Cybersecurity Associate of Arts

Build a Transfer-Ready Cybersecurity Degree That Leads to Career Confidence

Launch your career in cybersecurity or transfer to a four-year program with the Associate of Arts in Cybersecurity at Glen Oaks Community College. This flexible, transfer-focused degree equips you with foundational IT and security skills while meeting general education requirements for bachelor's programs in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or Computer Science.

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Why Choose This Program?

  • Seamlessly transfer to top universities in Michigan and beyond
  • Blend technical cybersecurity courses with general education for a well-rounded degree
  • Learn in small classes with personalized advising and hands-on instruction
  • Ideal for students starting college, returning adults, or those changing careers
  • Local and remote options to fit your schedule

What You’ll Learn

The program combines core general education coursework with essential cybersecurity and IT skills, including:

  • Fundamentals of computer systems and networking
  • Cybersecurity laws, ethics, and risk management
  • Threat identification and digital forensics
  • Secure system design and network protection

You’ll also develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills—key for both job readiness and transfer success.

Courses You’ll Take

Here are a few of the key courses in the program:

  • CIS-151: Ethical Hacking
  • CIS-161: Cybersecurity Operations
  • CIS-162: Introduction to Computer Forensics

This program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours and includes a mix of major-specific and general education courses.

Cybersecurity - Program Details

Transfer Pathways

The Associate of Arts in Cybersecurity is designed for transfer. Students commonly continue their education at institutions such as:

  • Ferris State University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Davenport University
  • Eastern Michigan University

GOCC maintains multiple articulation agreements to make transferring seamless. Learn more about Michigan Transfer Agreement.

FAQs

Q: Is this program available online?
A: Select courses may be available online or hybrid. Speak with an advisor to build a flexible schedule.

Q: Is this a good fit for beginners?
A: Yes. This degree is perfect for students starting college or switching into IT/cybersecurity from another field.

Q: Will my credits transfer to a university?
A: Yes. This program is designed to meet the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) standards, making it highly transferable.

Q: What’s the difference between this and the Cybersecurity Technician Certificate?
A: The AA is a two-year degree for students planning to transfer. The Technician Certificate is a short-term credential focused on direct-to-work skills.

Q: Can I start with a certificate and move into this degree?
A: Absolutely. Credits from the Technician and Specialist Certificates count toward this degree pathway.


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