As cyber crime evolves, the need to protect sensitive information is more critical than ever. The Blue Ridge cyber security program allows you to choose between network security hardware or a network security application track, addressing the needs of government agencies, organizations, and businesses throughout West Virginia and the D.C. metro region. The curriculum explores risk, threat, and security assessments, and teaches students how to safe guard businesses, develop security policy, and respond to incidents.
Program Overview
Modern technology has made business use of computer technology essential. As technology continues to evolve and progress, there is an emphasis placed on safeguarding an organization’s or a company’s information. The Cyber Security program has been created to address the needs of government agencies, organizations, and the private sector within the local West Virginia community and DC Metro area. The Cyber Security program offers and Associate of Applied Science Degree, incorporating vendor certification training, for students preparing for entry-level employment or advancement in a variety of occupations and courses in Cyber Security.
The program offers students the opportunity to select one of two tracks; Network Security Hardware or Network Security Application. These two tracks will provide the student with the knowledge to enter the Cyber Security workforce and/or transfer to a four-year institution for further undergraduate education. Students will complete hands-on activities that will provide an overview of basic principles and security concepts related to active mitigation of known common threats. The curriculum discusses risk, threat, and security assessments and utilizing them to develop security policy, business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response planning. The program also covers security methods, controls and procedures, ethics, laws, and computer forensics. In addition, the program describes the use of cryptography as a tool, software development processes, and protection. Students will develop an understanding of the information assurance progression and how they can apply this knowledge to support their organization.
Students in the Cyber Security Program are subject to the Community and Technical College’s requirements for admissions, basic skills testing, and appropriate course placement, including mandated remedial courses, which are not counted toward completion of the program. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Catalog requirements regarding academic standards, student conduct, and graduation procedures also apply.
Career Opportunities
The need for cyber security analysts expands into industries from financial services, manufacturing, government agencies, utilities, healthcare, and retail. Student knowledge of security methods, controls and procedures, ethics, laws, and computer forensics makes a Blue Ridge graduate an asset to any workplace. With certifications, an estimated entry-level salary is between $55,000–$84,900.
Note: All salary estimations are based on current position and educational trends. Blue Ridge and The School of Professional Studies and University Transfer cannot guarantee that the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive.
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