Cybersecurity Associate Degree Program
Skip to Content
Skip To Left Navigation
Skip To Footer
Get Started
Request More Info
my.CSMD
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
School of STEM and Professional Studies
AAS Degree, Certificate
Business and Information Systems Pathway
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Pathway
La Plata Campus
Leonardtown Campus
Prince Frederick Campus
Apply Now
Request More Info
The field of cybersecurity focuses on the protection of computers, networks, software, and data from unauthorized access, modification, and destruction.
Continued adoption of new technologies, Software as a Service (SAAS), and migration to cloud environments in the face of evolving threats are accelerating demand for practitioners in this already growing field.
This program prepares students who are currently employed in the cybersecurity field as well as those without prior work experience to develop the skills and knowledge required of practitioners within a variety of cybersecurity related settings.
The
Cybersecurity, AAS
degree program is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers. Students with a strong mathematics background may wish to consider the
Computer Science, AS
degree program as a pathway to a cybersecurity career upon transfer to a four-year college or university. Some bachelor's degree programs in computer science offer a cybersecurity concentration area.
This program has been designated as a
Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE)
Programs of Study
Cybersecurity, AAS
The first semester is the same for all students in this program; it is designed to provide all students with a foundation in information technology hardware and software fundamentals.
During the second semester, students begin to explore cybersecurity concepts. At the conclusion of the second semester, the student will select elective offerings in areas of special interest in Digital Forensics, Network Security, or Information Assurance.
Cybersecurity students will take classes that will help to prepare for the following in-demand entry level cybersecurity industry certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, and EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Depending on elective selections, students may take courses to prepare for these additional certifications: EC Council CHFI, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and CISCO CCNA.
Students opting to take
Digital Forensics
electives will take classes that will help to prepare them for the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) industry certification. These elective courses will place special emphasis on the knowledge and skills to conduct digital forensics investigations and to develop and administer policy in support of digital forensic programs.
Students selecting the
Network Security
electives will take classes that will help to prepare them for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) industry certification. These elective courses will place special emphasis on the knowledge and skills to implement, administer, and secure networks of various sizes.
Students selecting electives in
Information Assurance
will take classes that will help to prepare them with the technical knowledge, as well as the foundational leadership and management capabilities to further skills related to policy development, compliance, standards, and risk management.
View Program Requirements in the Catalog:
Cybersecurity, AAS
Cybersecurity Certificate
This certificate program prepares students who are currently employed in the cybersecurity field as well as those without prior work experience to develop the foundational IT and cybersecurity skills and knowledge required of practitioners within a variety of cybersecurity related settings.
All of the credits in this certificate apply towards the Cybersecurity AAS Degree program. Students will take classes that will help to prepare for the following entry level cybersecurity industry certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, and Certified Networking Associate (CCNA).
View Program Requirements in the Catalog:
Cybersecurity Certificate
To learn more about related programs and opportunities,
visit the Cyber Center
Highlights
Designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
By the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C)
#10
Among Top 34 Accredited Cybersecurity associate degree programs
for 2025 according to Intelligent.com
29%
Projected Growth of Employment for Information Security Analysts
From 2024-2034 According to the U.S. BLS
$124,910
Median Annual Salary for Information Security Analysts
in 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$31,000
Average Savings
For students completing their first two years of college at CSM
17:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Which means smaller class sizes and more personalized attention
Transfer Opportunities
CSM has the following transfer agreements specifically for the cybersecurity program:
Capitol Technology University
Excelsior College
Southern New Hampshire University
Stevenson University
University of Maryland Global Campus
View All Transfer Agreements
Scholarship Opportunities
The following scholarships are available specifically for cybersecurity students:
National Science Foundation--- STEM Scholarship
Frank Poole Memorial Cybersecurity Scholarship
View All Scholarship Opportunities
Career Opportunities
CMS Page Edit