Be at the forefront of preventing - and investigating - computer hacking and other computer-related crimes.
Major Details
Minnesota State College Southeast's Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Cyber and Information Security is a unique program incorporating networking, cyber security, forensics, and criminal justice to prepare students for employment in a very high demand profession.
In addition to networking and digital, computer and electronic forensics, students will become familiar with the various components of the criminal justice system. Students will learn how to collect and maintain evidence, use interpersonal communication skills, write effectively, present and testify in court, and liaison with criminal justice agencies.
Whether you are a law enforcement professional seeking expertise in this growing field, or a network administrator working for a company that needs to protect its data, Cyber and Information Security at MSC Southeast can help you gain the skills you need for an exciting new career.
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Courses
1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
COMM1218
College Speech
Students develop interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills as well as an understanding of basic communication principles. (Fulfills MnTC Goal 1) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ENGL1215
College Writing I
This course involves expository writing based on experience, direct observation, research and reading with emphasis on critical thinking skills, rhetorical strategies, and style. (Meets MnTC Goal 1) (Prerequisites: Writing College Level Placement or successful completion of ENGL0528) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
CJSP1102
Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course provides an overview of the philosophical and historical background of the components and policies that make-up the criminal justice system and their interrelationships in our diverse society. It examines deviant behavior in our society and the roles of law enforcement, courts, corrections and community corrections agencies. (Prerequisite: None) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
CJSP2104
Introduction to Criminology/Criminal Behavior
This course provides an introductory overview of the basic concepts, issues, causation, theories, application of theories, and methodology to examine crime and criminal behavior. Students will examine how the various componenets of the criminal justice system respond to the challenges of crime and criminal behavior within our society. (Prerequisites: Writing College Level Placement and Introduction to Criminal Justice) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
CJSP2205
Criminal Law and Procedures
This course will introduce students to the main principles of substantive criminal law and procedure. Study will include the elements of major crimes and defenses, and examination of the criminal legal process from investigation through post-sentencing, with special emphasis on laws governing the role of law enforcement. (Prerequisites: Writing College Level Placement and Introduction to Criminal Justice) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
CJSP2225
Courtroom and Evidence Procedures
The objective of this course is to provide an overview of the technology used in electronic discovery (e-discovery) in civil and criminal cases. It will examine e-discovery identification and preservation to collection, processing, review, production and trial presentation. This course looks at the fast-growing field of digital evidence and provides students with an understanding of proper handling, storage and courtroom testimony related to digital evidence. (Prerequisites: Writing College Level Placement and Introduction to Criminal Justice) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT1601
Windows Workstation I
This course will explore the MS workstation networking client. The students will learn how to plan, install and configure a MS workstation in a single and multi-domain environment. Emphasis will be placed on the managing, monitoring and optimizing of network resources. Basic troubleshooting techniques will be discussed as it relates to the Microsoft networking environment. The use of diagnostic and monitoring software will be emphasized. (Prerequisite: None) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
NWAT1602
Windows Workstation II
This course will explore the Microsoft Workstation desktop operating system environment. Students will learn how to plan, install, and configure a Microsoft workstation in a standalone and domain environment. Various system management topics will be discussed including system utilities, managing disks, file systems, users, and security. Troubleshooting techniques will be discussed as they relate to Microsoft networking environment. (Prerequisite: NWAT1601) (1 credits: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
NWAT1641
Networking Fundamentals
This course will provide students with the technical skills necessary to securely establish, maintain, and troubleshoot networks that businesses rely on. Students will gain experience with networking fundamentals, network implementations, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting. This curriculum is aligned with CompTIA Network+ industry certification. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT1649
Windows Server I
This course will provide students with an introduction to the Microsoft Windows Server operating system and basic administration tasks. Students will gain experience with key features including active directory, creating and managing user accounts, printing, installing a network operating system, performance monitoring, and backups. (Prerequisite: NWAT1601, NWAT1602) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT1650
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. Students will gain experience with attacks, threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, design, implementation, operations, incident response, and risk compliance. This curriculum is aligned with CompTIA Security+ industry certification and students will be prepared to take the exam upon completion of this course. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2676
Wireless Communications
This course provides a survey of techniques and procedures followed in the development of business computer information systems. Topics include structured approaches to needs assessment, specification, design, system development, documentation development and implementation of new systems. Students will be introduced to various CASE tools and their uses in system analysis and design. The student will use these tools to plan and create systems based on different network scenarios. (Prerequisites: NWAT1641, NWAT1649) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2683
Security Threats & Countermeasures
Students will gain knowledge and skills to protect networks using the tools and techniques of an ethical hacker. This course will examine new security resources, emerging vulnerabilities, innovative methods to protect networks, and mobile security.(Prerequisites: NWAT1650) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2684
Windows Server & Desktop Security
This course prepares students to manage a Microsoft Windows network in the enterprise. Students will gain experience with key features including Active Directory, configuring group policies, domain controllers, certificate services, and other advanced active directory concepts. (Prerequisites: NWAT1649) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2689
Computer Forensic Investigation
This course introduces students to the digital forensics field. Students will learn about the tools, standards, and best practices used by law enforcement, system administrators, and others who routinely perform digital forensic investigations. (Prerequisites: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2692
Electronic Devices Forensics
The Electronic Devices Forensics course provides an introduction to mobile device forensics including practical approaches and best practices involved in performing mobile forensics. Students will examine the internals of popular mobile devices including their operating systems, hardware, and security concepts. Students will gain an understanding of the tools available to perform mobile forensic tasks including data acquisitions, data recovery, and industry best practices. (Prerequisites: NWAT1601, NWAT1602, NWAT1641, NWAT1649, NWAT2681, and NWAT2689) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2693
Website and Applications Security
Website and application security prepares the student for a role as a security officer, auditor, security professional, or site administrator. It also empowers a website and/or application developer with the knowledge necessary to create and maintain secure applications. The course studies how various vulnerabilities in server architecture, web/application development, and database structure expose these systems to attack. Students learn how these vulnerabilities are exploited and develop the skills to effectively protect these systems against attack. Students will gain an understanding of the tools hackers use to exploit these issues. They also learn to effectively utilize tools to detect attack and set up appropriate countermeasures to defend against attacks and intrusion. (Prerequisites: NWAT1641, NWAT1649, NWAT2681 and NWAT2689) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 57 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $12,414 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
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| Books/Supplies: | $460 |
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| Estimated Total: | $12,874 |
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Career Opportunities
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Federal, state and county law enforcement agencies
- Private industry cyber security manager
- Forensic analysts
- Cyber security private investigator
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, And much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to manage and secure data on private and corporate networks and devices
- Evaluate, identify and implement appropriate security standards and policies
- Demonstrate the ability to formulate and use a variety of forensic tools to capture, access, retrieve and store digital information
- Understand the numerous components of the criminal justice system
- Apply criminal justice methods in response to cyber and information security compromises
Highlights
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Acquire proactive skills in protecting and securing private and corporate network digital information
- Learn and understand cyber security breaches and mitigation techniques
- Understand the criminal justice system and how to effectively communicate with criminal justice agencies
- Program classes are offered 100% online
Instructors
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Benjamin Adank
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Ben Adank is a full-time faculty member in the Cyber Information & Security and Network Systems & Administration programs. He taught as an adjunct and part time instructor in both areas from 2011-2020. As an industry expert at Itechra, a full service IT consulting company based in Winona, Ben brings a wealth of experience to his role at the college.
Ben holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from Bemidji State University and an associate degree in Information Technology from Western Technical College. He volunteers in the community as an elected official in Milton, WI; a founding board member of the Cochrane Fountain Youth Athletic Association; and as a Winona Chamber of Commerce board member.