Overview

Mission Statement

Prepare students to meet emerging security and technology career challenges, to ensure they are technologically skilled, perform professionally, and provide excellent services.

Overview

The Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (CSEC) program offers several options for the student or industry professional interested in employment in this high-wage, high-demand industry. The Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in CSEC combines coursework from the traditional Information Technology Services (ITS) program and specialized coursework to prepare for a position as an entry-level Security Analyst.

A Security Analyst will plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information; ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure; and may respond to computer security breaches and viruses. Additionally, the program prepares students to gain industry-recognized skills-based certifications including Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA.

As the Cyber Security program derives from ITS, both programs share the first-year Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC), which provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level IT service work. The ITS ITC also trains to industry-recognized certifications.

Program Options/Length

For newcomers to the field

  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS):
    60 Credits | 4 full-time semesters (24 months) | Including general education classes
  • Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC): 30 Credits | 2 semesters (2 months) | Includes General Education Courses

For industry professionals or those with previous experience or education

  • Specialized Certificate (SC):
    • 24 Credits | 2 semesters (12 months)

What do our students learn?

  • Learn to install, configure, secure, troubleshoot, and maintain hardware and software
  • Design, configure, & troubleshoot network infrastructure
  • Backup and restore methods, & maintaining trouble-free operation
  • Management and maintenance of remote computing environments
  • Network infrastructure design with devices, servers, and applications
  • Installation and operation of network devices such as switches
  • Industry certification in A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+ (CompTIA), Splunk, and Security Onion

Why CEI’s Cyber Program?

  • The Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency.
  • Lowest cost statewide in Idaho
  • 20:1 student-to-teacher ratio
  • Graduate with quality training from industry professionals
  • Evening programs available

Where are our graduates working?

Through the learning outcomes and hand-on experience students receive in these programs, graduates can feel prepared for a variety of employment options. Many graduates find jobs in small, medium or large environments that may consist of multiple physical locations, both local and remote, and work with multiple domain controllers and network services such as messaging, database, file and print. Students can work as Technical Support Representative, PC-Technician, Network Support Technician, Network Administrator, Network Server Administrator, and Technical/Network Design Consulting, Cyber Analyst, Cybersecurity Auditor, etc.

Placement

85% average positive placement for graduates over the past five years

Requirements

Application

Students wanting to apply for a degree seeking program at the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) must submit all of the following application materials for review:

  • Application for admission
  • Official high school/GED transcript
  • Official transcripts from ALL colleges attended
  • Minimum math placement score: SAT 430+, ACT 17+, or ALEKS 20+
  • Digital literacy placement:
    • Pass BSN 215 with a grade of “B” or better; or
    • Pass the CEI Digital Literacy Exam with a score >80%

Once all the application materials are received, admissions will evaluate the student’s application to ensure it is correct and complete.

Competitive Programs

The Information Technology Services and Information Assurance and Cybersecurity programs are competitive. There are 40 seats available every fall and spring semester, split between morning and afternoon classes, and 20 additional seats available in the spring in evening classes. Seats will be given on a first come first serve basis. In order to increase your chances of entering the program early you must submit your application, transcripts, and test scores to CEI as soon as possible.

When students are accepted into the CSEC program they will be placed into a cohort for the fall semester (day classes) or spring semester (night classes). Students interested in ITS, are recommended to start in the fall and students interested in Cyber, are recommended to start in the spring.

Course Curriculum

Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (AAS)

60 Credits | 4 full-time semesters (24 months) | Financial Aid Eligible

Semester 1

Course PrefixCourse TitleCredits
CNT 129Leadership 11
CNT 114Computer Essentials (8 weeks)4
CNT 115Operating System Essentials (8 weeks)4
COMM 101Fundamentals of Oral Communication3
GEM 3Any Gem Math WOK3

Semester 2

Course PrefixCourse TitleCredits
CNT 123Fundamentals In Network Security3
CNT 140Linux 1 (8 weeks)3
CNT 141Linux 2 (8 weeks)3
CNT 170Networking 1 (8 weeks)3
CNT 171Networking 2 (8 weeks)3

Semester 3

Course PrefixCourse TitleCredits
CNT 229Leadership 21
CNT 224Server I (8 Weeks)4
CNT 290Practical Programming (8 Weeks) 4
CNT 291Digital Forensics3
ENGL 101Writing and Rhetoric I3
CNT 210Supervised Work Experience (Option)(3)

Semester 4

Course PrefixCourse TitleCredits
CNT 210Supervised Work Experience (must have or take)3
CNT 292Intrusion Detection3
CNT 293Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity3
CRJ 103Introduction to Law & Justice, -OR- 3
PHIL 103Introduction to Ethics3
GEM 6Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing3

Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (ITC)

30 Credits | Financial Aid Eligible | Includes General Education

Semester 1

Course PrefixCourse TitleCredits
CNT 229Leadership 21

CNT 224
Server 1 (8 weeks)4
CNT 290Practical Programming (8 weeks)4
CNT 291Digital Forensics3
GEM 3Any Math WOK3

Semester 2

Course PrefixCourse TitleCredits
CNT 210Supervised Work Experience3
CNT 292Intrusion Detection3
CNT 293Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity3
CRJ 103Introduction to Law & Justice, -OR-3
PHIL 103Introduction to Ethics3
GEM S/BSocial and Behavioral Ways of Knowing3

Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (SC)

24 Credits | Financial Aid Eligible

Semester 1

Course PrefixCourse TitleCredits
CNT 224Server 1 (8 weeks)4
CNT 290Practical Programming (8 weeks)4
CNT 291Digital Forensics3
CNT 229Leadership 21

Semester 2

Course PrefixCourse TitleCredits
CNT 210Supervised Work Experience3
CNT 292Intrusion Detection3
CNT 293Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity3
CRJ 103Introduction to Law & Justice, -OR-3
PHIL 103Introduction to Ethics3
Cybersecurity Center

Cybersecurity Center

CEI’s Cybersecurity Center serves as a central hub for joint cybersecurity information, resources, and coordinated efforts to serve the college and community needs.