Cyber-Security Practitioner Program Map

Award type:

AS Degree
Certificate of Achievement

The Associate of Science Degree in Cyber-Security Practitioner will provide our community with a workforce of highly skilled digital security professionals well versed in industry standards and best practices. This program is designed to prepare students for employment in a cybersecurity related field and successfully pass globally recognized industry certifications. Upon completion of this program students will have the skills required for an entry level career as a cyber-security practitioner.

Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP

Community of interest: STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Award: AS Degree
Program code: 40710.01AS
Department: Comp Sys Admin/Info Sys
CIP code: 11.1006: Computer Support Specialist.
TOP code: 0708.20 - Computer Support*

Map Class Schedule

Program Schedule Report Meet with a counselor

Cyber-Security Practitioner

AS Degree

The Associate of Science is typically awarded for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Like every Butte College associate degree, it has two parts: a general-education curriculum that gives you a broad base of knowledge, and an academic program where you specialize.

About General Education. GE is an integrated program of learning designed to foster intellectual curiosity, cultural understanding, critical thinking, creative reasoning, oral and written communication, and the capacity for ethical reasoning. By graduation, you'll have developed the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, apply quantitative reasoning, understand how the major academic disciplines ask their questions, comprehend diverse cultures and historical periods, and assess ethical problems — alongside the depth you build in your major.

See the 2025-26 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

15–16 units

CSCI 4

Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies

3 units

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of programming. Students will learn about the software development life-cycle, algorithms, and the design, implementation, and testing of programs using an object-oriented programming language. (C-ID COMP 112).

CSCI 25

Linux 1

3 units

In this course students learn the fundamental concepts of the Linux operating system and the basic skills needed to work productively on a Linux system. Topics covered include installation, basic configuration, and package management, fundamental command-line tools, text editing with the vi (visual editor), the File Hierarchy Standard (FHS), processes, and permissions. Students will configure, script, and work exclusively in a shell (text-based, command-line) environment. This course prepares students for the globally recognized LPIC1-101 Certification test.

CSCI 49

PCs and Peripherals/A+

4 units

This course provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level Information & Communication Technology (ICT) professionals. The fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as advanced concepts such as security, networking, cloud computing, and the responsibilities of an ICT professional will be introduced. A special emphasis is placed on software, hardware, and network troubleshooting techniques. This course is intended to help students prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams. (C-ID ITIS 110).

General Education: Area 1A

English Composition

Baccalaureate-level academic writing — expository and argumentative. The foundation for every other course you'll write in.

Graduation Requirement Choice (See GE Guide)

Term 2

Class Schedules

15–17 units

CSCI 17

Computer and Network Security/Security+

3 units

This is an advanced course in computer and network security. This course will prepare students to evaluate, secure and manage network information assurance, and take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Course topics include threat management, security standards and protocols (including public key infrastructure and cryptography), intrusion detection and prevention, forensics, system recovery, and disaster planning. The principles of data integrity, user accountability, and policy management will be explored in detail. Students will develop and demonstrate intrusion detection skills utilizing a virtual network to configure and test security procedures.

CSCI 26

Linux 2, System Administration

3 units

In this course students learn how to perform basic administration of a multiuser Linux system. Topics include customizing the user environment, user administration, essential system services, networking, and security. Students will perform all essential tasks of a system administrator on a modern Linux distribution. This course prepares students for the globally recognized LPIC1-102 Certification test.

Prerequisite: CSCI 25

Select one track:

CCNA

3 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CSCI 40
Cisco Networks Level I
3 units
course details
The first course in the globally recognized Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) curriculum introduces the architectures, models, protocols, and networking elements that connect users, devices, applications and data through the Internet and across modern computer networks - including IP addressing and Ethernet fundamentals. By the end of the course, students can build simple local area networks (LAN) that integrate IP addressing schemes, foundational network security, and perform basic configurations for routers and switches.
+−

Systems Administration

3 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CSCI 19
Computer Networking Fundamentals
3 units
course details
This course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. Students achieve a basic understanding of how networks operate and how to build simple local area networks (LAN), perform basic configurations for routers and switches, implement Internet Protocol (IP) and enterprise technologies, including cloud and virtualization. Students will apply the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot, configure, and manage common network devices; establish basic network connectivity; and implement network security, standards, and protocols. Preparation for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. A virtualized lab component using NDG NETLabs+ will be included. (ITIS 150).
+−

General Education: Area 2

Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

College-level mathematics or quantitative reasoning — the toolkit behind science, business, and informed citizenship.

General Education: Area 5

Physical and Biological Sciences

The physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena — astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, oceanography, physics — taught alongside the scientific method that makes them work.

Term 3

Class Schedules

13–15 units

CSCI 18

Ethical Hacking

3 units

Introduction to the principles and techniques associated with the cyber security red team penetration testing or ethical hacking. The course covers planning, scoping, reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation, and result reporting documentation. The student discovers how system vulnerabilities can be exploited and how to implement and secure systems to avoid problems. This course prepares students for the globally recognized CompTIA PenTest+ Certification test.

Prerequisite: CSCI 17 or Security+ Certification, or department approval

Select one:

Required

1–3 units

Choose one of 2 choices

BCIS 33
Skills for the Working Professional
1 units
course details
This course provides an exploration of essential soft skills necessary for working professionals, focusing on both external and internal communication, effective conflict management, and cultivating a positive attitude. Students will also learn to develop interpersonal and self-management skills for creating a professional image, preparing them for success in today’s workplace.
+−
COMM C1000
Introduction to Public Speaking
3 units
course details
In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. (C-ID COMM 110).
+−

Select one track:

CCNA

3 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CSCI 41
Cisco Networks Level II
3 units
course details
The second course in the globally recognized Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) curriculum focuses on switching technologies and router operations that support small-to-medium business networks and includes wireless local area networks (WLAN) and security concepts. Students learn key switching and routing concepts. They can perform basic network configuration and troubleshooting, identify and mitigate LAN security threats, and configure and secure a basic WLAN.
Prerequisite: CSCI 40
+−

Systems Administration

3 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CSCI 50
CompTIA Cloud+
3 units
course details
This course will give students the skills necessary to evaluate and implement standard cloud deployments. Students will use cloud technologies, including network, storage, and virtualization components, to create cloud solutions. Students will also manage workload migrations, manage cloud vendors to control costs, use automation and orchestration to bring business value from cloud solutions, and ensure cloud security. This course provides full coverage of the objectives for the CompTIA Cloud+ certification and will help prepare students to take the exam.
+−

General Education: Area 4

Social and Behavioral Sciences

The systematic study of people as members of society — cultural anthropology, cultural geography, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology — and the methods these disciplines use to ask their questions.

Elective (any course numbered 1-99 or C1000-C1999)

Only necessary if the 60 units needed to graduate have not been completed. Consider taking a Cal-GETC General Education course. Visit www.assist.org to see options.

Term 4

Class Schedules

17–18 units

CSCI 24

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner+

3 units

In this course, the student will continue to develop and apply critical thinking and judgement in complex security environments. Topics includes enterprise security, risk management and incident response, research and analysis, integration of computing, communications and business disciplines as well as technical integration of enterprise components. This course prepares students for the globally recognized CompTIA CASP+ Certification test.

Prerequisite: CSCI 18 or department approval

Select one track:

CCNA

3 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CSCI 42
Cisco Networks Level III
3 units
course details
The third course in the globally recognized Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) curriculum describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. This course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access along with the introduction of software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks. Students gain skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks, and learn to identify and protect against cybersecurity threats. They are introduced to network management tools and learn key concepts of software-defined networking, including controller-based architectures and how application programming interfaces (APIs) enable network automation.
Prerequisite: CSCI 41
+−

Systems Administration

3 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CSCI 52
IT Support Professional
3 units
course details
This is a 5-module industry certification program to prepare for an entry-level customer support job in IT. It will provide an understanding of the soft skills required for customer service and technical support fundamentals, computer networking, being an operating systems power user, basics of systems administration and supporting infrastructure services, and IT security.
+−

Systems Administration (Select one):

3 units

Choose one of 2 choices

CSCI 53
Server Administration
3 units
course details
This course will teach the skills necessary for server administrators and data center technicians to deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot servers. It will include installation and configuration, server hardening and security, troubleshooting, backups, disaster recovery, and high availability concepts.
Prerequisite: CSCI 49 or Current A+ Certification or Department approval
+−
CSCI 76
Windows Hybrid Infrastructure and Services
3 units
course details
This course prepares students to configure advanced Windows Server services using on-premises, hybrid, and cloud technologies. Students will gain expertise in implementing and managing on-premises and hybrid solutions, including performing tasks related to security, migration, monitoring, high availability, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery. They will deploy, manage and secure Active Directory on-premises and in the cloud, manage server workloads and network infrastructure in a hybrid environment. Students will use administrative tools and technologies, such as Windows Admin Center, PowerShell, Azure Arc, Azure Automation Update Management, Microsoft Defender for Identity, Azure Security Center, Azure Migrate, and Azure Monitor.
Prerequisite: CSCI 49 or Current A+ Certification or Department approval
+−

General Education: Area 1B

Only necessary if COMM C1000 is not completed.

Oral Communication and Critical Thinking

Baccalaureate-level oral communication and/or critical thinking — speaking with structure to a live audience, analyzing arguments, identifying assumptions.

General Education: Area 3

Arts and Humanities

How people and cultures, across time, respond to themselves and the world through artistic and cultural creative production. Visual and performing arts, art history, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, religion.

General Education: Area 6

Ethnic Studies

The histories, experiences, and contributions of the four autonomous disciplines: Black / African American / Africana studies, Native American studies, Chicano/a/x and Latino/a/x studies, and Asian American studies.

Elective (any course numbered 1-99 or C1000-C1999)

Only necessary if the 60 units needed to graduate have not been completed. Consider taking a Cal-GETC General Education course. Visit www.assist.org to see options.

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset point cleanly to an immediate 2-year outcome for this program.

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the 4-year pathway for this program.

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the graduate-school pathway for this program.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

No NCES/IPEDS CIP-to-SOC mapping was found for this program's CIP code.

Last generated 2026-06-12T23:23+00:00

Program Snapshot

Next Steps

2-Year Degree Paths

4-Year Degree Paths

Graduate School Paths

Source Notes