2024-2025 Catalog

Networking and Cybersecurity (A.S.)

Associate in Science

Program Advisor: John Osthoff

413-236-4616 • josthoff@berkshirecc.edu

The Networking and Cybersecurity option of the Computer Information Systems degree program gives the student a technical understanding of computer systems and computer networking and cybersecurity. The program provides students with a hands-on experiential curriculum through a variety of computer courses. This program is designed for students planning either to enter the workforce or to transfer to a baccalaureate institution for further study. After completion of the program, students may become CISCO® Certified in both Networking and Cybersecurity. A related major at the baccalaureate level is computer science.

Degree: Associate in Science, Computer Information Systems. Concentration/Option/Track: Networking & Cybersecurity

Expected Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

  • Apply computer and networking methods, procedures and principles, and use equipment and software for the purpose of installing, troubleshooting and maintaining LANs (local area networks) WANs, (wide area networks) and Wireless Networks;
  • Apply fundamental concepts of programming languages and software development to solve a diverse array of problems and recognize these concepts in different systems;
  • Work effectively with others to design, develop and troubleshoot enterprise level networks;
  • Apply skills to mitigate, investigate and respond to cyberattacks;
  • Communicate clearly, accurately and succinctly through written and verbal means;
  • Apply technical concepts and principles to solve practical problems.
  • Analyze and develop a plan to diagnose and solve technical networking problems;
  • Act responsibly with integrity, self-confidence, and professionalism; and
  • Apply critical thinking to evaluate alternative solutions in order to solve technical problems.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.

Program Courses

CIS-102Fundamental Computer Literacy

4

CIS-110IT Essentials

4

CIS-124C++ Programming I

4

CIS-125C++ Programming II

4

CIS-155Web Development

3

CIS-180Introduction to Networks

4

CIS-181Switching, Routing, & Wireless Essentials

4

CIS-218Enterprise Networking, Security & Automation

4

CIS-222Introduction to Cybersecurity

4

CIS-231Computer Science I with Java

4

CIS-242Cybersecurity Operations

4

-
Free Elective

1

Total Credit Hours:43

General Education Courses

COM-
Communication

3

ENG-
English Composition/Writing

6

MAT-123Elementary Statistics

3

MAT-
Mathematics

3

-
Behavioral & Social Science

3

-
Humanities & Fine Arts

3

Total Credit Hours:22

MAT Mathematics : See footnote 1

Additional Requirements

Core Competencies Portfolio 4 items
FORUM 4 units
Health/Fitness 30 hours

Minimum Cumulative Average

Overall 2.000
All CIS Courses 2.000

Suggested Pathway to Graduation

The following is a suggestion for completing this program in two years. The actual time needed to complete the program will vary according to each student’s individual needs.

First Semester

CIS-102Fundamental Computer Literacy

4

CIS-124C++ Programming I

4

CIS-110IT Essentials

4

ENG-
English Composition/Writing

3

MAT-
Mathematics

3

Total Credit Hours:18

Second Semester

CIS-125C++ Programming II

4

CIS-180Introduction to Networks

4

CIS-181Switching, Routing, & Wireless Essentials

4

ENG-
English Composition/Writing

3

-
Humanities & Fine Arts

3

Total Credit Hours:18

Third Semester

CIS-155Web Development

3

CIS-231Computer Science I with Java

4

CIS-218Enterprise Networking, Security & Automation

4

CIS-222Introduction to Cybersecurity

4

Total Credit Hours:15

Fourth Semester

CIS-242Cybersecurity Operations

4

-
Free Elective

1

COM-
Communication

3

MAT-123Elementary Statistics

3

-
Behavioral & Social Science

3

Total Credit Hours:14

Footnotes

  1. MAT requires three credit Gen Ed Math

Note

A minimum of three CIS courses must be taken in the five years prior to graduation.