Associate of Applied Technology Degree / Associate in Applied Science – T Degree
The CNISS program prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of entry- to mid-level positions including, but not limited to, help desk, network system administration, and cyber security. Our instructors prepare students for careers involving the protection of information on computers and networks against unauthorized access or modification of information and against the denial of service to authorized users. Includes those security measures, both physical and virtual, necessary to detect, document, and counter such threats. Curriculum content includes basic and advanced computer and networking skills, physical and virtual security processes and procedures, and introduction to security management, planning, and recovery.
The CNISS AAT/AAS-T program focuses primarily on the technical and problem-solving skills associated with PC and network management and cyber-security implementation but adds hands-on experience building computer and network systems. Additional skills include administration, configuration and security for Cisco, Linux and Microsoft products. Our focus also includes ethical hacking and prevention, assessing the security needs of computer networking systems, and developing safeguard solutions for computer and information-system infrastructures and countermeasures.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Computer Networking & Information Systems Security degree, students will:
- Diagnose and repair computers and printers.
- Analyze user and system problems. Provide network and computer support.
- Demonstrate best practices for installing, configuring, and administering server operating systems, network devices, and directory services.
- Analyze user and intruder activity, analyze malware, collect evidence, and document findings.
- Discuss technical issues orally and in writing with supervisors, team members, and users at a college level.
- Demonstrate job-ready skills by preparing an IT job search, resume, and LinkedIn profile and discussing questions in an interview in a professional manner.
- Evaluate risk in information systems. Demonstrate sound judgement when recommending cybersecurity mitigations.
- Plan, design, and implement computer networks in a team environment.
The AAT or AAS-T degree is earned by completing technical-core requirements, general-education requirements, and choosing one specialty option. (Option 1: Cisco Network Design Security; or Option 2: Computer & Communications Security.)
The program includes preparing students for the CompTIA A+, Security+, Linux+, Cisco CCENT, CCNA and Microsoft MCSA & MTA certification examinations and internship work experience
Employers include business and industrial firms, financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, software developers, health providers and Internet service providers. Innovations in computer technology continue to rapidly change and expand the computer security field. Therefore, the following courses of study may be subject to change in order to offer students training based on current industry standards.
General Degree Requirements
In addition to the program course requirements, students must also complete the general education requirements for the degree they seek to obtain. The two degree options in this program are the Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) or the Associate in Applied Science-T (AAS-T). The different requirements for each degree are listed below:
AAT Degree General Education Requirements (18 credits):
ENGL& 101
| | 5 |
| Or | |
CMST& 220
| | 5 |
| | |
| Any 100-Level Math Class | 5 |
PSYC& 100DIV
| | 5 |
| COLL 102 | College Success for All | 3 |
Note: CMST 220 or higher
PSYC 100DIV: PSY 112DIV, SOC& 101DIV, or other humanities course that meets the diversity requirement
AAS-T Degree General Education Requirements (23 credits):
All AAS-T degrees must have a minimum of 20 credits of transferable general education. These credits replace the academic courses required for the AAT degree. Required credits include:
5 credits in communication:
5 credits in quantitative reasoning:
MATH& 107
| | 5 |
MATH& 141
| | 5 |
MATH& 142
| | 5 |
MATH& 146
| | 5 |
MATH& 151
| | 5 |
5 credits in a social science that meets the diversity requirement:
PSYC& 100DIV
| | 5 |
SOC& 101DIV
| | 5 |
5 credits in social science, humanities, or science;
Choose one from the following:
ART& 100
| Art Appreciation | 5 |
ASL& 121
| American Sign Language I | 5 |
ASL& 122
| American Sign Language II | 5 |
BIOL& 160
| General Biology w/Lab | 5 |
BIOL& 175
| Human Biology w/Lab | 5 |
BIOL& 241
| Human A & P I | 5 |
BIOL& 242
| Human A & P II | 5 |
BIOL& 260
| Microbiology | 5 |
CHEM& 110
| | 5 |
CHEM& 121
| | 5 |
CHEM& 131
| | 5 |
GEOL& 110
| | 5 |
HIST& 146
| | 5 |
HIST& 147
| | 5 |
HIST& 148
| | 5 |
HUM& 101
| | 5 |
MUSC& 105
| | 5 |
PHYS& 114
| | 5 |
POLS& 202
| | 5 |
PSYC& 100
| | 5 |
PSYC& 200
| | 5 |
PSYC& 220
| | 5 |
SOC& 101
| | 5 |
3 credits in College Success:
Students pursuing an AAT or AAS-T degree must complete all college degree requirements prior to graduation. This includes courses that meet the requirements for diversity, computer literacy and the capstone project.
Program Length
This program is approximately six quarters long, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.
Admission Dates
Summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
Successful completion of ENG 091. Prior to completion of first quarter, student must provide documentation of a background check with the Washington State Patrol.
Program Course List
| NSS 101 | IT Essentials I | 5 |
| NSS 105CL | IT Essentials II | 4 |
| NSS 109 | Cisco Networking I | 5 |
| NSS 120 | MS Desktop Support I | 5 |
| NSS 125 | MS Desktop Support II | 4 |
| NSS 127 | Scripting for Network Admins II | 4 |
| NSS 135 | Implementing System Security | 4 |
| NSS 139 | Server OS Installation and Configuration | 4 |
| NSS 141 | Digital Forensics | 5 |
| NSS 145 | Server Security | 4 |
| NSS 156 | Cyber Security Fundamentals | 4 |
| NSS 160 | Introduction to Linux | 5 |
| NSS 161 | Administering Windows Server OS | 4 |
| NSS 164 | Virtualization and Cloud Technologies | 4 |
| NSS 201 | Advanced Linux | 5 |
| NSS 206 | Advanced Windows Server Configuration | 5 |
| CNISS Program Option | 24-29 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 95-100 |
CNISS Program Option: See list below
AAT Requirements
| Technical Course Requirements | 95-100 |
| AAT General Education Requirements | 18 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 113-118 |
AAT General Education Requirements: See list above
AAS-T Requirements
| Technical Course Requirements | 95-100 |
| AAS-T General Education Requirements | 23 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 118-123 |
AAS-T General Education Requirements: See list above
For an AAT or AAS-T degree, students must complete one of the specialty options listed below. These options may also be taken as a stand-alone certificate for those not pursuing a degree.
CNISS Program Options
Cisco Network Design and Security
Computer and Communications Security