Cybersecurity

Potential Jobs within Cybersecurity

To be part of this exciting field, you will need a solid background in computing, which is created in foundational courses within the major and concentrations. As a student, you will be prepared for the real world by completing coursework in preparation for many CompTIA exams, such as the A+, Network+, Security+, SecAI+, Cloud+, Server+, and more. Many graduates also decide to pursue additional studies, including master’s in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, etc.

Jobs in cybersecurity are varied and are constantly changing as technology changes. All types of organizations require people with computer knowledge, from city hall to medical offices to the big giants of computing. Job titles vary from one company to another, but listed below are some common computer positions that you may find our graduates holding:

· Security architect

· Penetration tester

· Cryptography

· Incident responder

· Vulnerability assessor

· Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) analyst

· Information security analyst

· Security operations center (SOC) analyst

Internships

Along with the bachelor’s degree and certifications, students also need real-world experience through an internship. As a Cybersecurity major, students can intern in the technology department of for-profit and non-profit organizations, in educational computer labs, and at government agencies. This increases the opportunities for our majors to gain valuable real-world experience through special internships. In fact, it is not uncommon for an internship to lead to full-time employment after graduation for CHC grads.

Some of our cybersecurity majors have held internships at the following companies and organizations:

· Your Tech PA

· Emco Technology

· Cyber Job Central

· Youth Build Philly

· Blough Technology

· MShop 360

· Bristol Township School District

· St. Hubert’s High School

· Highlight Health

· Washington Metro Area Transit Authority

· Micro Innovations LLC

All students majoring in Cybersecurity will need their own laptop. The preference is a Windows 11 (64-bit version), but with Virtual Machine capabilities, a MacBook may also be appropriate, depending on the concentration. Memory should be at least 16 GB, with CPU support for virtualization technologies. Hard drive space should be 500 GB or greater. If a laptop is not accessible to students to purchase, desktops are available in the lab space and are available 24/7.

Students enrolled in the Cybersecurity program will take some of the following courses during their time at the institution:

CMTC-190: Introduction to Computer Hardware and Peripherals

Students get the opportunity to be hands-on with multiple types of hardware and peripherals, including desktops, laptops, printers, scanners, iPads, and more. The class provides skills for students to apply to the real world, along with the potential to complete the CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification. This course is part of the major curriculum for all concentrations.

CSEC-380: AI & Cybersecurity

Students will learn to secure, govern, and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into cybersecurity operations. Students will also gain the skills to defend AI systems, meet global compliance standards, and use AI to enhance threat detection, automation, and innovation, while strengthening organizational resilience. Students will be prepared to earn the CompTIA SecAI+ certification. This course is part of all concentrations.

CMDF-250: E-Discovery

Covers the use of electronically stored information in the litigation process. Teaches the analytics process of using advanced technology to cull a data set and find relevant documents for review. Complying with applicable law, students will produce a culled set of responsive documents for the review process. Students will have practice with professional tools to simulate preparation and review of digital information for e-discovery in the legal process.

For students interested in presenting their research and findings, they are encouraged to attend and present at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges conference, either in the Fall or Spring semester. Students typically present a poster of their accomplishments or give a talk.

Programming Team

Students who enjoy programming are welcome to become members of the Programming Team. The team competes in programming contests sponsored by the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges and other organizations in the Eastern PA region. The team holds weekly practices in preparation for contests, which are commonly in the Fall, with at least one in the Spring semester.

Capture the Flag (CTF) Team

Cybersecurity students are also welcome to compete in the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges CTF competition. During the competition, students will take part in several different challenges to test their skills. The team holds weekly practices in preparation for contests, which are commonly held in the Fall.

Epsilon Pi Tau

Qualified students may be invited to join Epsilon Pi Tau, the International Honor Society for Technology. Students need to complete at least 18 credits of courses within the department and maintain a Career GPA of 3.25 and a GPA of 3.25 in the major. Eligible students are also required to be in the top 35% of their class and have approval from the program faculty.