Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Certificate
Division of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies

The Cybersecurity Certificate program is a two-semester program that provides the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities prerequisite to a career in cybersecurity. Students will learn physical, logical, and wireless security concepts, malware concerns, social engineering exploits, operating system security settings, user authentication methods, access controls and mitigation techniques. Students will be encouraged (but not required) to sit for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, A+ and Network+ certification exams.

Program Format
Time of Program: Evening / Weekends, online
Mode of delivery: On-site, seated, online

AAS Associate Program
Division of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies

Trocaire’s Cybersecurity A.A.S. degree program prepares graduates with the necessary competencies to attain entry-level positions in Information Security and Security Assurance as computer security specialists and information security analysts. Through applied learning experiences, along with group/team-based learning to simulate a professional work environment, students acquire the foundation knowledge and skills necessary to pursue entry level positions and/or move on to baccalaureate studies in the field. With outcomes aligned with national standards, graduates of the program are positioned to contribute to and capitalize on the many opportunities created by this rapidly evolving and changing global industry.

Location
Most courses and labs are offered at the Trocaire Achievement Complex on Transit Road, Lancaster, NY. Students must take the GS100 (College Seminar) course at the college’s main campus in Buffalo, NY

The AAS in Cybersecurity Provides students with a fundamental understanding of the technological needs, threats, and vulnerabilities of hardware, software, operating systems, networks and the Internet. With a curriculum that provides coursework in statistics, ethics in data science and research methods, students are given the tools to examine operating systems, networks, tools and protocols needed to navigate, use, and manage security technologies as well as gain insight into the legal, social, and political dynamics of the cyber universe.

Program Format
Time of Program: Evening / Weekends, Online
Mode of Delivery: On-site, seated, online
Normal Time to Completion: 24 months (two academic years)

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Resources

Cybersecurity Program Learning Outcomes

Resources for Career Changers

Are you considering a career change, but don’t know how your current skills may transfer? Checkout these guides, courtesy of our partner CompTIA:


From Administrative to IT

 


From Food Service to IT

 


From Healthcare to IT

 


From Military to IT

 


From Retail to IT

 


From Bartender to IT

 


From Construction to IT

 


From Finance to IT

 


From Law Enforcement to IT

 


From Sales to IT

 

Courses
  • Semester 1
    14/16
    CBY100
    Introduction to Cybersecurity
    3

    This course provides an overview of the principles, concepts, and practices of cybersecurity. Students will explore the fundamentals of information security, common cyber threats, and strategies for protecting computer systems and networks against cyberattacks. Through lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, students will develop a basic understanding of cybersecurity principles and gain practical skills applicable to various cybersecurity roles.

    CBY150
    Introduction to Operating Systems
    3

    This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Linux operating system, while giving some historical context and a basic understanding of the differences between Linux and UNIX. This is primarily a course on Linux fundamentals, but toward the end of the semester there will be several sections focusing on Linux applications in cybersecurity. Students will learn the basics of Linux, including command-line tools, file systems, and scripting and programming with complementary languages such as Perl and Python. Finally, the course will explore the role of Linux in securing networks, servers, and data.

    CNA107
    Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software
    4

    This course focuses on the components of personal computers and covers theoretical concepts and practical applications of all computers. A number of major operating systems are covered. General topics include: processors, motherboards, memory, storage, tools and test equipment, software installation, configuration, system management, security, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Students will work with lab computers as test machines. This course has a high degree of hands-on activities, including upgrading and troubleshooting.

    GS 100
    College Seminar*
    1

    The College Seminar is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in College and beyond. Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers.

    *Students are required to take this course in their first semester at Trocaire College and must earn a minimum grade of “C”.

    OR
    GS 102
    College Success*
    3

    The College Success is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in College and beyond. It is part of the developmental studies curriculum. Central to the course is students’ intensive work in learning strategies. Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers. This course is open all Trocaire College Students, however GS102 is required for students placed into two or more for the following courses: EN095, EN099, MA099, BIO105.

    *Students are required to take this course in their first semester at Trocaire College and must earn a minimum grade of “C”.

    MA 110
    College Algebra
    3

    A pre-calculus level algebra course. Topics include solving systems of equations that contain either two or three variables, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing monomials and polynomials; factoring polynomials; simplifying rational expressions; and solving linear equations and inequality expressions that contain absolute values.

     

  • Semester 2
    16
    CBY101
    Digital Forensics Fundamentals
    3

    This course introduces students to the fundamental principles, concepts, and practices of digital forensics. Students will learn about the process of acquiring, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in legal and investigative contexts. Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and laboratory assignments, students will develop essential digital forensics skills and gain practical experience in investigating and analyzing digital evidence.

    CBY152
    Computer Networking Fundamentals
    4

    This course course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles, and technologies of computer networking. Students will learn about the architecture, protocols, and operation of computer networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and laboratory assignments, students will develop a basic understanding of networking concepts and gain practical skills applicable to network administration and troubleshooting.

    CBY154
    Cybersecurity Tools and Technologies
    3

    This course provides an overview of the tools, technologies, and methodologies used in cybersecurity operations and defense. Students will learn about a range of cybersecurity tools and techniques for threat detection, prevention, analysis, and response. Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on labs, and practical exercises, students will gain exposure to a variety of cybersecurity tools and develop the skills necessary to use them effectively in real-world scenarios.

    DA 103
    SQL for Data Analysis
    3
    PH232
    Cyber Ethics
    3
Resources
Program Requirements
Admission Requirements:

High school diploma (minimum 75% average) or GED Diploma score 145 or its equivalent

Minimum Degree Requirements:

A total of at least 62 semester credit hours with a Quality Point Average of 2.0

General Education:

Basic Communications – Minimum of 4 credit hours: EN101 (3) GS100* (1)**
Humanities – Minimum of 3 credit hours: PH206(3) – Ethics in Data Science
Natural Sciences: Biology Elective (3) Quantitative Analysis: MA107 (3) – Logical Reasoning and Decision Making MA110 (3) – College Algebra MA120 (3) – Statistics I
Social Sciences: PSY101 (3) – General Psychology PSY320 (3) – Research Methods: Techniques and Designs

Program Specific*

DA103 (3) – SQL for Data Analysis
CNA105 (4) – Introduction to Computer Networking
CNA112 (3) – Operating Systems
CNA264 (3) – Computer Security
CBY201 (4) – Programming Concepts and Methodologies CNA205 (3) – Intermediate Networking
CNA215 (3) – LAN Design and Management
CBY101 (3) – Introduction to Computer Forensics
CBY202(4) – Introduction to Programming in Java
CNA265 (4) – Network Security Hardware
CNA274 (3) – Seminar and Internship: Capstone Experience

Graduation Requirements:
Other:

* A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) is required. ** GS100 (College Seminar) must be taken at the main campus only.

Courses
  • Semester 1
    14/16
    CBY100
    Introduction to Cybersecurity
    3

    This course provides an overview of the principles, concepts, and practices of cybersecurity. Students will explore the fundamentals of information security, common cyber threats, and strategies for protecting computer systems and networks against cyberattacks. Through lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, students will develop a basic understanding of cybersecurity principles and gain practical skills applicable to various cybersecurity roles.

    CNA107
    Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software
    4

    This course focuses on the components of personal computers and covers theoretical concepts and practical applications of all computers. A number of major operating systems are covered. General topics include: processors, motherboards, memory, storage, tools and test equipment, software installation, configuration, system management, security, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Students will work with lab computers as test machines. This course has a high degree of hands-on activities, including upgrading and troubleshooting.

    EN 101
    English Composition
    3

    This course seeks to provide an opportunity for students to become careful readers, critical thinkers, and skilled writers. Based on the premise that writing is more a ‘process’ than a ‘gift’, the course will introduce student writers to the strategies of effective writing and good writing habits. We will also analyze the writing styles of more experienced writers from across disciplines. This course will demand a great deal of inventing, writing, reading, critical thinking, collaborative work, and editing. The course will offer a platform where ideas will be generated, drafts composed and exchanged for feedback, and revisions made as needed.

    GS 102
    College Success*
    3

    The College Success is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in College and beyond. It is part of the developmental studies curriculum. Central to the course is students’ intensive work in learning strategies. Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers. This course is open all Trocaire College Students, however GS102 is required for students placed into two or more for the following courses: EN095, EN099, MA099, BIO105.

    *Students are required to take this course in their first semester at Trocaire College and must earn a minimum grade of “C”.

    OR
    GS 100
    College Seminar*
    1

    The College Seminar is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in College and beyond. Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers.

    *Students are required to take this course in their first semester at Trocaire College and must earn a minimum grade of “C”.

    MA 110
    College Algebra
    3

    A pre-calculus level algebra course. Topics include solving systems of equations that contain either two or three variables, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing monomials and polynomials; factoring polynomials; simplifying rational expressions; and solving linear equations and inequality expressions that contain absolute values.

     

  • Semester 2
    16
    CBY150
    Introduction to Operating Systems
    3

    This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Linux operating system, while giving some historical context and a basic understanding of the differences between Linux and UNIX. This is primarily a course on Linux fundamentals, but toward the end of the semester there will be several sections focusing on Linux applications in cybersecurity. Students will learn the basics of Linux, including command-line tools, file systems, and scripting and programming with complementary languages such as Perl and Python. Finally, the course will explore the role of Linux in securing networks, servers, and data.

    CBY152
    Computer Networking Fundamentals
    4

    This course course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles, and technologies of computer networking. Students will learn about the architecture, protocols, and operation of computer networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and laboratory assignments, students will develop a basic understanding of networking concepts and gain practical skills applicable to network administration and troubleshooting.

    CBY154
    Cybersecurity Tools and Technologies
    3

    This course provides an overview of the tools, technologies, and methodologies used in cybersecurity operations and defense. Students will learn about a range of cybersecurity tools and techniques for threat detection, prevention, analysis, and response. Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on labs, and practical exercises, students will gain exposure to a variety of cybersecurity tools and develop the skills necessary to use them effectively in real-world scenarios.

    DA 103
    SQL for Data Analysis
    3
    SOCEL
    Social Science Elective
    3
  • Semester 3
    16
    BIOEL
    Biology Elective
    3
    CBY101
    Digital Forensics Fundamentals
    3

    This course introduces students to the fundamental principles, concepts, and practices of digital forensics. Students will learn about the process of acquiring, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in legal and investigative contexts. Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and laboratory assignments, students will develop essential digital forensics skills and gain practical experience in investigating and analyzing digital evidence.

    CBY200
    Cloud Security Fundamentals
    3

    This course introduces students to the principles, techniques, and best practices for securing cloud computing environments. Students will learn about the unique security challenges posed by cloud computing models, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and case studies, students will gain practical skills in identifying, assessing, and mitigating security risks in cloud-based systems.

    CBY222
    Advanced Networking and Security
    4

    This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of advanced networking concepts and security technologies. Students will explore advanced networking protocols, architectures, and technologies, as well as advanced security mechanisms and strategies for protecting computer networks against sophisticated cyber threats. Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and laboratory assignments, students will develop advanced networking and security skills applicable to designing, implementing, and managing secure network infrastructures.

    LAEL
    Liberal Arts Elective
    3
  • Semester 4
    16
    CBY201
    Programming Concepts and Methodologies
    4
    CBY250
    Incident Response and Management
    3

    This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement effective incident response and management processes within organizations. Students will learn about the principles, methodologies, and best practices for identifying, assessing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. Through lectures, case studies, hands-on exercises, and simulations, students will gain practical experience in incident detection, analysis, containment, eradication, and recovery.

    CBY260
    Seminar & Internship
    3
    HUEL
    Humanities Elective
    3
    PH232
    Cyber Ethics
    3