Program Overview
The IT Security, A.S. degree offers students a broad spectrum of cyber-security knowledge to prepare individuals for demanding positions in public and private sectors overseeing, operating, or protecting critical computer systems, information, networks, infrastructures and communications networks. The courses align with industry security certifications, arduous academic standards, and relevant technical knowledge and skills. Students who successfully complete this Associate in Science degree are exposed to the competencies included in the following industry certifications: CompTIA’s A+, Network+, Security+, Project+, PenTest+, CySA+, Cisco CCT (Cisco Certified Technician), and CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).
Requirements for Admission
There are no Admissions requirements for this program.
If a student is not at college level, they would take the prep classes before beginning the program courses but could still be admitted.
Once you complete this degree you are eligible to enter into the B.A.S.-IST Security Degree.
Students can pursue two programs at the same time, such as an A.S. degree and an A.A. degree, or a primary degree and an alternate degree.
Program Cost, Scholarships and Aid
Program Costs Breakdown
Tuition for 60 Credit Hours
- $6,406 Florida Residents
- $22,974 Non-Florida Residents
Additional Expenses
- Pricing varies for books and laptop
Minimum Recommended Hardware
- Current generation Intel Core Series (i3, i5, i7, i9) or AMD Ryzen equivalent
- 8 GB of RAM or more
- 256 GB hard drive or larger
- Webcam, microphone and speakers
- WiFi or Network (Ethernet) Adapter Card for Broadband - 100/1000Mbps
- Broadband internet connection
- Operating System recommended: Windows 10 or macOS
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available for Santa Fe College students to apply to. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply.
Financial Aid
There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. Please visit the Financial Aid page for more information and how to apply.
Program Goals
Students completing the A.S. in Information Technology Security will attain the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of network security hardware fundamentals.
- Demonstrate an understanding of network security applications fundamentals.
- Demonstrate fundamental proficiency in foundational security essentials.
- Demonstrate proficiency in security tools and techniques for protecting infrastructures and data.
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of computer networking.
Program Length, Format and Curriculum
Professional Core Requirements
- CET2661C Computer and Network Security (3.0 credit hours)
- CET2883C Network Security Advanced (3.0 credit hours)
- CGS1820 Web Authoring 1 (3.0 credit hours)
- CGS2540 Database Management Systems (3.0 credit hours)
- CIS1254 Professional Development for IT (3.0 credit hours)
- CIS2352 Ethical Hacking (3.0 credit hours)
- CIS2619 Design Software (3.0 credit hours)
- COP2002 Programming Logic (3.0 credit hours)
- CTS1120 Fundamentals of Information Security (3.0 credit hours)
- CTS1131 Computer Essentials (3.0 credit hours)
- CTS1134 Introduction to Networking (3.0 credit hours)
- CTS2142 IT Project Management (3.0 credit hours)
One of the following three concentrations
Concentration in Healthcare Security
Required
- CGS2345 Health Information Networking (3.0 credit hours)
Choose two from the following:
- CIS2948 ITE Internship (3.0 credit hours)
- CTS1132 PC Technician (3.0 credit hours)
- HIM1000 Introduction to Health Information Management (3.0 credit hours)
- HIM2012 Health Law and Compliance (3.0 credit hours)
Concentration in Infrastructure
- CET1600 Cisco Networking Fundamentals (3.0 credit hours)
- CET1610 Introduction to Router Theory and Router Technologies (3.0 credit hours)
- CET2620 Cisco Network Security (3.0 credit hours)
Concentration in Risk Management
Required:
- CTS2314 Network Defense and Countermeasures (3.0 credit hours)
- CTS2318 Information Security Risk Management (3.0 credit hours)
Choose one from the following:
- CET1600 Cisco Networking Fundamentals (3.0 credit hours)
- CTS1132 PC Technician (3.0 credit hours)
- CTS2321 Linux Administration (3.0 credit hours)
Once you complete this degree you are eligible to enter into the B.A.S.-IST Security Degree.
Performance Standards
Academic Progress Policies:
Students in the Associate in Science in Information Technology Security (ITS) program must meet the following standards of academic progress:
- Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in lower-division courses. Failure to maintain this standard will initially result in a registration flag. A registration flag suspends the student’s right to register for further lower-division courses without advisor permission. Failure to restore the student’s GPA to a 2.0 will result in removal from the program. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.
- Lower-division course grades below ‘C’ will not count towards degree completion. Any course receiving a grade of ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘W’ or ‘I’ must be successfully completed within the next two terms, earning a minimum grade of ‘C.’
- Upon receiving a second grade of ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘W’ or ‘I’ in any lower-division coursework, a registration flag will be placed on the student’s records. Appeals may be made to the Program Coordinator.
- Students will remain in good standing when earning a grade of ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘W’ or ‘I’ in less than 20% of lower-division courses attempted/completed. For example, a student enrolled in 15 credit hours (five 3-credit hour courses) is allowed a ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘W’ or ‘I’ in one course. Students exceeding this allowance will receive a registration flag. Furthermore, students exceeding this allowance for two consecutive semesters will be removed from the A.S. program. Appeals may be made to the Program Coordinator.
- A grade of XF for academic dishonesty will result in removal from the program. Appeals may be made to the Program Coordinator.
- A minimum of two courses per academic year are required to remain in the program. Students not successfully completing two courses per academic year are considered not actively pursuing a A.S. degree and will be removed from the program.
It is recommended that students meet with a SF Advising at least once a semester. Students are responsible for keeping advisors up to date on any issues that may hinder successful academic progress.
Definitions:
Lower-division: courses numbered in the 1000 and 2000 level categories.
Registration Flag: a student’s right to register for further upper-division courses will be suspended, pending advisor approval.
Appeals: a registration flag or program year removal appeal may be made in writing to the Program Coordinator, indicating sufficient evidence of unusual hardship which proved to be the proximate cause of a failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Students must apply for graduation upon enrollment in their last semester of coursework.
- Student Conduct Code
Cost of Attendance
Disclosure
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.
Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.
Undergraduate Lower Division Courses (A.A./A.S. Degree Courses)
| Off-Campus* | Off-Campus with Parent** | |
| Tuition and Fees In-State: $106.77 per credit Out-Of-State: $382.90 per credit | In-State: $2,563 Out-Of-State: $9,190 | In-State: $2,563 Out-Of-State: $9,190 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $783 | $783 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $9,679 | $2,619 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $4,228 | $4,228 |
| Transportation | $1,976 | $3,062 |
| Total | In-State: $19,229 Out-Of-State: $25,856 | In-State: $13,255 Out-Of-State: $19,882 |
Undergraduate Upper Division Courses (Bachelor Degree Courses)
| Off-Campus* | Off-Campus with Parent** | |
| Tuition and Fees In-State: $126.33 per credit Out-Of-State: $428.83 per credit | In-State: $3,032 Out-Of-State: $10,292 | In-State: $3,032 Out-Of-State: $10,292 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $783 | $783 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $9,679 | $2,619 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $4,228 | $4,228 |
| Transportation | $1,976 | $3,062 |
| Total | In-State: $19,698 Out-Of-State: $26,958 | In-State: $13,724 Out-Of-State: $20,984 |
*Off-Campus: you intend to live off campus, but not with your parent(s).
**Off-Campus with Parent: you intend to live with your parent(s).
Note: All costs and rates are subject to change for the upcoming year.
For more detailed information visit SF's Cost of Attendance page.
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