Cybersecurity Networking Academy

Location

Junior and senior-level academy courses are taught at the ARL.

Summary

The Cybersecurity Networking Academy is designed for students who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and skills related to computer hardware, software, operating systems, fundamental and advanced networking, and cybersecurity related threats and mitigation techniques. Students will gain practical hands-on experience in these fields. Students will demonstrate their ability to analyze cyber threats by using networking devices, simulation tools, software, and competitions.These courses prepare students to obtain a wide variety of industry recognized IT certifications.

The Computer Networking pathway provides fundamental computer networking concepts and theory needed to build home and medium-sized business networks. It also provides awareness of cybersecurity related issues and provides an overview of risks and vulnerabilities and focuses on understanding network defense techniques. It also covers protecting and securing confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive information on networks and systems. This pathway prepares students for Cisco CCENT certification.

The PC Systems pathway provides an introduction to the computer hardware, software, and networks as well as in-depth coverage of cybersecurity concepts and techniques needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level IT professionals.Students learn to describe the internal components of a PC, install Windows XP/Windows 7, assemble and fix laptops and desktops. It also focuses on identifying various cybersecurity threats and implementing layers of defense mechanisms against these threats. This pathway prepares students for CompTIA A+ certification and provides an internship/mentorship option.

Recommended Electives

  • Computer Science – Designing Technology Solutions – Honors,

- OR -

  • Foundations of Technology

Prerequisites

  • Common Core Algebra I prior to enrollment in academy coursework

Successful Academy Students:

  • Maintain a C average in all academy coursework.

  • Participate in student conferences and job shadowing.

  • Complete a large-scale networking project during the senior year.

  • Consider taking the CISCO Certified Network Associate Exam.

  • Practice making responsible decisions to be better prepared for security clearance and background checks required in cybersecurity and computer networking career fields.

Courses

  • Computer Networking I G/T 454M (11th, 2 periods)

- OR -

  • PC Software and Hardware 4561 (11th, 2 periods)

  • Computer Networking II G/T 456M (12th, 3 periods)

- OR -

  • Networking Essentials–457M Honors (12th, 3 periods)

Senior Level Coursework Options: Computer Networking Pathway

  • Students will complete CISCO certified coursework and take the Cisco Certified Network Engineer Technician (CCENT) exam and have the option to take the Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certification exams.

  • Students will complete Cyber Watch coursework.

Senior Level Coursework Options: PC Systems Pathway

  • Students will complete CISCO certified coursework and take the Comp TIA A+ certification exam. Students will also have the option to take the Cisco Certified Network Engineer Technician (CCENT) and CompTIA, Security + certification exams.

  • Students will have the option of completing a worksite experience in a computer repair or networking field.

College Credit

  • Students who successfully complete all Computer Networking pathway (4562 and 456M) coursework with a grade B or higher, are eligible for credits at Howard Community College.

  • Students who successfully complete all PC Systems pathway (4561 and 4563) coursework with a grade of B or higher, are eligible for credits at Howard Community College.

Industry Certifications

  • Upon completion of the Computer Networking pathway experience, students will be prepared to take the Cisco Certified Network Engineer Technician (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certification exams.

  • Upon completion of the PC Systems pathway experience, students will be prepared to take the CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Engineer Technician (CCENT) and CompTIA Security + certification exam.

Sample Career Options

< 4-year Degree

  • Cabling Technician

  • Network Administrator

  • Network Maintenance Technician

  • PC Help Desk/Operator

  • Data Center Technician

  • Help Desk Operator

  • PC Support Technician

4-year Degree

  • CISCO Routing Engineer

  • LAN Specialist

  • Network Design Specialist

  • WAN Specialist

  • PC Service Engineer

  • Project Manager

  • Software Tester

  • Technical Support Engineer

> 4-year Degree

  • Chief Security Officer

  • Network Engineer

  • Network Systems Analyst

  • Security Analyst

  • Computer Design Engineer

  • Operations System Engineer

  • Systems Architect