Computer Information Technology: Cyber Defense

Computer Information Technology: Cyber Defense

This concentration offers a core curriculum that is designed to provide the academic and technical background to prepare students for a career in cyber security and digital forensics.

Information

Area of Interest: Technology, Engineering, and Math

Program Location: Blount County Campus, Strawberry Plains Campus

Outcome: Associates of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Certificate

Computer Information Technology: Cyber Defense (A.A.S.)

If you want to help protect critical cyber systems, then consider Pellissippi State Community College’s Computer Information Technology program with a Concentration in Cyber Defense. This program prepares students for a career in cyber security by equipping them with valuable skills in information assurance, digital forensics, and tactical perimeter defense along with hands-on experience.

Typical job opportunities: Computer support professional, information assurance analyst, security systems administrator, IT security technician, computer forensics technician/investigator.

Explore program courses and requirements, and potential job placements below, to find out if it’s right for you.

View more information about Computer Information Technology: Cyber Defense from the college catalog.

Certificate

The A+/Network+ Certification Preparation certificate prepares students for success on the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certification exams. 

Couse Number Course Name
CITC 1301 Introduction to Programming & Logic
CITC 1321 A+ Hardware
CITC 1302 Introduction to Networking
CITC 1322 A+ Software
CITC 1330 Microsoft Desktop OS


Learn more about A+/Network+ Certification Preparation from the college catalog.

CIT: Cyber Defense (A.A.S.)

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Computer Information Technology: Cyber Defense Pathway

Credit Hours Curriculum Co-Curricular Experiences
Before You Start

 

  • Complete the Enrollment Checklist
  • Participate in Orientation
  • Complete Career Exploration
0-15 hours
  • BUSN 1305 - Introduction to Business
  • CITC 1301 - Introduction to Programming & Logic Courses needed to complete a certificate
  • CITC 1321 - A+ Hardware Courses needed to complete a certificate Courses include industry recognized certifications
  • CITC 1322 - A+ Software Courses needed to complete a certificate Courses include industry recognized certifications
  • COLL 1000 - First Year Seminar Foundational Courses
  • ENGL 1010 - English Composition I Foundational Courses

 

  • Meet with your Success Coach
  • Draft a resume with Career Development
16-30 hours
  • CITC 1302 - Introduction to Networking Courses needed to complete a certificate Courses include industry recognized certifications
  • CITC 1303 - Database Concepts
  • CITC 1330 - Microsoft Desktop OS Courses needed to complete a certificate Courses include industry recognized certifications
  • COMM 2025 - Fundamentals of Communication or COMM 2045 - Public Speaking Foundational Courses
  • MATH 1530 - Introductory Statistics Foundational Courses
  • Meet with Advisor and Confirm Degree Plan
31-45 hours
  • BUSN 2510 - Emerging Trends in Technology Career Immersion Experiences
  • CITC 1333 - Linux LPIC-1 Courses include industry recognized certifications
  • CITC 1351 - Principles of Information Assurance
  • CITC 2326 - Network Security Courses include industry recognized certifications
  • HUM/FA - Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3 Credit(s) Foundational Courses
  • Update your Resume and Practice Interview Skills with Career Development
46-60+ hours
  • CITC 2352 - Digital Forensics
  • CITC 2353 - Tactical Perimeter Defense
  • CITC 2390 - Capstone in Computer Information Technology
  • CITC 2399- Internship in Computer Information Technology Career Immersion Experiences
  • ECON 2100 - Principles of Macroeconomics Foundational Courses
  • Participate in Career Fair
  • Complete Exit Checklist

Legend:

Courses needed to complete a certificate - Courses to complete A+/Network + Certificate
Courses include industry recognized certifications - Courses include industry recognized certifications that prepare students for careers in the field
Foundational Courses - Foundational Courses (General Education)
Career Immersion Experiences - Career Readiness Experiences – these courses include opportunities for students to participate in experiences that prepare them for work in the field

 

Contact Information

Dean of Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Department Head of Computer Technology
Merve Kester Thomas, Ph.D.
mkesterthomas@pstcc.edu
865-694-6410
Caleb Williamson
cjwilliamson2@pstcc.edu
865-694-6468

 

Accreditation

Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs in 2022.

Computer Information Technology: Cyber Defense Concentration

Student Achievement Metrics 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024
Fall-to-Fall Retention in Program 41.4%  32.1% 33.3%
Number of Graduates 16 21 20
Job Placement 90% 89% -- 

-- Insufficient Data Set