IT Security Skills Achievement Award

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Program Available at:

  • Brookhaven
  • El Centro

This program closed effective September 1, 2023.

For more information, visit the Dallas College Computer Information Technology webpage and your academic advisor at your campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Computer Information Networking Security Awards. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn the IT Security Skills Achievement Award. Courses from this certificate may apply to the related A.A.S. degree. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

This award is designed to provide an introductory background for students interested in learning about protecting information systems and networks from security threats. Security terminology and theory, administrative controls, protection from viruses, firewall design, and incident postmortem reporting is introduced. The award also provides preparatory training for those wishing to take the Security+ certification exam. Courses that complete the certificate are noted below.

Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites.


Catalog Year       2021-2022   You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type       Skills Achievement Award

GPA Requirement       Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI       May be Exempt


SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 12 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

PREREQUISITE

Basic understanding of personal computer and operating systems as obtained in ITSC 1401 or BCIS 1405 or COSC 1301 or equivalent experience approved by designated Information Technology personnel.

SEMESTER 1

ITSY 1400 Fundamentals of Information Security

ITSY 1442 Information Technology Security

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • ITSY 2400 Operating System Security This course is the capstone experience for this award. OR
  • ITSY 2401 Firewalls and Network Security This course is the capstone experience for this award.

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
  2. Meet with a career advisor or coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing and for assistance in preparing for job search.
  3. Meet with your advisor to apply for the IT Security Skills Achievement Award.

Total Hours: 12

PATHWAY TOTAL: 12 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS​