Whatcom Community College
Home MenuIT Networking-Cybersecurity
IT networking - cybersecurity at Whatcom
IT networking - cybersecurity, bachelor of applied science (BAS)
Click here to see the quarter-by-quarter sequence of classes for this pathway.
Whatcom's BAS degree in IT networking - cybersecurity addresses the growing employment gap for qualified IT networking and cybersecurity personnel with enhanced skills in cloud computing, industrial control systems (SCADA), mobile technologies, and web development. The degree is the only one of its kind in the northwest corner of the state and further confirms Whatcom's stature as a regional and national leader in computer information systems and cybersecurity education.
Curriculum aligned with national standards
Whatcom’s BAS degree in IT networking - cybersecurity includes courses infused with security topics and embedded certificates of proficiency in cloud computing, industrial control systems (SCADA), mobile technologies, and web development. The curriculum aligns with specific focus areas defined by the National Security Agency / Department of Homeland Security as part of their Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) program. Additionally, curriculum builds off of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education’s (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Cybersecurity Competency Model; as such, the program helps meet the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
Did you know?
Whatcom is:
- Recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense 2-year education (CAE2Y)
- Named a National Cyberdefense Resource Center by the NSA
- The host institution of two National Science Foundation grants to assist community colleges and universities with cybersecurity education program development and improvement (NCyTE and C5 Colleges)
These designations help our students as they enter the workforce, conveying they graduated from a program nationally recognized for its excellence and alignment to the highest information security standards.
Student activities extend learning beyond the classroom
Students hone their defense tactics through participation in regional and national cyber defense competitions in which network attacks are simulated under increasingly stressful circumstances. The winning team of this annual competition goes on to participate in the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
The student-run help desk is a popular service available to anyone on Whatcom’s campus. Under the direction of CIS/cybersecurity faculty, students diagnose, troubleshoot and problem-solve a wide variety of desktop and laptop issues, while also developing effective customer service and communication skills.
Students gain access to a variety of technology resources, including:
- Subscription to MSDN, the Microsoft Developer Network, giving students access to downloads of the latest Microsoft programs
- Individualized access to VMware Workstation Academic Program
- Access to downloads of a variety of operating systems
Costs
Based on full-time enrollment, costs will average approximately $2,700 per quarter for Washington state residents, including tuition, books, fees, and supplies. Link to Career Bridge for more details on the total cost of each degree and certificate:
BAS degree in IT networking - cybersecurity
Certificate of proficiency in cloud computing
Certificate of proficiency in industrial control systems - SCADA
Certificate of proficiency in mobile technologies
Certificate of proficiency in web development
Course equivalencies
Credits earned at other colleges have historically transferred into Whatcom as noted below. Always check with a Whatcom academic advisor to confirm your credit will transfer. A grade of C or better must be earned for credit to be applied toward Whatcom’s CIS or cybersecurity pathway. If a course from the transfer college has fewer credits than the Whatcom equivalent, the credit difference must be met through other courses successfully completed. Credits from any courses listed below that were earned more than five years ago will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
If your college is not listed, contact Advising & Career Services:
advise@whatcom.edu
360.383.3080
FAQs
-
What are the standards to be successful in the CIS and cybersecurity programs?
-
What is the NCyTE Center?
-
What are Cisco and the CCNA certifications?
-
What are the requirements for employment in the fields of CIS and cybersecurity?
-
What are the prerequisites for the CIS and cybersecurity programs?