IT Networking Entry Information

How to enter

Admission to the bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree in IT networking - cybersecurity is by selective entry application.

BAS in IT networking - cybersecurity - now accepting applications!

For the cohort starting fall 2024 - apply by April 14, 2024 for priority consideration. Applications for starting winter or spring quarter will be considered if space is available.

To be eligible for consideration, you must have already earned an associate degree in an IT-related field within five years of the application deadline from a Washington state community or technical college (IT-related associate degrees granted from other institutions will be reviewed to verify suitable preparation for success in the BAS program) with a cumulative minimum 2.0 GPA in associate degree and minimum 2.0 GPA in all IT-related coursework. Other degrees will be considered only if the applicant has relevant industry experience and provides a personal statement and current resume as evidence.

You must have also completed:

CIS 236 or equivalent course with a 'B' or better OR proof of Cisco CCENT or CompTIA Network+ (current at the time of the application deadline).
CIS 214 or equivalent course with a 'B' or better OR proof of CompTIA Security+ (current at the time of application deadline).

Admission to the BAS in IT networking - cybersecurity program (student selection)

Admission to the BAS in IT networking - cybersecurity program is through a selective application process. The selection committee will review applicants for acceptance based on the number of available seats. For detailed information about how the applications are scored, refer to the BAS in IT networking cybersecurity applicant rubric.

Applying to the upper division certificates of proficiency

Admission to any of the upper division certificates of proficiency without also applying and being accepted to the BAS degree in IT networking - cybersecurity will be by special approval of the IT networking - cybersecurity program coordinator.

NCYTE Cisco Networking Academy U.S. Department of Homeland Security National Security Agency CyberWATCH Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy

Steps to apply

You must complete the following steps to be considered for program acceptance.

Step 1 - Apply to Whatcom Community College

You must be enrolled at WCC and have an active ctcLink number to apply to the BAS in IT networking - cybersecurity program and pay related fees.

Apply to WCC online, or visit Orca Central for assistance, or request a WCC application by email at outreachadmissions@whatcom.edu. Once you receive your ctcLink number, proceed to Step 2.

Important! You do not need to re-apply if you earned credit at Whatcom within the last four quarters.

Step 2 - Meet with an advisor

Step 3 - Gather all supporting materials

All required supporting documentation must be submitted with your BAS in IT networking - cybersecurity application by the deadline in order for your application to be considered complete.

Official transcript showing recent (within five years of the application deadline) associate degree in IT-related field from a Washington state community or technical college¹ or any prior degree plus relevant industry experience, personal statement and current resume.
Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges where you earned credits that may apply to the BAS degree.² WCC official transcripts are not required.
CIS 236 or equivalent course with a 'B' or better OR proof of Cisco CCENT or CompTIA Network+ (current at the time of the application deadline).³
CIS 214 or equivalent course with a 'B' or better OR proof of CompTIA Security+ (current at the time of application deadline).⁴
Two professional references (e.g., current or former supervisors or instructors).
Personal statement addressing questions and criteria found here.

¹IT-related associate degrees granted from other institutions will be reviewed to verify suitable preparation for success in the BAS program.

²Contact Advising & Career Services at 360-383-3080 or by email at advise@whatcom.edu to speak with a professional-technical advisor for assistance in determining how courses taken from previous colleges will transfer. Advisors may also answer questions regarding substitutions for courses taken at another college that are not directly equivalent to a WCC prerequisite course.

³Alternative assessment: Cisco II at a Cisco Networking Academy OR completion of CIS 227 with a B or better OR a challenge exam in the WCC testing center.

⁴Alternative assessment: Completion of CIS 214 with a B or better OR a challenge exam in the WCC testing center.

Step 4 - Pay application fee

You must pay a non-refundable fee of $50 in order to apply to the BAS in IT networking - cybersecurity program. Your application will not be processed until this fee has been received.

You can come to campus to pay the application fee, call 360-383-3363 to pay by credit card (if no one answers, leave a message with a return number), or mail your check made payable to "Whatcom Community College" to:

WCC Business Office
ATTN: BAS Application Fee
Laidlaw Center
237 W. Kellogg Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226

Include a completed applicant fee form with your check. Note your ctcLink number and "BAS-IT program" in the memo line of your check.

Note: The fee is non-refundable. If you are not admitted to this program with your initial application, there will be no refund of the fee.

Step 5 - Apply to the BAS in IT networking - cybersecurity program online