Cybersecurity, Associate of Science

Program Purpose

Data breaches, ransomware, identity theft, theft of intellectual property, supply chain attacks, and AI-driven cyber threats continue to be major problems affecting individuals, companies, critical infrastructure, and governments worldwide. The need for skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect networks, cloud environments, and data as well as to investigate and respond to incidents continues to grow exponentially.

The Associate of Science in Cybersecurity program (ASC) provides a solid foundation in cybersecurity skills and is designed to both prepare students for entry-level cybersecurity jobs as well as to continue their education with seamless transfer into undergraduate cybersecurity programs, such as Wilmington University's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. 

Program Competencies

• Describe ethical considerations required of computer professionals.
• Recognize cybersecurity problems using required skills and knowledge.
• Describe generally current and accepted best practices in cybersecurity projects.
• Evaluate and employ appropriate informational resources that are generally accepted as legitimate and valid.
• Appraise the needs of the audience and then speak in a clear and succinct manner. Research, construct, and deliver professional presentations using a variety of communication tools and techniques.
• Write with clarity and precision using correct English grammar: mechanics and usage. Correctly and ethically exhibit competence in writing for specific purposes, diverse audiences, and genres.

Program of Study

The Associate of Science in Cybersecurity (ASC) program provides students with a foundation in cyber defense to protect data and network assets, including on-premises and cloud environments.

In addition, students are introduced to digital forensics and incident response, which are essential for cybercrime investigations and security operations. Students completing courses in this program with some additional self-study can sit for the following certifications:

CompTIA Certifications:

• ITF+ (IT Fundamentals)
• A+
• Linux+
• Network+
• Security+
• PenTest+
• CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)

Other Industry Certifications:

• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

NICE Workforce Framework Alignment

In terms of the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NIST SP 800-181 Rev. 1), the curriculum for this degree aligns closely with the following work role categories:

• Operate and Maintain
• Protect and Defend
• Analyze
• Investigate

Other categories are addressed as well, providing students with a well-rounded foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be prepared for various cybersecurity and IT positions. Career opportunities are organized below based on typical entry requirements:

• Entry-Level Positions (A.S. Degree):
• Computer User Support Specialist
• Customer Service and Technical Support
• Data Support Technician
• Desktop Support Administrator
• Field Service Technician
• Help Desk Specialist
• IT Technician
• IT Technical Support Specialist
• Network Support Specialist
• Service Desk Analyst
• SOC Analyst (Tier 1)
• System Support Specialist

Positions with Additional Experience (1-2 Years):

• Associate Network Engineer
• Cyber Security Analyst
• GRC Analyst (Entry-Level)
• Incident Response Technician
• Information Security Analyst
• IT Administrator
• IT Auditor
• Junior Cloud Security Analyst
• Linux Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Network Analyst
• Penetration Tester (Junior)
• Security Administrator
• Security Analyst
• Systems Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• Vulnerability Management Analyst

Hands-On Learning

Students in the ASC program gain practical experience through:

• Virtual lab environments and cyber ranges
• Industry-standard security tools including Wireshark, Kali Linux, and SIEM platforms
• Real-world scenarios simulating network defense, incident response, and vulnerability assessment
• Digital forensics investigation exercises 

NSA Center of Academic Excellence Designation

The curriculum for the ASC is designed to align as a Program of Study for the NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) for 2-year programs. Wilmington University was first designated as an NSA/DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education in 2011 and continues to serve nationally as a cybersecurity education leader.

The ASC degree is designed to seamlessly transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program, which has been validated by the NSA as a CAE-CD Program of Study.

Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning at Wilmington University takes a 360° approach to applied education. Whether you bring significant professional experience and pursue Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), or you complete a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experience such as an internship or cooperative education placement embedded within your academic program, these opportunities provide meaningful pathways toward completing your degree.

Minimum Grade Policy

The College of Business and Technology sets a required minimum grade of "C-" for program core courses. Students earning a grade lower than "C-" in a core course must repeat the course.

Cybersecurity A.S. Curriculum

General Education Requirements (30 credits)

CTA 260 IT Support Fundamentals I

ECO 105 Fundamentals of Economics

ENG 121 English Composition I

ENG 122 English Composition II

ENG 131 Public Speaking

HIS 381 Contemporary Global Issues

OR

POL 300 American Politics

MAT 205 Introductory Survey of Mathematics

PHI 100 Introduction to Critical Thinking

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

Natural Science Elective

Cybersecurity A.S. Core (30 credits)

CSC 345 Database Foundations

SEC 100 Introduction to Computer Hardware and Operation

SEC 210 Principles and Practice of Information Security

SEC 230 Introduction to Linux

SEC 235 Networks and Telecommunications

SEC 250 Operating System and Computer Systems Security

SEC 290 Introduction to Programming with Python

SEC 350 Introduction Computer Forensics

SEC 425 Ethical Hacking

Free Elective

Free Elective (3 credits)

This information applies to new students who enter this degree program during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. All enrolled students should log in to MyWilmU Degree Works to view their personalized course and program completion requirements. You may also refer to the academic catalog for the general curriculum for this program from previous academic years.