Defend the Digital World. Protect What Matters Most.
This certificate is ideal for students with prior IT experience who want to upskill quickly into cybersecurity responsibilities within their current organization—strengthening their ability to protect systems, respond to incidents, and support security operations with confidence.
San Jacinto College’s Cybersecurity pathway prepares students to secure computers, networks, and digital infrastructure against modern cyber threats. Designed as a fully stackable program, the pathway allows students to enter the workforce quickly and advance through higher-level credentials and degrees.
Students gain hands-on experience in network security, system defense, security operations, penetration testing, and incident response through labs, simulations, and applied coursework. Training emphasizes real-world problem solving and prepares students for industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, and other security credentials.
The pathway begins with an Advanced IT Occupational and Certificate of Technology options that prepare students for entry-level roles and stack into the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity. A student-embedded Security Operations Center (SOC) provides applied experience using professional tools and technologies. The AAS also offers a seamless transfer into the Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity for students seeking advanced technical or leadership roles.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions such as cybersecurity technician, security operations analyst, or systems support specialist across industries including healthcare, finance, government, education, and technology.
Career Opportunities and Income
Visit sanjac.edu for information regarding career opportunities and potential earnings in the Greater Houston region.
Learning & Career Pathway
For technical and health science programs:
This learning pathway - a series of related and “stacked” certificates and degrees - includes the following awards. You can start at any point on the path and earn certificates on your way to completing the degree.
- CIT, Advanced Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialty, Occupational Certificate (6 months)
- CIT, Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialty, Associate of Applied Science (2 years)
- CIT, Information Technology Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Applied Technology (4 years)
Learning Outcomes and Career Skills
For technical programs:
A student completing the last award in the pathway will be able to:
- Utilize network transmission media across various network topologies using a variety of operating systems.
- Develop a security plan implementing asset risk management.
- Develop viable solutions to mitigate network security risks to protect assets.
- Utilize appropriate tools to prevent security threats.
- Implement and test firewall security system.
- Deploy countermeasures to minimize the impact of a breach in network security.
Licensure or Certification
Students in the Cybersecurity AAS program gain the knowledge and skills to pursue industry-recognized certifications that validate their expertise and strengthen their employability. These credentials demonstrate technical proficiency and make graduates more competitive in the job market. Potential certifications include:
- CompTIA A+: Fundamentals of IT systems, hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
- CompTIA Network+: Core networking concepts, protocols, security, and troubleshooting.
- CompTIA Security+: Essential cybersecurity knowledge, including threats, cryptography, and identity management.
- CompTIA Cloud+: Skills for managing and securing cloud-based environments.
- EC-Council CND (Certified Network Defender): Advanced defense strategies, firewalls, intrusion detection, and risk management.
- EC-Council ECIH (Certified Incident Handler): Techniques for responding to and recovering from security incidents.
Together, these certifications provide a strong foundation for career advancement and are widely sought by employers across the cybersecurity industry.
External Learning Experiences
Students enrolling in San Jacinto College programs with external learning experiences (e.g., clinicals, practicums, externships, cooperatives) must comply with the immunization requirements and policies of the external learning sites. These requirements are set by the facilities, not by San Jacinto College.
Failure to meet these requirements may limit a student’s ability to complete the program and could delay graduation. San Jacinto College does not process exemption requests; students must work directly with the external site to address any potential vaccination exemptions.
Locations
College Admission
San Jacinto College is an open admission institution. All students are welcome to apply and will be admitted to the College. You may begin the process on the College’s “How to Apply” webpage.
Program Admission
There are no additional admission requirements for the CIT, Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialty program; you only need to complete your application to the College, as noted in “College Admission” above, and follow the enrollment steps.
Plan of Study
6IT-AITS
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Term | Credits | |
| ITSY 2300 | Operating System Security | 3 |
| ITSY 2301 | Firewalls and Network Security | 3 |
| ITSY 2341 | Security Management Practices | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ITSY 2342 | Incident Response and Handling | 3 |
| ITSY 2343 | Computer System Forensics | 3 |
| ITSY 2345 or ITSC 2364 | Network Defense and Countermeasures or Practicum - Computer and Information Sciences, General | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Capstone Experience: ITSY 2345 Network Defense and Countermeasures
or Work-Based Learning Experience: ITSC 2364 Practicum - Computer and Information Sciences, General