Networking and Cybersecurity

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Protect individuals and companies from hacks and security breaches that could compromise their confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Acquire in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience working with the technologies and techniques that make the world a safer place.

Career Outlook: Computer and Information Security

Industry experts estimate that there are over 600,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to see 30% growth in information security careers by 2030. Graduates of networking and cybersecurity programs can find work in both the public and private sectors, including many different industries, all of whom rely on trained professionals to ensure data safety.

A.A.S. Program Overview

Our Networking and Cybersecurity degree challenges you to put course concepts into action through the breadth and depth of our courses. The program includes courses in networking, routing and switching, Linux, PowerShell, ethical hacking, digital forensics, systems administration, programming, scripting, and more.

General education requirements help you master the math and communication skills that cybersecurity professionals use daily. The program also features a series of games, competitions, and other applied learning projects.

Real-World Skills Through Hands-On Experience

The core classes required for this program take place at FLCC's Victor Campus Center. This facility features a state-of-the-art lab that offers hands-on experience with networking and cybersecurity industry concepts, technologies, and techniques.

During the program, you'll acquire practical experience through simulations of common real-world scenarios, including the following:

• Analyze network traffic and protocols
• Design, configure, manage, troubleshoot, and secure local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs)
• Configure, manage, troubleshoot, and secure routers, switches, and servers
• Hack into systems and networks, find and exploit vulnerabilities to carry out attacks, and steal and crack passwords
• Perform digital forensics to analyze cyberattacks and determine if crimes or company violations occurred
• Use PowerShell and Linux to perform administrative and cybersecurity tasks

Classroom Scenarios and Cybersecurity Competitions

Build valuable networking and cybersecurity skills through unique classroom activities and applied learning projects. Put your skills to the test by participating in hacking and cybersecurity events, including:

• Hacking competitions — Apply technical skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems. Gain experience hacking and defending networks and other computer infrastructure in this high-tech version of capture the flag.
• Networking scenarios — In the Lambs vs. Goats competition, the lab is set up with over 20 networks and the class is divided into two teams: lambs and goats. When the lambs leave the lab, the goats wreak havoc on the networks, leaving a mess for the lambs to fix. Once the lambs resolve the issues, the students switch roles.

Our Networking and Cybersecurity Degree is Available 100% Online

In addition to completing this degree in-person, our networking and cybersecurity curriculum is also available 100% online. Online learning provides a convenient and flexible way to earn an education. Learn more about FLCC online learning.

Courses are also available in a HyFlex format, which takes advantage of emerging technologies to let you choose — day by day — how, when, and where you attend class.

A.A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the A.A.S in Networking and Cybersecurity program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be able to:

• Design, configure, manage, troubleshoot, and secure networks ethically and efficiently, using the latest concepts, technologies, and techniques
• Express concepts, requirements, and solutions without technical jargon
• Analyze and evaluate current trends in the networking and cybersecurity industry and pursue information to stay current in an ever-changing field
• Apply computational concepts and analytical thinking in the development of computer algorithms and solutions

In-Demand Career Opportunities

A degree in networking and cybersecurity creates opportunities for rewarding careers with high salaries, great job stability, and new challenges every day. Cybersecurity professionals are essential to the health of all modern organizations and make a significant contribution to the safety and security of the digital world.

Career opportunities for individuals with a network and cybersecurity degree include:

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

Previous Networking and Cybersecurity graduates have transferred into bachelor's degree programs at a variety of four-year institutions, including:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Professor Jonathan S. Weissman is the Networking and Cybersecurity program coordinator and a tenured full professor in the Department of Computing Sciences. He has been teaching at FLCC since 2006. He designed the Networking and Cybersecurity program and teaches all the core classes. Weissman is the recipient of eleven teaching honors and awards and has taught over 50 graduate and undergraduate courses. He has a master's degree in Computer Science from Brooklyn College and holds 44 industry certifications.

Weissman is the author of three books on networking and cybersecurity and serves as technical editor for many industry textbooks. Furthermore, he is a networking and cybersecurity consultant for local businesses and individuals. Weissman regularly appears on TV news and talk radio, and in articles, as a networking and cybersecurity expert.

Weissman's experience in cybersecurity combined with his excellence in teaching ensure that students graduate from the program with a quality education and real-world skills designed for in-demand careers. View his latest work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.