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Cybersecurity Pathway
Click on the cybersecurity pathway to see the recommended quarter-by-quarter classes and other recommendations.
This pathway assumes:
- You will be a full-time student.
- You will start in the fall.
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level classes.
If not, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make adjustments. Talk with your advisor to customize your plan.
The CIS program strongly recommends placement into MATH 94 and ENGL 95 or above prior to beginning CIS courses.
To remain in the program, you must maintain at least a C (2.0) grade in all CIS courses and demonstrate professional work behavior exhibited through class attendance, punctuality, and timely completion of class assignments. If you are intending to transfer to Western Washington University's cybersecurity bachelor of applied science degree program, you must complete Whatcom's cybersecurity AAS-T degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
CYBERSECURITY, ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE - TRANSFER (AAS-T) (91 CREDITS)
WCC's cybersecurity (AAS-T) program prepares you to transfer to four-year degree programs at certain colleges and universities in a variety of high-demand security-related fields including cybersecurity, computer information systems security, computer forensics, information assurance, information security engineering, and information security analysis. If you have prior experience, you are encouraged to meet with your advisor for placement in the program.
Talk with your advisor about adapting this course sequence for your individual goals.
Click here to download a fillable, printable planning worksheet.
Quarter 1
CIS 105 Computer Operating Systems I (4 credits)
| Description | Introduces the fundamentals of computer operating systems including history, evolution and design, as well as support, maintenance and troubleshooting. Lab work included. Recommended preparation: CIS 100 or equivalent. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
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MATH& 141 Precalculus I (5 credits)
| Description | The basic properties and graphs of functions and inverses of functions, operations on functions, compositions; various specific functions and their properties including polynomial, absolute value, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; applications of various functions; conics. A graphing calculator is required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 099 or MATH 132 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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EDPL 100 College Success (2 credits)
| Description | Designed for students new to the college environment. Introduction to college services; study skills and time management; educational planning and career exploration; and skills necessary to become a successful student. Lectures, small group discussion, and experiential exercises. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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Total credits this quarter: 14-16
Course note: You must complete CIS 105 with a C (2.0) grade or better before enrolling in the CIS core courses.
Course note: If you're not ready for MATH& 141, start the math sequence leading to it.
Course note: EDPL 100 is optional. This course is really helpful if you don't have much college experience.
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
Quarter 2
CIS 106 Open Source Operating Systems (5 credits)
| Description | Fundamental management of open source systems from the command line, user administration, file permissions, software configuration and management of clients. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 105 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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CS& 141 Computer Science I Java (5 credits)
| Description | This course provides an introduction to computer programming with Java. It covers computer architecture, machine instruction processing, basic data types, program control structures, functional decomposition, classes, and fundamental data structures. Recommended for math, science, engineering, computer science, and software development majors. CS 101 recommended. (MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 099 |
| Course Attributes |
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MATH& 142 Precalculus II (5 credits)
| Description | Second in a two-course sequence designed to prepare students for the study of Calculus. Intended for students planning to major in math and/or science. Course to include right triangle trigonometry; trigonometric functions and their graphs; trigonometric identities and formulae;applications of trigonometry; parametric equations; and polar coordinates. A graphing calculator is required. A graphing calculator is required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 141 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Compare the different cybersecurity majors at universities you're interested in. What's your career focus?
Quarter 3
CIS 110 Introduction to Computer Security (3 credits)
| Description | Basics of computer security, including identifying threats, planning for business continuity, and preparing for various security attacks. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 105 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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CIS 116 VIrtualization (3 credits)
| Description | Implementing virtualization techniques and technologies. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 105 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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CIS 236 Cisco Networking I (5 credits)
| Description | First in the three quarter networking sequence. This course introduces the fundamentals of networking, including introduction to the OSI andTCP/IP network models, and IP addressing and sub-netting. Other topics include: network design, topologies, protocols, wiring, network devices, and network security fundamentals. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 105 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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MATH& 151 Calculus I (5 credits)
| Description | This course looks at the study of functions, limits, continuity, limits at infinity, differentiation of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their inverses, and applications. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 133 or MATH& 142 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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Total credits this quarter: 16
Career exploration: Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
Career exploration: Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action item: Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Quarter 4
CIS 214 Network Security I (5 credits)
| Description | Network security fundamentals including defining a security policy, attack methods, intrusion detection, firewalls, identifying risks, and securing networks. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 106, CIS 110, CIS 116 and CIS 226 or CIS 236 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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CIS 237 Cisco Networking II (6 credits)
| Description | Topics include: LAN Switching, routing and wireless communication, configuring, verifying, troubleshooting VLANs, inter-VLAN routing, DHCP, routing and switching redundancy, STP, and trunking on Cisco devices. Students will learn to configure wireless networks and common implementation issues. Students will gain hands on experience in the lab. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 236 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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CS 145 Computer Science II (5 credits)
| Description | This course is a continuation of CS&141. Teaches the fundamentals of computer programming. Covers searching and sorting, object oriented design, error handling, file input and output, event based programming, bitwise operators, multithreaded and network programming. Recommended for math, science, engineering, computer science, and software development majors. (MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CS& 141 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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Total credits this quarter: 16
Career exploration: Listen to podcasts about cybersecurity or the kind of cybersecurity career you're aiming for.
Action item: Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
Action item: Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5
CIS 104 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Uas) Piloting (3 credits)
| Description | This course will teach students about how to pilot an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and proper safety guidelines. Students will learn applicable regulations relating to small UAS rating privileges, limitations, flight operation and more. Completion of MATH 98 with a minimum grade of C recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL& 101 with minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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CIS 215 Network Security II (5 credits)
| Description | This course is a continuation of network security I, with added emphasis on defense in depth. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 214 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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CIS 238 Cisco Networking III (6 credits)
| Description | Topics include: WAN technologies, quality of service, network security, network management and automation. WAN security concepts are discussed in detail, including types of threats, how to analyze network vulnerabilities, and general methods for mitigating common security threats. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 237 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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BIOL& 221 Majors Ecology/Evolution (5 credits)
| Description | This course is designed to prepare the student for further studies inthe field of biology or related fields. Basic information about evolution, genetics, biodiversity of life forms, and ecology will be taught and assessed. This is the first in a three-quarter sequence for biology majors. (MSwl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 161 and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
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or BUS& 201 Business Law (5 credits )
| Description | Principles of law as they apply to business, including history, contracts, law of agencies, rights and duties of employer and employee, negotiable instruments, insurance, personal property, bailments, conditional sales, partnerships, corporations, real property and security relations. Recommended preparation: BUS& 101. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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or CHEM& 161 General Chemistry With Lab I (5 credits )
| Description | First of a three-course sequence designed for science, engineering, and other majors needing a full year general chemistry sequence. Covers basic principles of modern chemistry, structure of atoms, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, bonding, and molecular geometry. Lab work included. Recommended preparation CHEM& 121 or one year of High School Chemistry. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 141 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
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or PHIL 130 Introduction to Ethics (5 credits )
| Description | An ethical examination of contemporary controversial issues such as the nature of liberty, the death penalty, capitalism and communism, abortion, animal rights and environmental ethics. (H) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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or PHYS& 221 Engineering Physics I (5 credits )
| Description | Basic principles of mechanics. Emphasis on critical analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving, forces, energy and momentum conservation, static equilibrium, with an introduction to thermodynamics. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 151 with a minimum grade of C and placement in ENGL& 101; and one college level physics course or a high school physics course. |
| Course Attributes |
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or POLS& 202 American Government (5 credits )
| Description | Outlines the main structure and function of American government. Also deals with politics in theory and in practice emphasizing political concepts, protest and reform movements. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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Total credits this quarter: 19
Action item: Apply to graduate by week 3 of this quarter.
Quarter 6
CIS 205 Computer Operating Systems II (5 credits)
| Description | Advanced study of computer operating systems and platforms. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 105 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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CIS 216 Industrial Control Systems Security (5 credits)
| Description | Securing industrial control systems including identifying risks, configuring devices and protocols, attack methods, and security ICS networks. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 215 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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BIOL& 221 Majors Ecology/Evolution (5 credits)
| Description | This course is designed to prepare the student for further studies inthe field of biology or related fields. Basic information about evolution, genetics, biodiversity of life forms, and ecology will be taught and assessed. This is the first in a three-quarter sequence for biology majors. (MSwl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Prior or concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 161 and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or BUS& 201 Business Law (5 credits )
| Description | Principles of law as they apply to business, including history, contracts, law of agencies, rights and duties of employer and employee, negotiable instruments, insurance, personal property, bailments, conditional sales, partnerships, corporations, real property and security relations. Recommended preparation: BUS& 101. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
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or CHEM& 161 General Chemistry With Lab I (5 credits )
| Description | First of a three-course sequence designed for science, engineering, and other majors needing a full year general chemistry sequence. Covers basic principles of modern chemistry, structure of atoms, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, bonding, and molecular geometry. Lab work included. Recommended preparation CHEM& 121 or one year of High School Chemistry. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 141 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
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or PHIL 130 Introduction to Ethics (5 credits )
| Description | An ethical examination of contemporary controversial issues such as the nature of liberty, the death penalty, capitalism and communism, abortion, animal rights and environmental ethics. (H) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or PHYS& 221 Engineering Physics I (5 credits )
| Description | Basic principles of mechanics. Emphasis on critical analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving, forces, energy and momentum conservation, static equilibrium, with an introduction to thermodynamics. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH& 151 with a minimum grade of C and placement in ENGL& 101; and one college level physics course or a high school physics course. |
| Course Attributes |
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or POLS& 202 American Government (5 credits )
| Description | Outlines the main structure and function of American government. Also deals with politics in theory and in practice emphasizing political concepts, protest and reform movements. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action item: Attend the spring job fair.