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Cyber Security Career Outlook
The Cybersecurity Certificate at NHCC prepares graduates for entry-level careers in computer network and information security. The field of cyber security is growing rapidly, and with additional industry certifications or a bachelor's degree, graduates can increase their career opportunities.
Job Title Example: Information Security Analyst - typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, like computer science, or additional industry certifications and professional experience.
National Projected Job Growth Rate: 32% (2022-2032) source
Median Hourly Wage in Minnesota: $61.61 source
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NHCC's tuition is among the most affordable in Minnesota.
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Cybersecurity Curriculum
Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
CSCI 1050 | Computer Security Basics and | View-CSCI 1050 | n/a | 3 |
CSCI 1130 | Introduction to Programming in Java (CS0) and | View-CSCI 1130 | n/a | 4 |
CSCI 1180 | Introduction to Linux Operating System and | View-CSCI 1180 | n/a | 4 |
CSCI 2001 | Object Oriented Programming (CS1) and | View-CSCI 2001 | n/a | 4 |
CSCI 2002 | Data Structures and Algorithms (CS2) and | View-CSCI 2002 | n/a | 4 |
CSCI 2030 | Database Modeling and Design and | View-CSCI 2030 | n/a | 4 |
CSCI 2040 | Introduction to Networking Protocols and Analysis and | View-CSCI 2040 | n/a | 4 |
CSCI 2101 | Foundations of Cryptography | View-CSCI 2101 | n/a | 4 |
Course Title: Computer Security Basics Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This class examines the issues surrounding computer security in today's highly technological world. The course is designed to provide an overview of security problems: technical issues and the principles associated with databases, networks, administrative controls, privacy, operating systems and programming. The knowledge gained from this course will allow programmers, instructional designers, information technology specialists and managers to better understand a variety of issues surrounding secure computing. It is preferred that students have proficient computer skills.
Course Title: Introduction to Programming in Java (CS0) Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the Java programming language and its foundational topics. In this course students will explore fundamental programming and computing concepts with a focus on problem solving, algorithm development and implementation. Topics included are: data types and memory concepts, arithmetic operators and mathematical expressions, conditional statements, repetition, arrays, methods and the basics of object-orientation.
Course Title: Introduction to Linux Operating System Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: This course introduces Linux, a popular open-source operating system and a variety of Unix. Topics include installing and using Linux, the architecture of Linux, using the command-line shell, the file system, common utilities (including text editors), and the basics of shell scripting. As a component of Cyber Security certificate, this course addresses the security matters of user login authentication, file and program permissions, computer networking, and network protocols. Hands-on work with Linux is a central part of this class. Some experience in computer programming is recommended.
Course Title: Object Oriented Programming (CS1) Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: Students will learn object-oriented programming while creating algorithms.The basic principles of software engineering are emphasized. By doing their own Java projects, students will developproblem-solving skills and gain experience in detecting and correcting software errors.Procedures, recursion, and iteration will be presented in the development of algorithms. Inheritance and polymorphism are studied. The use of abstraction will be emphasized throughout the course.
Course Title: Data Structures and Algorithms (CS2) Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: This course continues using abstract data types and the concepts presented in CSci 2001 and introduces stacks, queues, linked lists, and trees. This course also covers advanced programming topics of recursion, sorting methods, and complexity measures. This is an object-oriented programming course.
Course Title: Database Modeling and Design Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: This course covers relational databases from conceptual design to implementation. The course will include logical and physical design, normalization, as well as the definition of tables and keys. The use of Structured Query Language (SQL) for data retrieval and manipulation will be emphasized.
Course Title: Introduction to Networking Protocols and Analysis Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: This class examines the basic principles of networking, transitioning from Transmission Control Protocol, User Datagram Protocol, Internet Control Message Protocol, and Internet Protocol (TCP, UDP, ICMP, and IP), network architecture, and the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model into network defense. Networks are essential for organizational success, and cybersecurity professionals must understand network processes, protocols, and administration. This course will focus on developing skills in creating network architecture, network administration, network analysis, and how to apply this knowledge to improve the network security posture through defense in depth.
Course Title: Foundations of Cryptography Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: This is a foundational course in cryptography covering systems of secure communication relevant to the field of Cyber Security and to Computer Science in general. Topics include theories and applications of encryption of both historical and modern methods, and techniques for creating systems of secure communication. Programming is undertaken to encode and decode information using industry standard cryptographic algorithms. The C programming language is emphasized due to its ubiquity in both the field of applied cryptography and in operating systems. While this is not a course to study techniques for breaking cryptographic systems (cryptanalysis), considerations are given to the probability that weaknesses in a cryptographic cipher can be exploited and that data confidentiality, integrity, and availability can be potentially lost.
Total Credits Required | 31 |
2024-2025
The cybersecurity certificate prepares students to safeguard information system assets by identifying and solving potential and actual security problems. Topics include protecting systems with redundancies and access protocols, specialized software, and security auditing to identify abnormalities and security vulnerabilities.
Designing and maintaining systems to protect against vulnerabilities. (ELOs 1, 2a, 4a, 4c)
Designing and maintaining robust systems to prevent unauthorized access. (ELO 4a)
Interpret vulnerability reporting system results. (ELOs 1, 2a, 4a, 4c)
Safeguard information system assets by identifying and solving potential and actual security problems. (ELOs 2a, 4a)
Implement best practices of data governance to protect sensitive data. (ELO 4a)
Examine and apply cryptographic algorithms. (ELOs 1, 2a, 2b, 2d)
Design network architecture focusing on security and performance. (ELOs 2a, 4a, 4d)
Identify network threats through protocol and device analysis and the impacts on the security of the enterprise. (ELOs 2a, 4a, 4d)
The Learner Outcomes in individual courses that are part of this program are aligned with the curriculum requirements for National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NSA-CAE-CD) designation.
Information on careers, including salary and employment outlook data, is available at Minnesota State and the Bureau of Labor Statistics websites: www.minnstate.edu/careerexploration and www.bls.gov
If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information
Certificates may be earned for successful completion of courses in a specialized program of study with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C). A certificate shall include 9 to 31 semester credits. At least one-third of the total credits required for each certificate must be completed at North Hennepin Community College. Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree. Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529. |
North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. |