Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3369, Program Site

The Computer Information Technology - Cyber Defense Concentration focuses on topics in cyber security and digital forensics. Students learn how to fortify computer networks in order to prevent security breaches from cyber terrorists or other intruders. In addition, students learn how to recover data using digital forensics techniques. Students also develop strong critical thinking skills and learn by doing within a hands-on lab environment along with real world internship experiences. Using these skill standards ensures that graduates have the basic skills that employers need, within a framework that emphasizes the development of teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

Graduates of the program concentration should be able to:

• Identify and understand the supporting roles of Computer Technology (IT) in organizations;
• Apply strong critical thinking skills to prevent security breaches from intruders
• Fortify computer networks including, but not limited to, firewalls and intruder prevention systems
• Recover data using digital forensic techniques
• Test network defenses using penetration testing tools

Transfer/Advising

The A.A.S. degree is designed to prepare a student for employment upon graduation. Some universities, at their discretion, accept some technical courses for transfer. A student who plans to transfer to a university should consult his/her advisor and the receiving university about transfer and articulation policies. Failure to do so could result in loss of transfer credits.  If completed, this degree will transfer into the BS in Professional Studies program at Middle Tennessee State University.