Program Details

Our programs will prepare you for an entry-level position or augment your existing skills using curriculum mapped to the NSA/DHS Knowledge Units. NOVA is a leader in cybersecurity and boasts one of the largest cybersecurity programs in the nation. As an extension of NOVA’s leadership in cybersecurity, NOVA is a founding member of the National CyberWatch Center - a national consortium of colleges and universities focused on improving cybersecurity education.

As the first community college in Virginia to be designated as a Center of Academic Excellence for two-year institutions (CAE2Y), NOVA’s programs immerse you in course work that set you up for multiple industry certifications. Looking for options? How about our stackable one year Career Study Certificate (C.S.C.) or jump right into the full Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Either way results will come quickly with full-time enrollment. Ultimately want a bachelor’s degree? We can do that. We have multiple options for transfer agreements to top four-year institutions.

Students should possess a proficiency in high school English, algebra and geometry, and have computer keyboarding skills.

Program Degrees and Certificates

The Cybersecurity CSC can be achieved within the A.A.S. degree - must be applied for. Specific program courses provide the knowledge and skills to test for industry certifications. The IET Division strongly recommends that students take a preparatory or review course prior to setting for an exam. Exam fees are not included in the course fees or tuition. Possible industry certifications: CompTIA - A+ Software/Hardware, CompTIA - Linux+, CompTIA - Network+, CompTIA - Security+, CompTIA - Cybersecurity Analyst, CISSP, Oracle - Oracle Certified Associate

NOTE: Previous IT courses used for these programs may not be more than 10 years old, unless approved by academic dean.

• Cybersecurity, A.A.S.
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• Cybersecurity, C.S.C.
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Transfer Opportunities

Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.

Transfer Guidance

Credit for Prior Learning

Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.

The most current information can be found here for CPL: Certifications and Credentials.

CPL examples: CompTIA - A+ Software/Hardware, CompTIA - Linux+, CompTIA - Network+, CompTIA - Security+, ISC2 – CISSP, CompTIA - Cybersecurity Analyst, Oracle - Oracle Certified Associate

Partnerships and Endorsements

(CAE) for Two-Year Institutions

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated NOVA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance for academic years 2013 through 2015. NOVA engaged in a rigorous process of review of its curriculum, faculty qualifications, program support and community outreach to obtain this designation.

• NOVA mapped their curriculum to both the CNSS 4011 and CNS 4012 standards.

NOVA partnered with EC-Council and CompTIA to offer students industry certification vouchers at an academic discount.

Cybesecurity Competitions

NOVA offers cybersecurity students many opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions including:

• National Cyber League - Compete with other students to get ranked nationally and demonstrate your skills to a prospective employer. 
• Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition - Defend your systems against a Red Team of hackers determined to bring it down! 
• Educause Security Awareness Video and Poster Contest - Win money for your design or acting abilities.

Career Prospects

There is immediate and significant demand for employees with cybersecurity capability. Combining our programs with the potential to earn multiple industry certifications can make you a highly qualified and sought after candidate. Salaries for these positions are competitive and commensurate with qualifications. Graduates from this program can find employment opportunities in a number of areas like network security specialists or internet security specialists.