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Computer and IT Security Associate Degree Program

Network security is a problem that almost every company faces, yet there are only a handful of two-year colleges nationwide that address this issue, and none in Massachusetts until now.

The biggest asset a company has is its data. The data must not be compromised, stolen, changed, or intruded upon. Graduates of this program will be prepared to assess a company's risk, document security procedures, implement those procedures, and check for security breaches in the system.

Computer security is known to be a very fast-growing field; currently there are too few professionals to fill the positions available. The shortage of information assurance professionals in the federal government alone is projected to exceed 37,000 within the next six years. Graduates with associate degrees can be hired as entry-level Internet, security, network, systems or support administrators or specialists, and are prepared to integrate new security skills into their responsibilities, and serve in corporate security teams.

Courses in this new degree option include topics such as access, control systems, network security concepts (media, LAN topologies and access methods, protocols, standards, threats and controls), cryptography, operations security, and security management.

Computer and IT Security Program Goals

The Computer Information Technologies Program will produce graduates who:

1. Understand Computer Information Technology concepts in the context of real-world problems.
2. Have the ability to protect desktops and servers from malicious threats.
3. Demonstrate a proficiency in both Windows and Linux/Unix Operating Systems.
4. Are able to configure and protect Network infrastructure.
5. Can communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
6. Can conduct research from a variety of sources.

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Notes:

Students having certain professional IT certifications may be able to receive college credit for one or more courses in this program. For information, please see IT Certificaton pages and your academic advisor.

Upon the successful completion of requirements for this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Computer Information Technologies will be awarded.

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