Austin Community College District

Austin Community College’s BAS in Cybersecurity prepares students for an exciting career in information security. Students earn a bachelor’s degree right here at ACC, taking advantage of ACC’s highly affordable tuition that keeps college costs low.

Note: Students are selected for the BAS program through an application process. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the program. Check the program website for admission details.

The BAS in Cybersecurity expands on ACC’s Cybersecurity Specialization Associate Degree. Students in the BAS program receive cybersecurity training that employers are looking for to safeguard company networks and data. Coursework includes:

• Network infrastructure hardware and software
• Programming
• AI in cybersecurity
• Cloud security
• Penetration testing and security troubleshooting
• Security planning and policy
• Legal and ethical implications of cyber incidents
• Capstone project: secure system design

What Does a Cybersecurity Specialist Do?

Cybersecurity specialists analyze networks, investigate security breaches, and design secure systems to prevent attacks. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse, as attacks become more brazen and the stakes go ever higher.

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Why Get a Cybersecurity Degree?

A degree in cybersecurity prepares IT professionals for a successful career in network security in all industries. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree; some positions may also require an advanced degree.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Cybersecurity Degree?

A bachelor’s in cybersecurity is a four-year degree. ACC’s bachelor’s program is for students who have earned, or are in the process of earning, an associate degree in IT or a related field; for example, ACC’s AAS in cybersecurity. The program provides in-class, online, and competency-based opportunities to gain cybersecurity knowledge, strategy, and technical skills. Students will earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity.

Earn Your BAS in Cybersecurity: How to Get Started

Students are selected for the BAS program through an application process. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the program. Check the program website for admission details.

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Career & Salary Information

View Possible Careers in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Bachelor Degree Program FAQ

1. Is the Cybersecurity BAS a traditional degree program or part of Continuing Education at ACC?
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity is an academic program and is not part of the continuing education track.

2. What are the requirements to get into the BAS Cybersecurity program?
Students must meet the following criteria:

• Must have reached junior status, as defined as having earned at least 60 college-level semester hours in:
  • Cybersecurity
  • Network Administration
  • Or related field
• Have successfully completed 12 credit hours of cybersecurity courses comprised of the following or equivalent from another school:
  • ITSY 2300 – Operating Systems Security
  • ITSY 2301 – Firewalls and Network Security
  • ITSY 2330 – Intrusion Detection: Ethical Hacking
  • ITSY 2343 – Computer System Forensics
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or better

3. Can I start working on this program before I get my AAS in Cybersecurity?
Students currently enrolled in the AAS in Cybersecurity program who plan to get their BAS should focus on completing their associate degree.The AAS covers the prerequisite courses for the BAS.

4. I already have my AAS in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related IT program from ACC. How are my existing credits applied to the Cybersecurity Bachelor Degree program?
Students who have an AAS in Cybersecurity or in a related degree from ACC must have completed 12 credit hours of cybersecurity courses to be eligible for the BAS degree program. Students should discuss their particular degree and credits with an advisor.

5. I am currently working on an associate’s degree in a different field at ACC. Will any of my credits from that program be applied to the Cybersecurity BAS?
You can compare the award plans and program maps to see if you have credits that are applicable to this degree. Students should discuss their degree and credits with their advisor to see what prerequisites they will need to be eligible for this program.

6. I already have a degree from another college or university. How will those existing credits be applied to the BAS Cybersecurity?
Students who already have a degree must provide transcripts from their college or university with their application. ACC will determine which of those credits apply to the college in general and to the BAS in Cybersecurity in particular. In addition, in order to be eligible for this program, students must have the following:

• Must have reached junior status, as defined as having earned at least 60 college-level semester hours in:
  • Cybersecurity
  • Network Administration
  • Or related field
• Have successfully completed 12 credit hours of cybersecurity courses, comprised of the following or equivalent from another school:
  • ITSY 2300 – Operating Systems Security
  • ITSY 2301 – Firewalls and Network Security
  • ITSY 2330 – Intrusion Detection: Ethical Hacking
  • ITSY 2343 – Computer System Forensics
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or better

7. How will this program prepare me for a career in cybersecurity?
The BAS Cybersecurity will focus on the skills that employers are looking for to safeguard their networks, their data, and their people. It provides coursework and hands-on work with:

• Network infrastructure
• Programming
• Cloud security
• Penetration testing and security troubleshooting
• Security planning and policy
• Secure system design

8. Can I start the BAS Cybersecurity in the spring or summer semesters?
Students can start in either the fall or spring semesters; there are currently no classes during the summer for this program.

9. I currently have work experience in cybersecurity. Can I get credit for this experience in the BAS program?
At the present time we do not equate work experience to college credit. If you have CompTia A+, Security+, or Net+ current certification, that will count as courses.

10. How do I apply?
Prospective students must follow these steps to apply:

• Attend a free information session
• Complete online application and submit relevant transcript and other required information
• Submit application by semester due date

After applying:

• Department faculty will review applications
• Students will receive notification emails
• Students must sign and return acceptance letter
• Meet with advisor and register for classes