Program Description
The Cybersecurity & Data Privacy program prepares students for in-demand roles focused on protecting digital systems, networks, and sensitive information across public, private, and Tribal sectors. The program emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning in areas such as network defense, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cloud security, and data privacy. Students develop a strong foundation in cybersecurity technologies, risk management, and privacy principles, enabling them to analyze threats, implement security controls, and support organizational compliance with evolving laws and regulations. Graduates are prepared to make informed, ethical decisions in securing information systems and are equipped for entry-level cybersecurity roles or advancement within the IT field, while having the opportunity to continue their education toward a four-year degree and earn industry-recognized certifications throughout the program.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the AAS in Cybersecurity & Data Privacy are prepared to pursue a wide range of careers throughout North Dakota and across the United States in a high-demand field focused on protecting information systems, networks, and data across sectors such as Tribal governments, healthcare, finance, education, and critical infrastructure. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Information Security Analysts is projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, with a median annual wage of approximately $112,000, making cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing career fields in the nation. This program provides the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to enter the fields of information technology and cybersecurity, with training in areas such as network defense, ethical hacking, digital forensics, risk management, and cloud security. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Information Security Specialist, Security Management Specialist, SOC Analyst, Penetration and Vulnerability Tester (Pen-Tester), Cybercrime Analyst/Investigator, and IT Security Administrator, with opportunities to advance as they gain experience, earn industry-recognized certifications, and continue their education in advanced cybersecurity programs.
Application Deadlines
Review the TMCC Academic Calendar for registration deadlines for each semester.
Program Courses
Program Required Courses
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Degree Pathway
|
Program of StudyYear One
|
|
Fall Semester
|
Spring Semester
|
|
Course #
|
Course Title
|
Credit
|
Course #
|
Course Title
|
Credit
|
|
CIS 141
|
Introduction to Cyber Security
|
3
|
BOTE 177
|
Job Readiness
|
1
|
|
CIS 162
|
Operating Systems
|
3
|
CIS 165
|
Network Fundamentals II
|
3
|
|
CIS 164
|
Network Fundamentals I
|
3
|
CIS 168
|
Firewalls and Network Security
|
3
|
|
CIS 215
|
Microsoft Windows Server
|
3
|
CIS 223
|
Linux System
|
3
|
|
CIS 219
|
Hardware Repair & Maintenance
|
4
|
CIS 241
|
Introduction to Digital Forensics
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
GEN ED
|
General Education Course |
3 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS
|
16
|
|
TOTAL CREDITS
|
16
|
|
|
|
Program of StudyYear Two
|
|
Fall Semester
|
Spring Semester
|
|
Course #
|
Course Title
|
Credit
|
Course #
|
Course Title
|
Credit
|
|
CIS 243
|
Incident Response & Disaster Recovery
|
3
|
CIS 255
|
Cloud Foundations
|
3
|
|
CIS 245
|
Security Operations Fundamentals
|
3
|
CIS 261
|
Cybersecurity Law & Ethics
|
3
|
|
CIS 270
|
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Configuration
|
3
|
CIS 264
|
Ethical Hacking & Network Defense
|
3
|
|
CSCI 160
|
Computer Science I
|
4
|
CIS 271
|
Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
|
3
|
|
GEN ED
|
General Education Course
|
3
|
CSCI 162
|
Internship
|
2
|
|
GEN ED
|
General Education Course
|
3
|
GEN ED
|
General Education Course
|
3
|
|
|
TOTAL CREDITS
|
19
|
|
TOTAL CREDITS
|
17
|
Total Credits Required: 68
Required General Education Courses
Select 12 credits of General Education courses from the list
| COMM 110 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENGL 110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 120 | College Composition II | 3 |
| HIST | Native American History Elective | 3 |
| HUMM | Humanities Elective | 3 |
| LANG | Language Elective (6) | 6 |
| LANG | Language Elective (6) | 6 |
| MATH 103 | College Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 210 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| SOCI | Social Science Electives | 3 |