Cybersecurity Certificate in Applied Science
Program Description
The Cybersecurity Embedded Certificate prepares students with foundational skills to support and defend computer systems, networks, and data in organizational environments. The program emphasizes cybersecurity operations, network and firewall security, Linux fundamentals, incident response, digital forensics, and security risk analysis. Through hands-on, lab-based coursework, students gain practical experience monitoring systems, responding to security incidents, analyzing threats, and supporting defensive cybersecurity operations.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Cybersecurity Certificate in Applied Science at Greenville Technical College is to prepare students with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required to protect and defend organizational systems and networks from cyber threats. The curriculum emphasizes practical application of defensive security tools, incident response techniques, security analysis, and forensic methods to prepare graduates for entry-level cybersecurity operations and support roles.
Entrance Requirements
High school diploma or GED
Type of Program
Day, Evening, and Online
Requirements for Completion
This program requires a minimum grade of “C” in all courses.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Cybersecurity Embedded Certificate in Applied Science are prepared for entry-level cybersecurity and security operations roles. Typical opportunities include cybersecurity technician, security operations center (SOC) analyst I, junior incident response technician, cybersecurity support specialist, and IT support roles with security responsibilities. These positions are found in industries such as healthcare, education, government, finance, and technology services, where professionals assist with monitoring security events, responding to incidents, analyzing risks, and supporting organizational security controls.
Visit our web page at https://www.gvltec.edu/computertechnology/.
Listed below is a recommended sequence of courses. This plan is intended to be flexible and may be completed on a less-than-full-time basis, including three-quarter-time or half-time enrollment, to accommodate working professionals. Course availability and individual circumstances may affect scheduling, and not all courses are offered every semester. Students are encouraged to consult with an advisor to develop a personalized plan of study.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| CPT 257 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| IST 220 | Data Communications | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 6 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CYB 110 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| IST 190 | LINUX Essentials | 3 |
| IST 266 | Internet and Firewall Security | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CYB 201 | Cybersecurity Operations | 3 |
| CYB 294 | Incident Response (Blue Teaming) | 3 |
| CPT 209 | Computer Systems Management | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| CYB 282 | Security and Risk Analysis | 3 |
| CYB 269 | Digital Forensics | 3 |
| CYB 293 | Attack Vectors (Red Teaming) | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
| Total Required Credit Hours | 33 | |