Associate of Science in Cybersecurity

Build a Foundation of Knowledge

Develop the skills you need to advance in your career with an online Associate of Science in Cybersecurity (ASC) degree from Trident.

Next Session Starts on December 27, 2021 Apply Today

Earn an Associate of Science Degree in Cybersecurity Online

Trident’s Associate of Science in Cybersecurity (ASC) is a two-year, 60-credit hour program designed to help students prepare to pursue an entry-level position in this exciting and growing industry¹. 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.

By completing the ASC program, you can learn 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

Online Cybersecurity Program Overview

Cybersecurity is a growing industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow at a rate of 32 percent from 2018 to 2028, 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.*

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.

Some of the courses in this program use materials that provide a foundation for graduates to prepare for the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certification exams**. The associate degree also helps 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.

See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.

Courses

Courses Materials for the Associate Degree in Cybersecurity Program

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

Trident’s Associate Degree in Cybersecurity program is an excellent way to build a foundation of knowledge to pursue a potential career path in the IT and security industry.

See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.

Did you know, you could potentially take fewer classes and shorten time to graduation by passing a Trident Challenge Exam*? Undergraduate students can demonstrate their knowledge and, if successfully passed, earn credit toward their degree. Talk to your Student Success Advisor about this and other Prior Learning Assessment opportunities!

*The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition varies by campus and depends on the number of Trident Challenge exams successfully passed. Trident Challenge exam credits are unlikely to transfer. Not all programs are eligible for a reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change.

Admissions Requirements

Subject to additional college-or program-specific admissions requirements, the following standard admissions requirements apply:

A diploma or proof of graduation from an accredited or state approved high school, or its equivalent
At least 12 semester hours of transferable college credit or documented military training* as defined by Trident’s transfer policy. *Proof of military service includes successful completion of basic training, documented in an official military transcript (JST, CCAF, etc.)
Proof of English proficiency (international students only; see section on English Proficiency in the Trident University Catalog)
A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all transferable coursework; Military students who have less than 12 semester hours of military experience must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all high school coursework.

If you plan to transfer potential credit, please review our transfer policy.

Transfer Policy

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/DANTES)
- 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 Catalog.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition cost for the associates program:

tuition type	per credit	per course	per year*
Standard	$415	$1,660	$8,300
Retired Military / Veteran / And Their Immediate Family Members	$330	$1,320	$6,600
Military & Immediate Family Members / Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees	$250	$1,000	$5,000

*Assumes 20 credits transferred in and that student enrolls in an average of 20 credits per year for 2 years.

University Fees:

Books and Supplies: $0
Bounced Check Fee: $30
Course Materials: $0
Diploma Copy: $30 (optional)
Food, Housing, and Transportation: N/A
Graduation Fee: $150
Official Transcript: $10 (rush fee $35)
Other Expedited Shipping Fees: varies based on region
Payment Plan Set-up: $35-$55 (non-refundable)
Student ID Card: $10 (optional)
Technology Fee: $0
Other fees may apply and are subject to change without advance notice.

Seeking more information on the cost of attending Trident University? Visit Trident’s Financial Aid Resources page where you will find financial aid tools including Trident’s Net Price Calculator and Shopping Sheet, a guide to assist in early financial planning for college.

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Faces of Trident

Meet Carlton W. Kent (Retired U.S. Military), Alumni Class of 2013. Read about how he first started his academic journey.

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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 May 19, 2020). Conditions in your area may vary.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for 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.