Cybersecurity Cooperative
The Cybersecurity Co-op Program combines academic coursework with paid, hands-on work experience to prepare students for entry-level careers in cybersecurity. Students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world cybersecurity environments while developing technical, professional, and workplace skills.
Students study areas including:
- Network security and administration
- Threat detection and incident response
- Risk management and security controls
- Cloud computing and system security
- Vulnerability assessment and network defense
- Ethical hacking and cybersecurity best practices
The program also emphasizes communication, teamwork, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, professionalism, and problem-solving. Students work with faculty and industry mentors to connect their coursework to meaningful workplace experiences.
Cybersecurity Cooperative
The Cybersecurity Co-op Program is a selective, cohort-based program consisting of four semesters and 62 total credits. Students progress through a prescribed course sequence while completing cooperative education experiences with participating employers.
Students must maintain a minimum grade of C in required courses, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and meet the expectations of both CCD and their co-op employer.
What Students Will Learn
By completing the program, students will be prepared to apply cybersecurity principles, identify and respond to threats, secure systems and networks, analyze security events, implement security controls, communicate technical information, and work effectively as part of a cybersecurity team.
Students will also develop workplace readiness skills and a professional career plan that may include continued education, industry certifications, and career advancement.
