Earn your degree in Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense at The College of Westchester
Step Into a Career Where You’re Truly Needed
Cyberattacks now occur every 39 seconds and businesses worldwide face daily threats that put sensitive data, jobs, and even critical infrastructure at risk. Industry reports show hundreds of thousands of cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled in the U.S. alone (NCSES, 2024), creating a massive demand for professionals who can prevent, detect, and respond to these attacks.
By earning your degree in Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense at The College of Westchester, you can build the skills to step into this high-demand field and make a positive impact. From protecting personal information to defending entire organizations, you will have the opportunity to help safeguard communities and shape the future of digital security.
- Sep 29th, 2025Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense (AAS): Evening Classes The College of Westchester - White Plains, NY Campus 325 Central Avenue White Plains New York United States 10606 Earn your AAS in Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense at The College of Westchester. Prepare for in-demand jobs like Cybersecurity Analyst or Network Security Specialist.https://www.cw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AdobeStock_250695137.jpegThe College of Westchester
- Sep 29th, 2025Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense (AAS): Online Classes The College of Westchester - White Plains, NY Campus 325 Central Avenue White Plains New York United States 10606 Earn your AAS in Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense at The College of Westchester. Prepare for in-demand jobs like Cybersecurity Analyst or Network Security Specialist.https://www.cw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AdobeStock_250695137.jpegThe College of Westchester
- Jan 14th, 2026Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense (AAS): Day Classes The College of Westchester - White Plains, NY Campus 325 Central Avenue White Plains New York United States 10606 Earn your AAS in Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense at The College of Westchester. Prepare for in-demand jobs like Cybersecurity Analyst or Network Security Specialist.https://www.cw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AdobeStock_250695137.jpegThe College of Westchester
The best way to see if the The College of Westchester is the right fit for you is to attend an online or in-person information session. You’ll get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the CW community. Schedule an information session now or Get more info.
Gain Job-Ready Skills with an AAS in Cybersecurity & Defense
With an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Science in Cybersecurity & Defense from The College of Westchester, you can build the skills to analyze problems, apply cybersecurity tools, and protect information systems; skills that employers need right now.
Cybersecurity & Defense AAS with Transfer Pathways to a Bachelor’s
Your degree can also be a first step toward a bachelor’s: CW offers seamless transfer pathways for those who want to continue into advanced study, including our own Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity.
CYBERSECURITY CENTER @ CW »
Program Learning Objectives
- Develop computing programs and protocols to solve cybersecurity-related problems.
- Apply information technology principles and tools to provide solutions to cybersecurity-related issues.
- Evaluate the legal and ethical environment for cybersecurity applications and make informed decisions.
- Define the concepts of and perform necessary tasks to ensure confidentiality, availability, and integrity of network resources as they relate to information security.
Is a Career in Cybersecurity Right for You? Take the CW “Cybersecurity College and Career Readiness Quiz”
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Online College and Career Readiness Score Now >>
Cybersecurity Courses
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NET108 | Computer Forensics » | 3 |
| The expansion of the Internet and the increased use of computers have amplified the risk of technology being used to commit crimes and/or crimes being recorded on electronic devices. Because of this, a skilled computer forensics expert is needed to investigate criminal and civil cases. This course is an introduction to computer forensics. Digital media, past and current operating systems, and computer hardware will be examined. Forensics software tools will be used to identify, collect, examine and preserve evidence/information which is magnetically stored or encoded on computer devices.
Number: NET108 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET125 | Cisco Networking Basics » | 3 |
| This course provides students with a basic understanding of the way networks operate. Students will learn about network components and their functions, as well as how a network is structured, and the architectures used to create networks, including the internet. Students will be able to build local area networks (LANs), configure basic settings on routers and switches, and implement internet protocol (IP). This is the first course of a three course Cisco Academy program that aligns to the CCNA certification exam.
Prerequisites: CIS106 or permission of Chair Number: NET125 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET145 | Linux Administration » | 3 |
| This course presents an overview of various Linux operating systems used by information technology (IT) professionals. Students will install, configure, and troubleshoot the Linux operating system, both on-premises and cloud-based server environments. Security best practices, scripting, containerization, and automation will also be covered. This course aligns to the CompTIA Linux+ certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET125 or permission to waive Number: NET145 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET151 | Windows Server Administration » | 3 |
| This course presents an overview of the Windows operating system used as a server in on-premises and cloud environments. Students will install, configure, and manage Windows Servers and workloads in a hybrid environment; manage virtual machines and containers; implement and manage an on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure; and manage storage and file services. This course aligns to first of two Microsoft certification exams for the Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification.
Prerequisites: CIS106 or permission of Chair Number: NET151 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET163 | Cisco Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials » | 3 |
| This course is a continuation of the Cisco Academy Program.
This course advances one’s knowledge of the operation of routers and switches in small-to-medium business networks and includes wireless local area networks (WLANs) and security concepts. Students learn key switching and routing concepts. They can perform basic network configuration and troubleshooting, identify and mitigate LAN security threats, and configure and secure a basic WLAN. This is the second of a three course Cisco Academy program that aligns to the CCNA certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET125 Number: NET163 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET265 | Cisco Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation » | 3 |
| This course describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. This course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access. ENSA also introduces software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks. Students gain skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks and learn to identify and protect against cybersecurity threats. They are introduced to network management tools and learn key concepts of software-defined networking, including controller-based architectures and how application programming interfaces (APIs) enable network automation. This is the third course of a three-course Cisco Academy program that aligns to the CCNA certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET163 Number: NET265 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| NET283 | Network Security » | 3 |
| This course is designed to help students gain the skills and knowledge in general security concepts, communication security, infrastructure security, basics of cryptography and operational/organizational security. This course is aligned to the CompTIA “Security+” certification exam.
Prerequisites: NET125 or permission of Chair Number: NET283 Credits: 3.00 Type: Network Administration |
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| CIS106 | IT Essentials » | 3 |
| This course helps build the foundational technology skill set needed to confidently and safely engage in the digital world. Students will explore the beginnings of a diverse range of technology concepts and career paths, from building computers to computer programming, from secure Internet browsing to building databases. This course focuses on the essential technology skills and knowledge used daily by skilled technology users both in- and outside of the IT industry. This course can also help prepare students for the CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) certification examination and for a solid foundation as a tech-fluent technology user.
Number: CIS106 Credits: 3.00 Type:Computer Information Systems |
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| CIS176 | Cybersecurity Essentials » | 3 |
| In this course, students will learn vital skills like threat intelligence, network security, and risk management to protect themselves and organizations from cyber-attacks. This Cybersecurity Essentials course helps prepare students for the entry-level Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification and entry-level cybersecurity positions such as Cybersecurity Technician, Junior Cybersecurity Analyst, or Tier 1 Help Desk Support roles.
Number: CIS176 Credits: 3.00 Type:Computer Information Systems |
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| CIS240 | Cyber Defense » | 3 |
| This course is designed to help students gain the skills and knowledge to become cybersecurity analysts. Students will apply behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect, and combat cybersecurity threats through continuous security monitoring. This course aligns to the CompTIA CySA+ certification exam
Prerequisites: NET125 or permission of Chair Number: CIS240 Credits: 3.00 Type:Computer Information Systems |
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| CIS260 | Cyber Threat Management » | 3 |
| This course explores governance in cybersecurity and threat management. Students will learn to develop policies and ensure organizations comply with ethical standards and legal and regulatory frameworks. Students will also gain skills for managing threats, such as how to assess a network for vulnerabilities, manage risks, and respond to security incidents.
Prerequisites: CIS240 Number: CIS260 Credits: 3.00 Type:Computer Information Systems |
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| Total Major-Related Credits | 33 | |
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN105 | Transformative Learning » | 3 |
| This course will introduce students to the value of change, personal growth, and transformation. Students will engage in activities designed to stimulate reflective thinking, create a positive personal outlook, and foster “behaviors of success.”
Number: GEN105 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN108 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence » | 3 |
| This course provides an overview of the fundamental concepts in Artificial Intelligence (AI). It introduces students to the history of AI, its applications, and its future. The course will cover topics such as problem-solving, knowledge representation, planning, machine learning, and ethical considerations in AI. No prior knowledge of AI is required
Number: GEN108 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
||
| GEN125 | English Composition I » | 3 |
| In this course, students develop their reading comprehension and written communication skills. Different styles of writing are examined as students develop writing proficiency through practice in planning, outlining, drafting, revising and editing. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division,
the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: Proficiency Examination and/or ACE108. Number: GEN125 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
||
| GEN127 | English Composition II » | 3 |
| This course builds on skills developed in English Composition I by presenting additional writing styles and helping students further refine their writing skills. Research skills and MLA documentation are also introduced. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division, the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: GEN125 or permission to waive Number: GEN127 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN129 | Essentials of Public Speaking » | 3 |
| Communication skills require good speech habits. Therefore, this course covers organization of thoughts, voice control, diction and presentation of ideas to a variety of audiences. The art of listening is also studied. Emphasis will be placed on a series of oral presentations in order to acquire and reinforce these skills.
Number: GEN129 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN151 | College Algebra » | 3 |
| Topics include the fundamentals of algebra: the rules of numbers, equations, negative numbers and integers, fractions and rational numbers, exponents, inequalities, graphs, and linear equations. Emphasis will be placed on word problems and business applications.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106 or permission to waive Number: GEN151 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN157 | Statistics » | 3 |
| This course offers an introduction to basic statistical theory and application. Topics to be discussed in detail include: sampling procedures; finding mean, median and mode; finding the variance and standard deviation; graphing histograms and bell curves. This course also illustrates how statistics are used in the business world as well as in the media and the benefits and drawbacks of statistical information.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106 or permission to waive. Number: GEN157 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN250 | Ethics and Professionalism » | 3 |
| This course will introduce the student to the moral principles and standards that guide behavior in today’s complex society and business. The definition and application of moral philosophies are used to explore ethical decision-making using a case study approach. Economic, legal, and social dimensions are explored along with interpersonal relationships and the development of morality within individual thinking.
Number: GEN250 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| Total General Education Credits | 24 | |
| Electives | ||
| General Education Elective (1) | 3 | |
| Open Electives (2) Credits | 6 | |
| Total Elective Credits | 9 | |
66 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
Is a Rewarding Career as a Cybersecurity & Defense Right For You? Get More Info…
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*Program length when completed in normal time.