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.
Career Outlook
Please Note: Some jobs require education or training beyond the CNM degree/certificate.
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.
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.
CIS 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.
CIS 1858 - Introduction to Cyber Security - 3 credit hours - Pre- or corequisite: BCIS 1110
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 healthcare management professionals to help develop a cyber security mindset in both professional and personal lives.
CIS 1250 - Python Programming - 3 credit hours - Pre- or corequisite: BCIS 1110
Introduces the Python programming language. The course provides a basic overview of the language and includes setting up the Python environment. We cover the various use of Python, including scripting, classes and objects and building Graphic User Interfaces. Students will research other technical fields where Python scripting is used. Time will be spent building programs using Python’s comprehensive standard library.
CIS 1415 - Network Essentials - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIS 1410
Focuses on the installation and administration of network communication systems. Students will learn the general theory of network communications and the basic setup, configuration, and management of network communication protocols on networking devices, including servers, routers, and switches.
CIS 1610 - IT Essentials: Software - 3 credit hours - Pre- or corequisite: CIS 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.
CIS 1680 - Linux Essentials - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: BCIS 1110
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.
CIS 2670 - Computer Security+ - 3 credit hours - Pre- or corequisite: CIS 1415
Focuses on an overview of network and computer security. Topics included are general security concepts, communication security, infrastructure security, and operational and organizational security.
CIS 2680 - Linux Administration - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIS 1680
Hands-on instruction of Linux system administration with an emphasis on security and performance. Prepares students to work as professional Linux system administrators. Learn the key principles to install and manage virtual machines, both their performance and security. Learn advanced networking concepts, including clustering and high availability.
CIS 2853 - Network Defense Basics - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIS 1680 and CIS 1250 and Pre- or corequisite: CIS 2670
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.
CIS 2857 - Ethical Hacking - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIS 1680 and CIS 1250 and Pre- or corequisite: CIS 2670
This course examines the tools, techniques, and technologies used in the technical securing of information assets. Students will receive in-depth information about the software and hardware components of Information Security and Assurance. Students will be immersed in the Hacker Mindset so they will be able to defend against cyber security attacks.
CIS 2860 - Digital Forensics and Incident Response - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: CIS 1680 and CIS 1250 and Pre- or corequisite: CIS 2670
Presents students with a structured approach to computer forensics and evidence analysis. Students will acquire the necessary hands-on experience in various forensic investigation techniques and standard forensic tools necessary to successfully carry out a computer forensic investigation.
CIS 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.