Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
Online Degree ProgramTrident’s Associate of Science in Cybersecurity (ASC) is designed to help students prepare to pursue an entry-level position in this exciting and growing industry1. This program is designed to help graduates prepare to pursue entry-level positions in information technology with a focus on security. You will study foundational education in hardware and software, Python programming, operating systems, networks, security, and intrusion detection.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average for all occupations1. The online cybersecurity program includes 60 credit hours of coursework and takes about two years to complete. At least 15 credits must be completed at Trident to earn this degree. Other eligible credits may be transferred from approved programs.*
Students can complete the program online, studying computer systems basics as well as the fundamentals of information and data security. Courses include foundations of computing, computer ethics, information security management, network defense, intrusion detection, and other relevant subjects.
Some of the courses in this program use materials that provide a foundation to help graduates to prepare for the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certification exams**. The associate degree can also help you prepare to complete a more advanced program. Upon graduation you may choose to enroll in Trident’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program with a concentration in cybersecurity.
By completing the ASC program, you will explore how to:
- Apply working knowledge of foundational concepts associated with computer systems, networks, and network security
- Use appropriate system and networking terminology to accurately communicate cybersecurity concerns
- Pinpoint network and security risks, and develop plans to protect network hardware, system hardware, and operating systems
- Identify and use information sources and tools to respond to the evolving field of cybersecurity
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to the field of cybersecurity
- Synthesize information from diverse sources to act on expected and unexpected cybersecurity events
- Demonstrate ability to respond ethically to cybersecurity events
See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited 11/19/24). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
* Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the Trident University Catalogfor transfer credit policies.
** Trident cannot guarantee that graduates of this program will be eligible to take third party certification examinations. Certification requirements for taking and passing these exams are controlled by outside entities and are subject to change without notice to Trident.
The Trident Difference
EdActive™ Learning Approach
Students are presented with a question or issue. They do their own research, apply their own experience and present their solution. Feedback and suggestions are received and the student applies the learning to their next task.
Flexibility
With flexible, 100% online classes you can manage your own time to deliver on deadline, with milestones to keep you on track. Faculty is responsive to student needs without daily micro-management.
Affordability
Trident is competitively priced with no application or lab fees. Scholarships and grants are available for those who qualify*.
Accreditation
Trident University International is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Upon successful completion of the ASC degree program graduates should be able to:
- Define the fundamental principles of information security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Communicate cybersecurity concepts clearly and effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
- Utilize scientific reasoning and processes to examine the evolving field of cybersecurity.
- Participate in team-based problem solving, applying a range of cybersecurity tools, techniques, and methodologies.
- Applying cybersecurity principles, practices, or tools to identify cybersecurity risks in diverse organizational contexts.
- Identify ethical issues that arise in cybersecurity (i.e., privacy, surveillance, and intellectual property).
Courses Materials for the Associate Degree Program in Cybersecurity
Trident's Associate Degree program in Cybersecurity is a good way to help build a foundation of knowledge to pursue a potential career path in the IT and security industry. The coursework for the ASC program consists of general education, elective, and program core courses. There are 32 hours in general education subjects like math, English composition, foundations of computing, and computer ethics. You must also choose eight credits of elective courses.
The core courses of the cybersecurity program include:
- Object Oriented Programming
- Operating Systems and Security
- Network Fundamentals
- Network Defense
- Ethical Hacking and Intrusion Defense
See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.
The following standard transfer policies apply:
-
Credits are considered for transfer from:
- Any regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- The American Council on Education (ACE)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
- The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
- Excelsior
- Other non-traditional forms of learning as deemed appropriate by College Deans or designees.
- Decisions on the transfer of credits are ultimately at the discretion of the College Deans or designees.
- Students may formally appeal transfer decisions to the Provost or designee. Appeals must be submitted in writing and must be accompanied by supporting documentation or evidence such as a course syllabus.
- Students are urged to review the specific policy statement applicable to each degree program regarding maximum transferable credits to the program and concentration, or both.
- Transfer credits will not be included in the calculation of overall GPA.
Transfer students can review the full transfer credit policy in the Trident University Catalog.
If you plan to transfer-in potential credit, please review our transfer policy.
Did you know, you could potentially take fewer classes and shorten time to graduation by earning credit for prior learning*? Talk to your Student Success Advisor about this and other Prior Learning Assessment opportunities!
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the Trident University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Ways to Save
Scholarships & Grants
Trident offers an assortment of scholarships and grants to help make college more affordable for our students.*
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Credits for Prior Learning
Trident may award graduate credit for professional training and certifications.* Students may submit the request for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) during the admissions process. For questions or assistance contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@trident.edu.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trident’s Associate of Science in Cybersecurity (ASC) helps students prepare to pursue an entry-level position in a fast-paced and growing industry in information technology by studying computer systems basics and the fundamentals of information and data security. This two-year online cybersecurity degree program covers courses in the foundations of computing, computer ethics, information security management, network defense, intrusion detection, and other relevant subjects. It also offers a foundation for individuals looking to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.
In this ASC program, you’ll study a mix of general education, elective, and program core courses. The general education courses include math, English composition, foundations of computing, and computer ethics. In the program’s core courses, you’ll study programming in Python, object-oriented programming, operating systems and security, network fundamentals, network defense, and ethical hacking and intrusion detection and defense. In addition, some courses use materials that provide a foundation for graduates to prepare for the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certification exams**.
**Trident cannot guarantee that graduates of this program will be eligible to take third party certification examinations. Certification requirements for taking and passing these exams are controlled by outside entities and are subject to change without notice to Trident.
The ASC degree program is offered online and starts monthly. Completion of the Trident admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the Trident online application process. You may complete the application process over the phone with an advisor, or you can do it online. Once you’ve completed the online application, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
The associate in cybersecurity (ASC) degree consists of a total of 60 credit hours. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. At least 15 credits must be completed at Trident to earn this degree. For those looking to continue to a related bachelor's degree after graduation, the ASC is fully stackable to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Cybersecurity Concentration) allowing students to enter the degree with Junior standing.
This program is designed to teach you how to pinpoint network and security risks and develop plans to protect network and system hardware, and operating systems. You’ll explore how to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to the field of cybersecurity in hands-on lab environments. It also helps you prepare to complete a more advanced program. Upon graduation, you can choose to continue your education and enroll in Trident’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program with a concentration in cybersecurity.
