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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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.

• 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.

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

  • Credit for Prior Learning
• 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.

• Faculty Biographies

  The cornerstone of NOVA’s cybersecurity program is an amazingly diverse, passionate and award-winning group of 40+ full-time (FT) and adjunct teaching faculty in the fields of Information Technology and Cybersecurity. This faculty group not only represent diversity in demographics, but also represent a great mix of pedagogy and industry expertise, all of whom are committed to the success of their students both inside and outside of the classroom. All IT/Cyber faculty hold industry credentials that are essential for the coursework they teach.

  Faculty Biographies

• Cybersecurity 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.

Partnerships and Endorsements

(CAE) for Two-Year Institutions

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have redesignated NOVA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity for the academic years 2023 through 2028. The designation by NSA/DHS has established NOVA's cybersecurity A.A.S. degree program as one of the top-tier programs that prepare students for the workforce. 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.