Welcome to Career Corner, a regular feature in Cougar News which highlights workforce programs at Collin College. Today, we are looking at Information Systems Cybersecurity.
Cybercrime is on the rise and can impact every business and industry. You can keep important information safe and secure your future with an associate degree in cybersecurity. According to William Whitney III, professor of cybersecurity, Collin College’s Information Systems Cybersecurity program is unique because of the way in which students learn.
“We do not just teach the theory of cybersecurity; we provide real-world, hands-on tasks that you might see in a business environment,” Whitney said. “Our instructors work or have worked in the industry and use up-to-date training and scenarios to prepare students for the workplace. If students are looking to find a career that pays well, has many positions available, and will be around for many years to come, then they should entertain the Information Systems Cybersecurity program.”
Career Facts
Information Security Analyst
- Average Salary: $110,900*
- 40% growth*
Student Lorenzo Lara said he has learned much more than cybersecurity in this program.
“I’ve learned the ins and outs of the whole IT industry,” Lara said. From hardware in IT to essentials to configuring routers in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), I now have crucial knowledge that will bring me more success in cybersecurity.
Lara adds that not only is cybersecurity a great career field, but it is also a lot of fun.
“You’ll learn great things about your computer that you never knew before,” Lara said. “We also have a great community at Collin College such as our cybersecurity club. If you’re a fan of using computers, fixing computers, or hacking computers, this could definitely be for you.”
Both Lara and fellow student Francisco Javier Leon Arosemena said they were surprised at the affordability of the cybersecurity classes at the college.
Arosemena is also impressed with the flexibility of the program.
“Most of the classes after the first year are in the evenings, so students that work during the day can also attend,” Arosemena said. “The courses prepare you for some of the most well-known industry certifications. I was able to get my CCNA certification on my first try after taking the CCNA classes at Collin College.”
Information Systems Cybersecurity coursework includes preparation for:
- CompTIA Certifications
- Microsoft Certifications
- Cisco Certifications
- ISC2 Certifications
Program Options
Associate of Applied Science (60 credit hours)
Certificate Level 1 – CISSP Information Systems Cybersecurity Professional (17 credit hours)
Certificate Level 1 – Information Systems Cybersecurity (33-35 credit hours)
Coming Soon:
Continue your education at Collin College and earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree in Cybersecurity. Classes start spring 2020. Students must earn a two-year degree in an information security field to enroll.
For more information, visit http://www.collin.edu/department/cybersecurity/index.html or email workforce-programs@collin.edu.
For more information about workforce programs, check out the information sheets at http://www.collin.edu/academics/info/ or visit http://www.collin.edu/academics/index.html.
* Job growth projected from 2019-2025. Data obtained from JobsEQ (Collin County), O*NET,
and Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas.
Note: The earning potential for employees with certifications and associate of applied science
degrees may exceed the average salary