Cyber Security Program
Securing ourselves in cyberspace is an essential and expanding endeavor
Since the initial development in the 1970’s of the first computer virus (CREEPER) and, the first antivirus software (REAPER) – the battle between hackers with malicious intent and hackers who try to stop them has been raging, eventually evolving into the field now known as Cyber Security.
Men and women in this field work to protect individuals, businesses, corporations, municipalities and state or federal governments.
They’re on the front lines of a critical struggle.
“Cyberspace and its underlying infrastructure are vulnerable. Sophisticated cyber actors and nation-states exploit vulnerabilities to steal information and money and are developing capabilities to disrupt, destroy, or threaten the delivery of essential services.”
~ CISA, the Cyberspace and Infrastructure Security Agency
If you’re curious about joining the effort to strengthen the security, resilience, and workforce of the cyber ecosystem to protect our way of life, your first steps are to learn the basics, accumulate work experience, and sit for industry proficiency exams.
Over time, you can become a formidable and essential cyber professional, and earn an exceptional salary doing so.
Kirtland is one of the best possible places for you to begin your journey.
It’s your choice. Why go this direction?
You can earn an exceptional salary
Even entry level information security analysts make a high wage, and with more experience, your pay level will rise. With an Associate Degree, you could qualify for these positions:
- Information security specialist
- Digital forensics examiner
- IT Auditor
- Information security analyst
- Other technology jobs
If you choose to continue and get your bachelor’s or master’s degree, higher levels of work will open up.
You DO NOT need to have a computer background to enroll
If you have an interest in computers and technology …
If you’re intrigued by the idea of learning to outsmart thieves and other bad actors …
If you want a career where you might work remotely …
If you’d like to use your problem solving skills to protect the privacy and property of others …
If you can handle a workplace that will sometimes be stressful …
If you have an inquiring mind, are detail oriented and curious about how things work …
If you have a ‘detective’ mindset – fascinated by trying to find the truth, to establish what actually happened …
If you’re perseverant and don’t give up easily …
This could be an ideal career for you to investigate and pursue.
We’re at a deficit nationwide
The need for cyber security will always be with us and is currently increasing. We need many more trained, experienced professionals to help us ensure a secure and resilient infrastructure for the American people. As a career choice, you would be entering an expanding field where your services will be in great demand.
Hackers are a threat to ordinary people. You can help.
Bluetooth hackers have the ability to watch and listen to us and our families through our headsets, earbuds, medical devices, baby monitors, and more. Our personal, financial, and medical records can be stolen. Even our cell phones and vehicles are at risk of being hacked.As a cyber security professional, you can help ordinary people live their lives without experiencing cyber-based episodes of financial loss, invasion of privacy, and worse.
Cyber is one of the front lines in any conflict
Both now and in the future, cyberspace is a theater of war as much as the air, ground, and seas. Cyber attacks constitute weapons that may have longer lasting impacts than standard attacks.
Career Opportunities
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $97,980
Employment growth (2021-31): 28%
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $128,420
Employment growth (2021-31): 8%
Salary data according to O*NET Online
Kirtland’s program stands out
Kirtland is, overall, a highly positive environment for students.
This is our reputation, and we earned it. Experience for yourself what a supportive and pro-student college we’ve built!
If you’re interested in computers, the subject matter will be fascinating
- Virtualization
- Encryption
- Python
- Linux
- Biometrics
- Cryptography
- Firewalls
- Steganography (the practice of hiding content within other content, such as hiding text within images)
- Ethical hacking
- Penetration testing and Red Team/Blue Team exercises
- Laws related to cyber, chain of custody and digital forensics processes
Best practices for securing infrastructures in institutions, financial services, telecom, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing
We’ll prepare you to build the proficiency you need to take industry recognized certification exams
Although a two-year program can’t teach you everything there is to know about cyber security, we’ll prepare you to go to work and become proficient in important skill areas. Your degree of previous technical experience will influence WHEN you’ll be ready to take these proctored industry exams, but whether you first enroll as a computer novice or tech-savvy geek, we’ll prepare you to begin building proficiencies to take: CompTIA Security +, CompTIA A+, Network Pro, Linux +, to name a few.
At Kirtland you’ll finish with:
Cyber Security, Associate in Applied Science
- Take our online Cyber Security courses full- or part-time.
- Work at your own pace, even taking just one course at a time.
- If you attend full-time, the degree will take two years to complete.
- Your Associate Degree will conclude with experiential learning – with either an internship or a capstone project.
- You’ll also be prepared to transfer to a four-year school for a Bachelor’s degree if you choose, although you may need to take additional courses if you’re planning to transfer. Talk to your advisor if this is the path you’re considering!
Choose online classes with FACULTY who are experts in online learning
There are reasons that Kirtland is consistently ranked among the top 25 sources for online learning in America.
- We’re not newcomers to online education! We’ve been teaching online for over ten years.
- Our faculty have Master’s Degrees in Information Security and many years of experience in the field.
- Faculty put themselves and their personalities into their classes. They consistently receive glowing reviews from students!
- Faculty are very responsive to email requests for support! They know you need prompt assistance or you wouldn’t have written in the first place.
- Faculty not only know their subject area, but also care about your wellbeing and progress.
- This is not a plug-and-play robotic interaction! Our classes are highly interactive. We get personally acquainted with our students and make ourselves available to help them.
Small class sizes
At Kirtland, you won’t feel lost in an environment where there are large numbers of students vying for the professor’s attention. Our class sizes are small enough that your professor will know your name and take an interest in you!
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to our students’ success.
They’ll do their best to answer your questions and get you the right information.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your path to a lucrative & fulfilling future
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s! If you’ve made your decision, declare Associate in Cyber Security as your program of study with your advisor.
Step 3
Complete your program courses, including your general education courses.
Step 4
Graduate. Celebrate! You can be proud of this accomplishment!
FINAL STEP
Go out and choose a job. It’s time to put your new degree to work.
Bonus STEP 1
To improve your marketability, sit for industry certifications.
Bonus STEP 2
Apply for a bachelor’s degree program if you choose to continue your education.
