Cybersecurity

Protect businesses and other institutions that use electronic commerce from malicious cyber-attacks and data theft. Learn best practices for securing environments and for ethical hacking.

The Cybersecurity Certificate takes three semesters, and you gain the following skills:

What can you do with a Cybersecurity Certificate?

The Certificate in Cybersecurity prepares you to start work in cybersecurity, IT operations or related computer fields.

Expand your skillset with stackable certificates

The 36 college credits you earn with your certificate in cybersecurity can all apply to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) (63-65 credits). This certificate can also be earned along the way as you complete your A.A.S. with the specialty option of Network Administration and Cybersecurity. That’s one way to stack this certificate toward another credential.

You can also earn a second certificate, upgrading or expanding your skillset. Choose a certificate combination specific to your interests or how you want to develop your career. Choose from these other certificates:

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Clinical Data Managers

Salary Levels

Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties. Annual Wages Hourly Wages Entry-Level $63,577 Median $111,498 Senior-Level $180,352

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Entry-Level $30.56 Median $53.60 Senior-Level $86.70

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Top entry-level education

Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career. Associate Degree 5% Bachelor's Degree 90% Master's Degree 5%

Computer Network Architects

Salary Levels

Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties. Annual Wages Hourly Wages Entry-Level $90,425 Median $140,396 Senior-Level $196,237

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Entry-Level $43.47 Median $67.50 Senior-Level $94.34

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Top entry-level education

Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career. Some college 4.55% Associate Degree 4.55% Bachelor's Degree 45.46% Master's Degree 45.45%

Data Warehousing Specialists

Salary Levels

Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties. Annual Wages Hourly Wages Entry-Level $54,246 Median $132,635 Senior-Level $183,218

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Entry-Level $26.07 Median $63.76 Senior-Level $88.08

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Top entry-level education

Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career. High school diploma or less 4.35% Certificate 4.35% Some college 4.35% Associate Degree 4.35% Bachelor's Degree 78.26% Master's Degree 4.35%

Database Administrators

Salary Levels

Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties. Annual Wages Hourly Wages Entry-Level $52,840 Median $101,615 Senior-Level $187,069

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Entry-Level $25.40 Median $48.85 Senior-Level $89.94

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Top entry-level education

Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career. Certificate 0.15% Some college 2.21% Associate Degree 3.46% Bachelor's Degree 92.89% Master's Degree 1.29%

Database Architects

Salary Levels

Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties. Annual Wages Hourly Wages Entry-Level $54,246 Median $132,635 Senior-Level $183,218

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Entry-Level $26.07 Median $63.76 Senior-Level $88.08

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Top entry-level education

Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career. Certificate 4.76% Bachelor's Degree 80.95% Master's Degree 14.29%

Information Security Analysts

Salary Levels

Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties. Annual Wages Hourly Wages Entry-Level $69,722 Median $120,338 Senior-Level $181,940

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Entry-Level $33.52 Median $57.85 Senior-Level $87.46

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Top entry-level education

Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career. Certificate 7.16% Some college 2.01% Associate Degree 12.87% Bachelor's Degree 75.16% Master's Degree 2.8%

Information Technology Project Managers

Salary Levels

Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties. Annual Wages Hourly Wages Entry-Level $52,677 Median $112,361 Senior-Level $166,479

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Entry-Level $25.32 Median $54.01 Senior-Level $80.03

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Top entry-level education

Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career. Certificate 9.52% Associate Degree 23.81% Bachelor's Degree 57.15% Master's Degree 9.52%

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

Semester 1 15 Credits

Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
CLC 120 College Success Seminar

CLC 120 College Success Seminar

Class Description

This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.

CIT 131 Windows Operating System

Class Description

This course covers the essential elements of the latest Client Windows Operating System. Specific features along with general concepts of the Windows operating system will be addressed. System optimization, memory management, installation, and software/hardware management will be an integral part of this course. The course material is aligned to the content of the Microsoft certification exam (MD-100) although this course is not specifically focused on preparing for the MD-100 exam. The MD-100 exam is one part of the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate industry certification. Additional topics for the certification exam are covered in CIT 157.

CIT 132 Linux Operating System

Class Description

This course introduces students to the Linux operating system and the skills they need to effectively use and administer the Linux operating system. The course includes Linux installation and configuration, shell commands and scripts, Linux file system and processes management, basic system administration tasks, network configuration and services, and security. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the Linux command-line environment, utilities, applications, network configuration and services, security and troubleshooting, as well as the graphical X Window environment. Students completing this course may work towards the CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1: Linux Administrator industry certifications. This course was previously titled CIS 117 – Linux Operating System and before that was titled CIS 115 – PC Operating Systems, Linux OS topic.

CIT 139 CCNA I: Introduction to Networks

Class Description

This course covers the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and basic network operations are introduced. Students will build simple local area networks, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. This is the first of the three courses sequence to prepare for CCNA industry certification. Recommended: CIT 120

CIT 142 Programming in Python

Class Description

This course covers basic to intermediate level programming concepts and problem-solving skills in Python language. Contents include the fundamentals of data storage, input and output, control structures, functions, sequences and lists, file I/O, and objects that are created from standard library classes and users. Students will design, implement, and debug object-oriented Python programs, including simple event-driven Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications.

Course Code CLC 120
Course Title College Success Seminar

CLC 120 College Success Seminar

Class Description

This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.

Course Code CIT 131
Course Title Windows Operating System

CIT 131 Windows Operating System

Class Description

This course covers the essential elements of the latest Client Windows Operating System. Specific features along with general concepts of the Windows operating system will be addressed. System optimization, memory management, installation, and software/hardware management will be an integral part of this course. The course material is aligned to the content of the Microsoft certification exam (MD-100) although this course is not specifically focused on preparing for the MD-100 exam. The MD-100 exam is one part of the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate industry certification. Additional topics for the certification exam are covered in CIT 157.

Course Code CIT 132
Course Title Linux Operating System

CIT 132 Linux Operating System

Class Description

This course introduces students to the Linux operating system and the skills they need to effectively use and administer the Linux operating system. The course includes Linux installation and configuration, shell commands and scripts, Linux file system and processes management, basic system administration tasks, network configuration and services, and security. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the Linux command-line environment, utilities, applications, network configuration and services, security and troubleshooting, as well as the graphical X Window environment. Students completing this course may work towards the CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1: Linux Administrator industry certifications. This course was previously titled CIS 117 – Linux Operating System and before that was titled CIS 115 – PC Operating Systems, Linux OS topic.

Course Code CIT 139
Course Title CCNA I: Introduction to Networks

CIT 139 CCNA I: Introduction to Networks

Class Description

This course covers the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and basic network operations are introduced. Students will build simple local area networks, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. This is the first of the three courses sequence to prepare for CCNA industry certification. Recommended: CIT 120

Course Code CIT 142
Course Title Programming in Python

CIT 142 Programming in Python

Class Description

This course covers basic to intermediate level programming concepts and problem-solving skills in Python language. Contents include the fundamentals of data storage, input and output, control structures, functions, sequences and lists, file I/O, and objects that are created from standard library classes and users. Students will design, implement, and debug object-oriented Python programs, including simple event-driven Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications.

Semester 2 12 Credits

Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
CIT 133 Network Automation

CIT 133 Network Automation

Class Description

This course introduces students to basic shell scripting concepts used in automating administrative tasks in the Windows and Linux operating systems. Students will learn how to run commands in the command-line interface, write and debug scripts, handle errors, employ script parameters, and establish script security.

CIT 151 Windows Server Administration

Class Description

This course covers the implementation, management, maintenance, and provisioning services essential to the administration of Windows Server across multiple network infrastructure platforms. Major topics include installing and configuring servers, configuring server roles and features, administering print, storage and network services, configuring and managing server and group policies, implementing business continuity and disaster recovery, including managing high availability server configurations. Students will develop skills to qualify for a position as a network systems administrator or a computer support specialist.

CIT 152 Network Security Fundamentals

Class Description

This course is designed for administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day administration and security of Microsoft Windows. Students should have general knowledge of networking concepts and Windows OS to be successful in this course. This course will prepare the student for Security+ certification.

CIT 162 Ethical Hacking

Class Description

This course is designed for students that want to be IT security professionals by understanding and exploring weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems. This course covers knowledge and tools used by a malicious hacker but the skills will be used in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of target systems. Students will be prepared for the exam to earn the Certified Ethical Hacking (C|EH) credential.

Course Code CIT 133
Course Title Network Automation

CIT 133 Network Automation

Class Description

This course introduces students to basic shell scripting concepts used in automating administrative tasks in the Windows and Linux operating systems. Students will learn how to run commands in the command-line interface, write and debug scripts, handle errors, employ script parameters, and establish script security.

Course Code CIT 151
Course Title Windows Server Administration

CIT 151 Windows Server Administration

Class Description

This course covers the implementation, management, maintenance, and provisioning services essential to the administration of Windows Server across multiple network infrastructure platforms. Major topics include installing and configuring servers, configuring server roles and features, administering print, storage and network services, configuring and managing server and group policies, implementing business continuity and disaster recovery, including managing high availability server configurations. Students will develop skills to qualify for a position as a network systems administrator or a computer support specialist.

Course Code CIT 152
Course Title Network Security Fundamentals

CIT 152 Network Security Fundamentals

Class Description

This course is designed for administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day administration and security of Microsoft Windows. Students should have general knowledge of networking concepts and Windows OS to be successful in this course. This course will prepare the student for Security+ certification.

Course Code CIT 162
Course Title Ethical Hacking

CIT 162 Ethical Hacking

Class Description

This course is designed for students that want to be IT security professionals by understanding and exploring weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems. This course covers knowledge and tools used by a malicious hacker but the skills will be used in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of target systems. Students will be prepared for the exam to earn the Certified Ethical Hacking (C|EH) credential.

Semester 3 9 Credits

Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
CIT 252 Hardening the Infrastructure

CIT 252 Hardening the Infrastructure

Class Description

This course provides students with hands-on experience in hardening a variety of networking systems. Topics include Linux and Windows operating systems, routers, wireless networks, auditing and contingency planning. This is one of the courses in a two-course series to prepare students for the industry-recognized Security Certified Network Professional Certification (SCNP).

CIT 253 Network Defense and Countermeasures

Class Description

In this Cybersecurity capstone course students will use the knowledge from previous courses to design a secure network infrastructure as a member of a project team. Topics introduced in this course will include managing and installing firewalls, implementing IPSec and VPNs, designing intrusion detection systems, routing fundamentals including the use of ACL’s, and the fundamentals of wireless network infrastructures. This course provides students with the practical skills necessary to enhance their network security background and prepare for associate-level Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops Certification.

CIT 261 Cybersecurity Analyst

Class Description

This course is designed for students in the IT security field that are looking to gain skills in the security analyst area. Students will be able to perform data analysis and interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities, threats and risks to an organization. Additionally, students will be able to configure and use threat-detection tools as well as secure and protect applications and systems within an organization. This course offers behavioral analytics skills to identify and combat malware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), resulting in enhanced threat visibility across a broad attack surface. Students will be prepared for the CompTia Cybersecurity Analyst certification.

Course Code CIT 252
Course Title Hardening the Infrastructure

CIT 252 Hardening the Infrastructure

Class Description

This course provides students with hands-on experience in hardening a variety of networking systems. Topics include Linux and Windows operating systems, routers, wireless networks, auditing and contingency planning. This is one of the courses in a two-course series to prepare students for the industry-recognized Security Certified Network Professional Certification (SCNP).

Course Code CIT 253
Course Title Network Defense and Countermeasures

CIT 253 Network Defense and Countermeasures

Class Description

In this Cybersecurity capstone course students will use the knowledge from previous courses to design a secure network infrastructure as a member of a project team. Topics introduced in this course will include managing and installing firewalls, implementing IPSec and VPNs, designing intrusion detection systems, routing fundamentals including the use of ACL’s, and the fundamentals of wireless network infrastructures. This course provides students with the practical skills necessary to enhance their network security background and prepare for associate-level Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops Certification.

Course Code CIT 261
Course Title Cybersecurity Analyst

CIT 261 Cybersecurity Analyst

Class Description

This course is designed for students in the IT security field that are looking to gain skills in the security analyst area. Students will be able to perform data analysis and interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities, threats and risks to an organization. Additionally, students will be able to configure and use threat-detection tools as well as secure and protect applications and systems within an organization. This course offers behavioral analytics skills to identify and combat malware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), resulting in enhanced threat visibility across a broad attack surface. Students will be prepared for the CompTia Cybersecurity Analyst certification.

Total Credit Hours

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.