Cybersecurity, Certificate of Proficiency

This program provides the foundation courses to prepare IT students to apply for entry level information assurance/security technician/practitioners positions that support planning, implementing, upgrading, and monitoring security measures for the protection of computer networks and information systems. Students, through in-depth theory and extensive hands-on activities, will develop skills to ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure, and will develop skills to respond to computer security breaches and viruses. Includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; cryptography; security system design; applicable law and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting.

Pre-employment background screening is required for any candidate seeking employment in the cybersecurity field.

To be successful, persons interested in the program should possess a strong foundation in computer hardware/software troubleshooting skills, equivalent to the CompTIA A+ certification.

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES. 

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

At the completion of the program, students are expected to:

1. design cybersecurity solutions with current industry standards.
2. communicate as a team to design and develop cybersecurity technologies.
3. use cybersecurity methodologies to develop a business continuity plan.
4. use current digital forensics tools.
5. employ methodologies for data validation and subsequent responses consistent with secure coding principles.
6. use permissions to control and secure access to files.
7. employ operating system logging services for auditing purposes.
8. explain how to secure data as it is traveling across the network.
9. use networking tools.
10. explain effective business continuity plans.

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on our website: https://stlcc.edu/programs-academics/missouri-civics-exam.aspx.