Cyber Security Specialist
Sandburg offers a Cyber Security Specialist stackable certificate that compliments our other Information and Computer Technology programs. This certificate provides a foundation to develop skilled cybersecurity workers to protect the nation's most critical infrastructure.
You'll learn the fundamental theory of the discipline, have hands-on experiences through the latest cutting-edge technologies in the field, learn how to implement and manage security measures needed to safeguard computer resources from unauthorized access or attack at all levels of society. Students who complete the program will be able to inspect cyber threats and vulnerabilities of an organization's information systems to help manage cyber operations.
Once you complete this degree, you'll be prepared to take industry-endorsed and vendor-specific certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and a wide range of other professional certifications in the field.
Pathways to other programs
This certificate is the fourth semester of our stackable Information & Communication Technology certificates. This certificate is conferred upon successful completion of the required 60 hours and is stackable, which means students earn the Computer Support Associate certificate, the Computer Technician certificate, the Network Security Associate certificate and the CISCO Network Security Associate certificate by completing the first 44 hours of this certificate.
4) Cyber security specialist
Admission requirements
The Cyber Security Specialist is an open-enrollment program, meaning there are no criteria students must meet to be admitted. If you're interested in enrolling in this program, complete our steps to enroll, which includes completing the free application for admission.
For credit toward degree requirements, all ICT courses must have been completed during the five school years preceding the conference of the degree or must have the approval of the dean of Career Technical Education or the program coordinator.
We encourage all prospective students to visit campus. We have several Explore Sandburg open houses throughout the year, or you can schedule a campus visit at your convenience.
Career and technical programs/courses are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law. For more information, contact the Title IX coordinator at 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
For additional information contact:
Welcome Center
309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu
Employment
Most information technology and security careers require both hard and soft skills. Hard skills refer to technical expertise and understanding of the integration of technology depending on the specific needs of a business or organization. Soft skills include valuable people skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving skills, leadership and critical thinking skills. IT security professionals spend most of their time monitoring network structures, analyzing and implementing security solutions, and maintaining systems.
POTENTIAL CAREERS
Network and computer systems administrators
GRADUATES FROM THIS PROGRAM PURSUE CAREERS IN FIELDS SUCH AS:
Sample course schedule for the Cyber Security Specialist
Sample schedule for Cyber Security Specialist certificate
Program format
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) courses are available online or in a multiple-modality format. Multiple-modality courses provide students with the option to sit in a traditional classroom, attend online or attend a scheduled class using Microsoft Teams.
Dual-credit students may begin this program while in high school. Please contact the coordinator of dual credit for more information.
Class formats
Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit the needs of our students. To determine the formats for specific courses, please refer to our course schedule.
Regardless of the course format, you should have access to a reliable computer with broadband (high-speed) internet. All courses use online resources and require students to access course information through mySandburg. Accessing courses through a phone is discouraged. Both campuses have open computer labs for student use.
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR THE CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST PROGRAM
Cyber Security Specialist certificate cost sheet
FINANCIAL AID
To apply for financial aid, visit our financial aid page for more information.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact the local office to see if you qualify for financial support.
- Hancock County | 550 N. Madison St. | Carthage, IL | 217.357.6749
- Warren/Henderson County | 1025 S. 2 nd St | Monmouth, IL | 309.734.4745
- Knox County Bondi Building | 311 E. Main, Suite 612 | Galesburg, IL | 309.343.9832
- McDonough County | 440 N. Lafayette | Macomb, IL | 309.837.1280
SCHOLARSHIPS
Thanks to our generous donors, the Carl Sandburg College Foundation is able to award more than $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners, and returning students — everyone is eligible to apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year.
Meet the instructors
Dr. Suvineetha Herath, Ph.D.
Information and Communication Technology Instructor
Andrea Jenkins
Information and Communication Technology Adjunct Instructor
Cynthia Johnson
Information and Communication Technology Adjunct Instructor
Linda Lee
Information and Communication Technology Adjunct Instructor
Jenna Linkin
Information and Communication Technology Adjunct Instructor
Department of Career and Technical Education
2400 Tom L Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
309.341.5274
Sandburg Tech Squad
The Sandburg Tech Squad's mission is to actively participate and promote knowledge and skills within the information communication technology field throughout our club activities. Members work to become leaders and set examples for the community as professionals in valuing our lifelong learning process while helping and providing services to the whole campus community.
Advisor: Dr. Suvineetha Herath: 309.341.5269 | sherath@sandburg.edu
Program goals for Cyber Security Specialist Certificate
- Recruit and retain students interested in pursuing education and careers in cybersecurity.
- Prepare students for employment in the growing field of cybersecurity and information systems; provide networking and career opportunities for job opportunities in the field, both locally and nationally.
- Prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or for transfer into a four-year college with junior standing.
- To strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations.
- To sharpen leadership, teamwork and technical skills.
- To promote lifelong learning for personal and professional enrichment.
Sandburg General education objectives
- Communication: Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Critical thinking: Demonstrate critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills.
- Cultural diversity: Demonstrate an awareness of human values and diverse cultures.
- Information technology: Demonstrate understanding and skills to function in a technological society.
- Quantitative skills: Demonstrate the use of quantitative analytical skills and processes to interpret, evaluate and solve problems.