Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Cybersecurity

Career Studies Certificate
Mountain Empire Community College

The Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce with essential cybersecurity training to help plan and implement an organization’s information security, install security hardware and software, monitor networks for security breaches, respond to cyber-attacks, and gather evidence to be used in prosecuting cyber-crime. The training focuses on the strategies, techniques, and defense mechanisms required to mitigate global cyber threats. This certificate includes both classroom and lab instruction.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Analyze, design and document computer network specifications to meet client needs.
2. Understand computer systems, networking, and information security terminology.
3. Install, configure, and troubleshoot workstations, servers, and network infrastructure.
4. Use computer systems and network security in a responsible and ethical manner.
5. Ensure the implementation of the five security keys: confidentiality, integrity, availability, accountability and auditability when creating security policies and procedures.
6. Understand different hacking attacks and defense methodologies.
7. Analyze local and global information technology (IT) and security trends, while recognizing the influences of IT on culture, economic, ethical, and legal issues and responsibilities.
8. Gain the ability for computer forensic investigation by collecting computer-related evidence at the physical layer from a variety of digital media.
9. Secure communication protocols from hacking attacks by highlighting protocol weaknesses that include Internet architecture, routing, addressing, topology, fragmentation and protocol analysis.


Program Overview & Guidance
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Program Web Page
Click here for Details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce with essential cybersecurity training to help plan and implement an organization’s information security, install security hardware and software, monitor networks for security breaches, respond to cyber-attacks, and gather evidence to be used in prosecuting cyber-crime. The training focuses on the strategies, techniques, and defense mechanisms required to mitigate global cyber threats. This certificate includes both classroom and lab instruction.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses The Cybersecurity Career Studies Program can also be used to transition to an Associate of Applied Science degree path since several of its courses can be applied to two MECC degree programs—Computer Networking Technology and Computer Software Specialist.
Doing More With Your Degree The Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate program will prepare students for a wide range of careers in fields such as computer forensics, information security, and systems administration. As cybersecurity job growth in Virginia continues to trend upwards, the certificate will enable students to be a part of this trend and remain competitive as the region’s economy continues to evolve.
Program Successes & Highlights Mountain Empire Community College, with its Cybersecurity Career Studies Program, is accredited by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Program Credit Requirements
Expand or Shrink Accordion
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
Expand or Shrink Accordion
This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Computer & Electronics TecAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Computer and Electronics Technology: Secure Computer NetworkingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Central Virginia Community CollegeAAS in Computer and Electronics Technology - Computer NetworkingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Applied Science in Electrical/Electronics DegreeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology DegreeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Programming and Logic Control)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Industrial and Business Management)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Renewable Energy Technologies)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Fiber and Data Cabling)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Occupational Safety)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
Expand or Shrink Accordion
O*Net Code Name Description Parent
17-3021.00Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and TechniciansOperate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3028.00Calibration Technologists and TechniciansExecute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3023.00Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and TechniciansApply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3012.00Electrical and Electronics DraftersPrepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
49-2095.00Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and RelayInspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
17-3024.00Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and TechniciansOperate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3024.01Robotics TechniciansBuild, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
Cost To Complete
Expand or Shrink Accordion