Cybersecurity and Network Systems Program Description
Securing data systems is a major ongoing challenge in today's world, and our Cybersecurity and Network Systems degree program can prepare you to enter this exciting and challenging field. There is a growing need for more hands-on experienced professionals.
It is an analyst’s job to fix cyber attack issues to prevent hackers from stealing data or creating havoc within networks. Information security analysts’ responsibilities continue to expand as the number of cyber attacks increase, leading to an increase in the number of professionals needed in the field today. Some of the leading industries for cybersecurity professionals are finance and insurance, information, computer systems and management. Our program prepares students for the numerous career opportunities in such industries demanding cybersecurity analysts.
Students in the program will be exposed to reality-based situations and projects assisted by experienced faculty members. The program will prepare students to be technically proficient in both operating systems and networking technologies by practicing specific disciplines and responsibilities that occur in real companies.
Hocking College offers all-inclusive pricing and works with students to assure they have complete college funding, including financial aid, before they start classes. Please reference the course curriculum tab for program costs.
All-inclusive pricing includes the following:
PER SEMESTER
$300......Learning Fee
$20........Health Center Services
$75........Career Center Services
Not included in the All-Inclusive Pricing
$53......Parking
Pricing for housing and meal plans can be found here.
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+exam will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to install and configure systems to secure applications, networks, and devices; perform threat analysis and respond with appropriate mitigation techniques; participate in risk mitigation activities; and operate with an awareness of applicable policies, laws, and regulations. The successful candidate will perform these tasks to support the principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
CCNA Security certification
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks.
PCEP
Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification shows that the individual is familiar with universal computer programming concepts like data types, containers, functions, conditions, loops, as well as Python programming language syntax, semantics, and the runtime environment.
CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+220-1001 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing and network troubleshooting.
CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ 220-1002 covers installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.
CCNA Cyber Ops Certification
Today's organizations are challenged with rapidly detecting cybersecurity breaches and effectively responding to security incidents. Teams of people in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) keep a vigilant eye on security systems, protecting their organizations by detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats. CCNA Cyber Ops prepares candidates to begin a career working with associate-level cybersecurity analysts within SOCs.
In addition, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) has approved Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops Certification for inclusion in the DoD 8570.01-M for the CCSP Analyst and CCSP Incident Responder categories.
A Career in Cybersecurity and Network Systems Offers a Variety of Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry groups, employment opportunities in networking with a cybersecurity focus are expected to be much better than average for the foreseeable future.
As more companies are moving online, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is rapidly increasing in numerous industries across the United States.
Most computer jobs, especially those with large companies, are found in metropolitan areas, which may require relocation after graduation.
Typically, students would enter the field as a network technician or network operator. After further experience, job titles would include IT security specialist, infosec technician, information security manager, IT security analyst and network security consultant.
Graduates also have the ability to continue their education at a four-year college or university, usually as a junior, through transfer opportunities.
VIEW THE OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE
The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Network Systems major:
- Analyze a problem and develop a logical plan for a solution.
- Design, implement, maintain and troubleshoot a small business network.
- Document network architecture, hardware and software.
- Perform common and administrative tasks on multiple operating platforms.
- Identify and describe the characteristics of protocols used in networking.
- Identify and describe current trends in cybersecurity.
- Install and configure PC-based security software (anti-virus, anti-malware, password management and browser-based).
- Utilize current industry tools to identify, analyze and document network traffic.
- Configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure communication over insecure networks.
- Configure and implement firewalls to protect network infrastructure.
- Install, configure and implement a secure wireless network infrastructure.
- Interact effectively in both technical and non-technical environments.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are statements of what a student will be able to do when they have completed a program. They represent the knowledge and skills a program has determined are most important for students to gain from that program and include both the Success Skills (institutional outcomes) and Program Outcomes. SLOs are specific and measurable so the program can accurately assess the degree to which students have achieved each outcome, and they align with college and institution mission and values. Data on the achievement of SLOs is used to make improvements in the program and increase student success.
Hocking College Institutional Learning Outcomes
1) Demonstrate sound critical thinking, information literacy and technological competency in the production of academic writing and presentations
2) Apply the methods of mathematical, statistical or analytical reasoning to critically evaluate data, solve problems and effectively communicate findings.
3) Demonstrate an awareness of the social, political and economic forces which shape individuals, institutions and communities in the modern world.
4)Understand social justice and the diversities and complexities of the cultural and social world past and present and come to an informed sense of self and others.
5)Demonstrate a foundation of knowledge in the natural sciences based on theory and laboratory skills.
6) Cultivate ethical values, personal wellness and personal learning strategies in the development of the whole person, mind, body and spirit.
7) Integrate content material to application in the workforce and apply discipline specific knowledge and skills to successfully transfer or effectively meet the expectations of internships, workplace, volunteerism and/or entrepreneurship endeavors.
8) Utilize the ethical and professional application of current information technology and tools effectively.
Program Outcomes
The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Network Systems major:
- Analyze a problem and develop a logical plan for a solution.
- Design, implement, maintain and troubleshoot a small business network.
- Document network architecture, hardware and software.
- Perform common and administrative tasks on multiple operating platforms.
- Identify and describe the characteristics of protocols used in networking.
- Identify and describe current trends in cybersecurity.
- Install and configure PC-based security software (anti-virus, anti-malware, password management and browser-based).
- Utilize current industry tools to identify, analyze and document network traffic.
- Configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure communication over insecure networks.
- Configure and implement firewalls to protect network infrastructure.
- Install, configure and implement a secure wireless network infrastructure.
- Interact effectively in both technical and non-technical environments.
Retention Rates
- All registered fall/autumn students with registration status for the following fall/autumn.
- Excludes special populations - College Credit Plus, Non Degree, Online Military and University Center.
Potential for upcoming fall/autumn excludes graduates from that fall/autumn, spring and summer terms.
| Academic Year | Retention Rate |
| 2014 | 65% |
| 2015 | 63% |
| 2016 | 50% |
| 2017 | 45% |
| 2018 | 43% |
Graduation Rates
Graduation rates are determined by the Office of Institutional Research. To ensure appropriate time for data collection, this report will be run and posted annually in the last week of September for the previous academic year. It should be noted that annual graduation rates may change as students continue to graduate. The following criteria will be utilized for the calculation of graduation rates:
- Overall Program Completion Rate is defined as a percentage of the ratio:
All graduates of the program
__________________________________________
All students with the program in their history of programs of study - For the purposes of reporting, the program completion rates are aggregated by academic year of entry.
- A student is considered to have completed or graduated from a program or certificate by virtue of having been awarded the degree or certificate.
- A student is considered to be undertaking activity in a program of study for the duration of time that they are in an active status in a program or certificate. This is defined by having a Program of Study with a status of ‘A’ during the duration of time they are taking coursework. Should a student move in and out of active status in a program of study while continuing to take coursework, we only take into account the student’s activity while the program has an active status for that particular program of study.
| Academic Year | Graduation Rate |
| 2014 | 29% |
| 2015 | 50% |
| 2016 | 20% |
| 2017 | 55% |
In January 2020, Hocking College became one of 35 other secondary schools to be awarded a Choose Ohio First grant.
The grant — worth $65,600 — from the Ohio Department of Higher Education will fund scholarships for students joining the college’s Website and Application Development and Cybersecurity and Networking programs.
The grant allows for one scholarship each worth more than $2,700 for both programs for the next five years.
The scholarships are available to Ohio residents applying or transferring to Hocking College or changing their major to one of the two Computer Sciences programs.
What is the job market for those who graduate from the Cybersecurity and Network Systems program?
What kind of programs do the Cybersecurity and Network Systems class use?
At Hocking College, we use a wide variety of programs and operating systems to become accustomed to the current industry tools. Some programs we use are
You will get experience in Windows-based security tools (Defender, Firewall, etc.) in pursuit of security and testing. We also use simulation environments like Packet Tracer for networking as well as Putty and
What is Cisco?
Cisco is one of the largest technology companies in the U.S. They have also taken on philanthropic work by creating an educational curriculum that is provided through Cisco’s Networking Academy. These courses are geared toward current industry needs and are certification preparation courses that prepare you for relevant industry-recognized certifications. Hocking College offers many courses through Cisco’s Networking Academy.
What certifications will I have received when I complete the program?
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Cisco CCENT Certification
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CompTIA A+ Certification
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CompTIA Security+ Certification
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Cisco CCNA Security Certification
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EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker Certification
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A new Python Certificate created by the Python Institute
What is a typical semester like in the Cybersecurity and Network Systems program?
Your typical semester will consist of courses that involve lectures, group discussions and labs that involve both physical equipment and simulation environments. Your knowledge will be tested through assessments of written and hands-on formats. Along with program courses, you will also have general education courses sprinkled in so that you are prepared for all facets of your potential future career.
What if I want to continue to a four-year degree after completing the Cybersecurity and Network Systems program?
Credits earned at Hocking College will transfer to many four-year institutions. We also have agreements with Akron University for a 2+2 degree and a 3+1 degree with Franklin University. In this agreement, you would be able to complete 3 years at Hocking College and 1 year at Franklin University and will have earned your bachelor's degree.
For more information, please visit the Transfer Resource Center.
