Cyber and Homeland Security, AS (CYHM-AS)

CT State Community College Catalog 2023-2024 New students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2023 will begin as students of Connecticut State Community College under this catalog.  Continuing students from one of the 12 community colleges will be transitioned into a CT State program in this catalog as of the start of the Fall 2023 term. The policies, courses and programs described are applicable as of the Fall 2023 term and may be updated as circumstances require.

The program provides preparation for students to obtain entry-level positions in the field of cybersecurity, homeland security and computer crime deterrence. The program provides essential skills required to gain and to maintain employment at entry level positions as computer crime investigators, computer security specialists, and federal law enforcement officers. This program combines elements of both Computer Information Systems and Criminal Justice course work to offer students an understanding the investigative nature of cybersecurity in the criminal justice realm as well as gaining technical skills in computer science, networking, and programming.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the landscape, key terms, challenges, and concepts related to the many layers of cybersecurity.
• Explain fundamental architectures of networks (networks build on each other) and demonstrate an understanding of network security.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical issues and concepts associated with cybersecurity responsibilities.
• Effectively communicate technical information and approaches for incident analysis and response verbally, in writing, and in presentations. 
• Determine if and when criminal charges will be initiated for different security breaches. Analyze a range of security breaches and identify if/when criminal charges are appropriate.
• Apply counter measures that would secure network systems against threats.
• Identify and discuss career opportunities and the necessary skills that will increase the likelihood of success in the field of cybersecurity, e.g., technical skills, network certifications, interpersonal communications, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

Students pursuing this degree will take computer-related, as well as criminal justice courses. Topics may include:

• cyber-crime law and investigations
• cybersecurity
• introduction to criminal justice
• threat of terrorism and crime
• computer and network security
• computer science
• networking
• cyber law and ethics
• information systems design
• applied statistics
• additional information technology topics
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This degree will begin to prepare students for common certification exams such as:

• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA A+