Information Systems Cybersecurity

Associate of Applied Science

63* credit hours

The Associates of Applied Science in Information Systems (IS) Cybersecurity is designed to introduce students to contemporary information systems security, information assurance, and demonstrate how these systems are used throughout global organizations. The focus of this program is on the key components of information systems assurance and cybersecurity – people, software, hardware, data, security, and communication technologies, and how these components can be integrated and managed to create a competitive advantage.

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Eastern New Mexico University – Ruidoso as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity (CAE-2Y).

This program is specifically designed to prepare and certify students as Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals, NSTISSI No. 4011and CNSSI No. 4016 Entry Level Risk Analysts or provide current Information Systems professionals with an Information Systems security certification to meet the needs of current and future employer requirements. Upon completion of this program, students will receive a university certification of completion, the CompTIA Security+ and EC – Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)™ industry certification in addition to their degree. The key is that the program meets the CAE-2Y curriculum certification requirements by the NSA and complies with the DOD 8570 certification. The students will participate in the Cybersecurity Challenge Competition with industry partners to demonstrate and apply program knowledge in the capstone class.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

  • Apply capable skills to plan, analyze, develop, implement, maintain; enhance information systems security programs, policies, procedures, and tools; and to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, networks, and data.
  • Understand and apply knowledge to implement higher-level security requirements; integrate security programs across disciplines; define security plans and policies; assess new system design methodologies to improve software quality; and institute measures to ensure awareness and compliance.
  • Evaluate and assess new security technologies and/or threats and recommend changes; review and evaluate security incident response policies; and develop long-range plans for IT security systems.
  • Resolve integration issues related to the implementation of new systems with the existing infrastructure; understand why information systems are used today; and understand the technology, people, and organizational components of information systems.
  • Understand and analyze various types of information systems, the value of information systems investments, and how organizations develop and acquire information systems and technologies.
  • Learn to formulate a business case for a new information system, including estimation of both costs and benefits.
  • Provide the information needed to gain business intelligence to support the decision making for the different levels and functions of the organization.
  • Understand, apply and evaluate how to secure information systems resources; mitigate risks as well as plan for and recover from disasters, focusing on both human and technological safeguards; ethical concerns that information systems raise in society; and the impact of information systems on crime, terrorism, and war.

*Additional hours may be required for program requirements for transfer students who are NMGEC complete.

To learn more about the program requirements, click on the links below:

Information Systems Cybersecurity AAS
IS Cybersecurity Degree Pathway