Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
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Jobs available locally 1,381 |
Demand Locally +4 % |
Annual Wage Range $70,186 – $179,223 |
Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.
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Jobs available locally 5,909 |
Demand Locally +2 % |
Annual Wage Range $52,180 – $158,974 |
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
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Jobs available locally 3,800 |
Demand Locally +3 % |
Annual Wage Range $88,061 – $280,604 |
Program Level:
Degrees, Certificates, Online
Program Type:
Face-to-Face, Fully Online
Department:
Computer Science, Technology & Business
Institute:
Science & Technology
College:
NVC
These programs will prepare you for jobs in the field of information technology, including those related to cybersecurity, networking, and other computer support positions.
Available Courses:
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ITCC 1414 - CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks (CISCO Academy) ITCC 1444 - CCNA 2: Switching, Routing and Switching Essentials (CISCO Academy) ITNW 1308 - Implementing and Supporting Client Operating Systems ITCC 2420 - CCNA 3: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (CISCO Academy) ITNW 2327 - Advanced Cloud Concepts (Palo Alto Networks Fundamentals of Cloud Security) ITSC 1316 - Linux Installation and Configuration Select 1 Social and Behavioral Sciences (80) Core Select 1 Additional Communication (90) Core ITSC 1316 - Linux Installation and Configuration ITSY 1300 – Fundamentals of Information Security ITNW 2473 - Amazon Cloud Foundation (AWS) ITSC 2325 - Advanced Linux ENGL 1301 - Composition I ITSY 2443 - Computer System Forensics Select 1 Life and Physical Sciences (30) Core or Mathematics (20) Core ITNW 2474 – Amazon Cloud Developer (AWS) ITNW 2475 – Amazon Cloud Computing Architecture (AWS) ITCC 2420 - CCNA 3: Enterprise Networking Security and Automation ITSY 2430 - Intrusion Detection Select 1 Language, Philosophy & Culture (40) Core or Creative Arts (50) Core ITSY 2442 - Incident Response and Handling ITCC 2343 - Network Security ITSY 2286 - Internship - Computer and Information Systems Security |
Northwest Vista College has academy partnerships with the following industry leaders:
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Our Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Security starts from the ground up, and requires no prior security experience. Students are expected to have basic computer skills, access to the Internet, and access to either a Windows or UNIX-based PC (Mac/Linux).
Information security is the process of protecting and defending information systems to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data to authorized users. Information assurance is a broader term that encompasses information security activities in addition to strategic and corporate governance issues including privacy, regulatory and standards compliance, physical security, risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
Job Outlook
Students earning this degree will be prepared to pursue information technology and networking careers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial services, cloud computing, education, entertainment, and more. With an emphasis on practical experience, students learn the basics of routing, switching, wireless, troubleshooting, and other advanced technologies to prepare for the globally-recognized Cisco CCNA® certification, Palo Alto Networks Firewall Configuration, continued education, and for entry-level career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth and excellent job prospects for Network Administrators.
Occupational profiles indicate a 24% growth for Network and Computer Systems Administrators by the year 2022 in the Alamo Region. Estimated average hourly wage is *$35.49 in the Alamo Region. (Source: SOCRATES-Occupational Profiles-Alamo Region) *Note: Variations should be expected.
Careers Available:
The following titles are examples of careers associated with both the Network Administrator and Information Security Analyst programs but not limited to:
- Cloud Computing
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Network Installer
- Network Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Information Technology Specialist
- Data Security
- Computer Security
- Information Security Officer Specialist
Alamo Colleges Ready to Work ProgramConnecting you with training programs at the Alamo Colleges – and beyond. One or more of these programs are approved Ready to Work programs. Find out if you’re eligible to receive free tuition and job placement services that will enable you to secure an in-demand career. The CHW certification and AAS in Community Health is approved by Ready to Work. Academic credit courses and accelerated Continuing Education (CE) course leading to certification and AAS are available. Academic students interested in SARTW funding their CHW education should contact Sandra Lopez, Coordinator of Student Success. Email: slopez92@alamo.edu Phone: 210-485-0302 |
The Alamo Colleges District is a proud partner of the City of San Antonio’s Ready to Work Program. |
Useful Links
Network Administrator
Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
The Northwest Vista College Cybersecurity Center is a hub for the Information Technology programs at NVC and as a cybersecurity resource for the tri-county area of Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe counties.
Northwest Vista College Cybersecurity Center Webpage
TechTarget SearchSecurity offers a variety of resources including Information Assurance and Security news, tutorials, advice, whitepapers, editorials, and certification information:
http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/
SANS is widely regarded as the industry’s most trusted source for computer security training, certification and research:
FIRST is the premier organization and recognized global leader in incident response:
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the cyber security readiness and response of public and private sector entities:
National Institute of Justice (Office of Justice Programs): Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders
About the Program Coordinator:
Matthew Burch
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that by integrating hands-on exercises and promoting a learn-by-doing approach, I aim to provide students with the practical experience necessary to master technological concepts. Furthermore, by empowering students to teach and mentor their peers, I foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment where everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective knowledge of the group. Through these principles, I strive to prepare my students not only to excel academically but also to become lifelong learners and effective communicators, equipped with the skills and mindset to succeed in their careers and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
Education
Associate of Applied Science – Computer Information Systems
St. Philips College 1992
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education - Computer Information Systems
Wayland Baptist University 1995
Master of Science – Cybersecurity
Western Governors University – currently enrolled
Northwest Vista College
Matthew began his teaching career as an adjunct professor at St. Philip’s College in 1995 teaching network engineering classes. In 2005, Matthew began teaching Cisco Academy, AWS Academy and cybersecurity courses at NVC as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time professor and Cybersecurity Program Coordinator for the college in 2023. Matthew holds several teaching certifications including Cisco Academy Authorized Instructor, AWS Academy Certified Educator, and AWS Authorized Instructor. Matthew’s professional career also spans several decades as a server administrator, network engineer, cloud architect, and information technology manager. His professional certifications include CISSP, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure #35240, CCIE Service Provider #35240, Cisco Certified Design Specialist, AWS Solutions Architect Professional, AWS Cloud Developer Associate, and Python Institute - PCEP.
Faculty and Staff
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