.

Degrees and certificates by number of terms to complete
Award Length Financial aid eligible Currently accepting students?
Associate Degree: Cybersecurity2 years

Learn more about Computer Information Systems and all 16 awards available »

Locations

Courses

Course listing for the 2023-2024 catalog year.

CIS 121Information Systems and Programming *4
CIS 122Introduction to Programming Logic *4
CIS 140LIntroduction to Linux/UNIX4
CIS 140MOperating Systems I: Microsoft4
CIS 179Data Communication Concepts I4
CIS 184CIntroduction to Information Security4
CIS 240LLinux Installation and Configuration4
CIS 240MManaging a Windows Server Environment4
CIS 284CCybersecurity Concepts4
WR 121Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) Z4
WR 227Technical Writing (WR227=WR227Z) Z4
CIS First Term Programming Elective4
CIS Cybersecurity Degree Electives 123
CIS Cybersecurity Advanced Electives8
CIS Cybersecurity Business Electives6
General Education: 2 courses
Total Credits91
*

Could be used as General Education.

1

Cybersecurity Electives - at least 8 credits must be at the 200 level.

Z

This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:

WR 121 and WR 121Z 

WR 227 and WR227Z

Cybersecurity program educational objectives

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. The program educational objectives for the Cybersecurity AAS degree program are as follows:

  • Identify, analyze, plan, implement, monitor cybersecurity mechanisms to protect information assets, computer systems, and networks, and respond to attacks.
  • Hold professional positions in a cybersecurity-related occupation, or pursue advanced study in cybersecurity or a related field of interest.
  • Effectively lead, work, and communicate in cross-functional teams.
  • Be recognized as security professionals who apply ethical and moral standards in maintaining information security in cyberspace.
  • Successfully adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies to remain current in their occupation.

Next steps

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