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Center for Cybersecurity Education

With increasing threats and risks to organizations’ information and data, the need for employees who can identify, prevent, mitigate, and address the threats to their network is at an all-time high. MassBay has responded to the growing regional and national need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals by creating a Center for Cybersecurity Education. The Center is built around MassBay’s Cybersecurity programs (certificates and the first A.S. degree in MA) which align with national frameworks and educational guidelines.

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Woman in Computer Lab
MassBay Cybersecurity Program

Center for Cybersecurity Education

MassBay has responded to the growing regional and national need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals by offering a stackable program that consists of two certificates and an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program in Cybersecurity, which is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. The stackable nature of the program allows students to earn multiple certificates while pursuing their Associate Degree. These academic programs align with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) guidelines. The programs offer hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment in our computer laboratories. Students graduating from the Cybersecurity programs are prepared for industry standard certifications such as Cisco and CompTIA.

Success in our Cybersecurity programs demand a strong commitment to both academic and practical excellence. Our curriculum includes core courses that cover networking fundamentals, cryptography, securing the network and its perimeter, and controlling access to the network. Each course is meticulously designed to build your knowledge step-by-step.

Our program is rigorous and challenging, but with dedication and hard work, you’ll gain the expertise needed to thrive in the cybersecurity industry. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to advance your career, our Cybersecurity program provides the foundation you need for success.

Cybersecurity Programs

MassBay has responded to the growing regional and national need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals by offering a stackable program that consists of two certificates and an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program in Cybersecurity, which is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. The stackable nature of the program allows students to earn multiple certificates while pursuing their Associate Degree. These academic programs align with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) guidelines. The programs offer hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment in our computer laboratories. Students graduating from the Cybersecurity programs are prepared for industry standard certifications such as Cisco and CompTIA.

Success in our Cybersecurity programs demand a strong commitment to both academic and practical excellence. Our curriculum includes core courses that cover networking fundamentals, cryptography, securing the network and its perimeter, and controlling access to the network. Each course is meticulously designed to build your knowledge step-by-step.

Our program is rigorous and challenging, but with dedication and hard work, you’ll gain the expertise needed to thrive in the cybersecurity industry. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to advance your career, our Cybersecurity program provides the foundation you need for success.

Associate in Science Degree (CAE-CD Designated)

The Cybersecurity Associate in Science degree provides courses and content that are informed by two major sources of proven requirements for cybersecurity education in 2-year colleges: NICE Framework from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Knowledge Unit required for National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense (IA/CD) designation, which is a program jointly sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The A.S. degree in Cybersecurity program is validated by the CAE program.

Institutional Security Resources and Awareness

MassBay Data Privacy Policy

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Curriculum

Certificates

Cybersecurity Certificate Curriculum

This certificate is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to perform network and security technician jobs. Students will be able to administer and configure networks while applying cybersecurity best practices. Students completing this certificate are encouraged to gain industry credentials by taking certification exams.

Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate Curriculum

This certificate, the second-level in a stackable certificate model, offers non-traditional, under-represented, career- changer, and veteran students in addition to traditional students, skills in a field with great job opportunities. The security field used to require a higher level of education; however, this requirement has changed recently and the demand for hiring those with cybersecurity knowledge is growing fast.