IT - Cybersecurity Specialist
Associate Degree
62 Credits | 2 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
Ashland*, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior
Full program available at the New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior campuses
*First-year coursework available at the Ashland campus and complete your full program at any of our other campuses.
Career Cluster: Information Technology
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Detect. Protect. Defend. In today's connected world, everyone benefits from advanced cyberdefense programs. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks and programs from digital attacks. Students in this program will be immersed in an IT ecosystem and learn how to secure an organization's desktops, servers, networks and applications to support a thriving business.
Program Overview
The IT-Cybersecurity Specialist program will give students hands-on experience with networking, operation systems, virtualization and security. Students will build a strong IT base as they install and configure Windows and Linux environments and create networks for a business-like environment. Students will study attacks and security practices to protect data as they configure security settings, test and monitoring configurations. Students will configure and test routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, workstations and servers with using vendor tools and open source resources. The IT-Cybersecurity program also supports remote learning through the use of equipment pods in their Netlab (24/7).
Program Outcomes
IT - Cybersecurity Specialist graduates will be able to:
- Identify security strategies
- Implement secure infrastructures
- Conduct security testing
- Analyze security data
- Mitigate risk
- Develop security documentation
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Northwood Tech is affiliated with the following industry partners providing students with access to a variety of materials and software: Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, Palo Alto and VMware. As a member of the Microsoft, Cisco and VMware academies, students in the IT programs receive free access to vendor software and tools. Students may choose to complete certifications, many through the on-campus VUE testing center. Industry certifications students may pursue include: CompTIA+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, PenTest+, CSA+, CISCO: CCNA, CCNA Cyber-Ops, Microsoft Windows, MTA, MCSA, MCSE, VMWare, CEH and CISSP.
Free access to industry software.
Hands-on experience.
Achieve industry certification.
Academics
The full program is available at New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior. You can complete the first year of coursework at the Ashland campus and complete your full program at any of our other campuses.
Most courses are taught in a learner-centered classroom format in order to access the required equipment. Courses are offered on-site, hybrid, and online to fit your lifestyle.
Dual Major
Students in the IT - Cybersecurity Specialist program have the opportunity to dual major with the IT - Systems Administration Specialist program by completing additional coursework.
Transfer Options
Graduates have the option to transfer coursework to complete a bachelor's degree at UW-Stout, Lakeland University and other institutions with degree completion programs.
Industry Partners
Northwood Tech is affiliated with the following industry partners providing students with access to a variety of materials and software: CompTIA+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, PenTest+, CSA+, CISCO: CCNA, CCNA Cyber-Ops, Microsoft Windows, MTA, MCSA, MCSE, VMWare, CEH and CISSP. Northwood Tech locations are Cisco Networking, Red Hat, and Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity academies, and Northwood Tech is a CompTIA academy partner. VUE testing centers are available at each location.
Required Courses
Northwood Tech incorporates the latest technology into the required courses. Students will get hands-on experience working with the software and technology that is used by industry professionals.
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IT - Cybersecurity Specialist is Part of a Career Pathway
As an IT - Cybersecurity Specialist student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
This technical diploma is embedded in the IT - Cybersecurity Specialist program.
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Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
IT - Cybersecurity Specialist
62 Credits | 2 Years
$10,337
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn an IT - Network Technician technical diploma and an IT - Cybersecurity Specialist associate degree.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Cisco Networking Academy Partner
Cisco Networking Academy partners closely with educational institutions and instructors to develop and deliver a curriculum that gives students the digital, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills they need to get a job, earn a promotion, or start a business of their own. Students do more than gain technical mastery, they come away prepared to drive innovation and help companies meet the challenges of digital transformation. 70% of those who complete advanced courses obtain new or better jobs, take on increased responsibility, or earn higher pay.
The IT-Cybersecurity Specialist program is supported with funds from the WTCS Grant Funds ($166,300)
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
