Exploring the Cybersecurity Program at Valencia College
The demand for cybersecurity analysts continues to grow across the nation. Valencia College is responding to this critical need by offering a comprehensive Cybersecurity & Network Engineering Associate in Science (A.S.) degree and related certificate programs. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, administer, maintain, and support network systems, as well as to defend against cyber threats.
Benefits of Pursuing a Cybersecurity Education at Valencia College
For individuals looking to advance their careers, increase opportunities, and gain more career options in the cybersecurity field, Valencia College offers an accessible and affordable pathway. Students can earn an A.S. degree at just over half the cost of a Florida public university, preparing them for a supervisory or management role in their chosen industry.
Degree and Certificate Options
Valencia College offers a tiered approach to cybersecurity education, with options ranging from technical certificates to an Associate in Science degree.
Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree in Cybersecurity & Network Engineering
The Cybersecurity & Network Engineering A.S. degree program prepares students for careers in network engineering technology and IP Communications. Graduates will be qualified for technological roles in network design, network infrastructure, network installation, network security and maintenance, inter-network communication and connectivity, network monitoring and administration, and digital forensics and incident response.
The A.S. degree requires the completion of 60 credit hours and includes foundation courses, intermediate courses, and a specialization.
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Foundation Courses:
- ENC 1101 FRESHMAN COMPOSITION I
- CET 2178C COMPUTER HARDWARE
- CET 2486C LOCAL AREA NETWORKS
- CNT 2417C CYBERSECURITY OPERATIONS
- Humanities (See Gen. Ed. Core Requirement)
- Science (See Gen. Ed. Core Requirement)
- Mathematics (See Gen. Ed. HISTORY 1877 TO PRESENT)
Intermediate Courses:
- CET 1610C CISCO ROUTER TECHNOLOGY
- CET 2660C LINUX NETWORKING AND SECURITY
- CET 2830C INFORMATION SECURITY
- CET 2544C COMPUTER VIRTUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY
- CET 2792C INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING WINDOWS SERVER
- CNT 2000C NETWORK AUTOMATION WITH SCRIPTING LANGUAGES
- CET 2793C ADMINISTERING WINDOWS SERVER
- CTS 2322 RED HAT ENTERPRISE LINUX
- CET 2942 INTERNSHIP IN NETWORKING or CGS 2650 SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR JOB SEARCH
Specializations:
Students choose one of the following specializations, each requiring 12 credit hours:
- Cloud Infrastructure Security
- Cyber Security
Technical Certificates
Valencia College offers several Technical Certificate programs that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. These programs require prescribed technical courses and may include general education courses, for a minimum of 9 college credits. Credits earned in a Technical Certificate program can be applied toward a related Associate in Science degree.
Cybersecurity Technical Certificate:
This technical certificate program prepares students for employment as Information Security Managers; Network Security Professionals; Security Penetration Testing Professionals; and Systems Security Practitioners. The content includes the selection and deployment of various network security appliances such as firewalls, proxy servers, intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems, and adaptive security appliances. Additionally, the content includes the selection and deployment of various propriety and/or open-source network penetration testing tools.
Linux Enterprise Server Administration Technical Certificate:
This technical certificate program prepares students for employment as Linux Server Administrators, Red Hat Linux System Administrators, Red Hat Linux Engineers, and Ansible Automation Architects.
Career Certificates
The Career Certificate programs prepare students for careers directly in the workforce. The programs require prescribed technical credit courses and basic skills proficiency achieved through developmental courses. Each program includes reading, writing, oral communication and fundamental mathematical skills within specific courses of the program.
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Specialization Options within the A.S. Degree
The Cybersecurity & Network Engineering A.S. degree offers two specializations: Cloud Infrastructure Security and Cyber Security.
Cloud Infrastructure Security Specialization
This specialization focuses on securing cloud computing services.
Program Outcomes:
- Carry out procedures for installing, upgrading, securing, and optimizing operating systems and computer network equipment.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- Implement infrastructures for secured cloud computing services.
- Engage effectively in interpersonal, oral, visual, and written communication.
Required Courses:
- CET 2615C ROUTING & SWITCHING IN THE ENTERPRISE
- CET 2620C NETWORK FIREWALLS
- CET 2890C ADVANCED CYBERSECURITY OPERATIONS
- CNT 2426C CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY
Cyber Security Specialization
This specialization focuses on defending networks against cyber threats and attacks.
Program Outcomes:
- Carry out procedures for installing, upgrading, securing, and optimizing operating systems and computer network equipment.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- Defend an enterprise-level network against cyber threats and attacks.
- Engage effectively in interpersonal, oral, visual, and written communication.
Required Courses:
- CNT 2414C CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION
- CET 2890C ADVANCED CYBERSECURITY OPERATIONS
- CET 2892C ETHICAL HACKING
- CET 2894C PROJECTS IN CYBER SECURITY: CAPSTONE COURSE
Fast-Track Certificates
The Cybersecurity & Network Engineering A.S. degree also offers college credit certificate programs designed to equip students with a specialized skill set for entry-level employment or to upgrade their skills for job advancement. Most can be completed in one year or less, and all of the courses in the certificates are embedded in the A.S. degree. Students can earn the certificates as they progress through their A.S. Degree or as a separate, stand-alone credential.
Admission and Enrollment
Degree-seeking students enrolling at Valencia for the first time will have a limited range of courses from which to choose for their first 18 college-level credits. Within the first 18 college credit hours, students are typically required to take ENC1101 (3 credits), and if applicable, SLS 1122 (3 credits) and a mathematics course appropriate to their selected meta-major (3 credits). The remaining courses will be chosen from the General Education Core Courses in humanities (3 credits), science (3 credits), or social science (3 credits), and/or the introductory courses within the A.S. degree programs.
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Articulation and Credit Options
Graduates of specific programs at Orange Technical College and Osceola Technical College, as well as other institutions may be eligible to receive college credit for courses in this program. Students may also be eligible to receive credit toward this degree if they have earned one of the approved Gold Standard industry certifications or Career Pathways credit.
Career Advancement
Valencia College's programs provide a pathway to a variety of careers in the cybersecurity and network engineering fields. The average placement rate for Valencia College A.S. degree graduates is high, reflecting the strong demand for qualified professionals.
For students who wish to further their education, Valencia offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Organizational Leadership (BASBOL). This degree builds on the skills gained in the A.S. program and prepares graduates for supervisory or management roles. Students should consult with a Student Success Coach to determine the best education plan for their career goals.
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