Associate of Science Degree in Cybersecurity
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 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
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 32 percent from 2022 to 2032, 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 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.
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 information for transfer students.
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 towards the full cost of a degree depends on the number of Trident Challenge exams successfully passed. Trident Challenge exam credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for a reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential challenge exam savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.
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.
Tuition cost for the associate 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 |
| Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve U.S Military Service Members** | $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. **Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
University Fees:
- Books and Supplies: $0
- Course Materials: $0
- Diploma Copy: $30 (optional)
- Food, Housing, and Transportation: N/A
- Graduation Fee: $150
- Official Transcript: $10
- 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? 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.
Want to save time & money on your degree? Receive credit for eligible past experience and military service with Trident Fastrac.* Click here to learn more.
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 9/21/23). 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 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.
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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.
