Program Description
The Cybersecurity and Data Protection Certificate (CTCD) at Neumont College of Computer Science offers hands-on training for careers in cybersecurity and IT. Students gain essential skills in system administration, network security, threat detection, and security operations while preparing for certifications like CompTIA A+, Security+, and CySA+. The program emphasizes problem-solving, compliance, and professional communication, equipping graduates to assess, implement, and maintain security solutions in modern computing environments.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Demonstrate a strong foundation in IT and cybersecurity, including hardware, software, networking, operating systems, and security principles such as threat analysis, risk management, and security controls.
- Secure and manage computing environments, implementing network security, system administration, cloud infrastructure, and compliance with cybersecurity laws and policies.
- Identify, analyze, and respond to security threats, leveraging tools, methodologies, and forensic techniques to diagnose and resolve technical issues effectively.
- Develop professional and adaptive skills, demonstrating critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and continuous learning in a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
This program is offered in a structured, full-time, online format over 20 weeks (two 10-week quarters) and follows Neumont’s quarter-credit hour system.
Program Structure & Schedule
- Laptop (Windows or macOS, 8GB RAM minimum, 1TB external storage recommended)
- Virtual lab environments (VMware, VirtualBox, AWS, Kali Linux)
- Security tools (Wireshark, Nmap, Snort, Metasploit, BurpSuite, Wazuh)
- Development tools (Visual Studio Code, Git)
This program aligns with Neumont’s rigorous, hands-on learning philosophy, preparing students for cybersecurity careers in corporate and government sectors.
Equipment & Software Requirements
- Laptop (Windows or macOS, 8GB RAM minimum, 1TB external storage recommended)
- Virtual lab environments (VMware, VirtualBox, AWS, Kali Linux)
- Security tools (Wireshark, Nmap, Snort, Metasploit, BurpSuite, Wazuh)
- Development tools (Visual Studio Code, Git)
This program aligns with Neumont’s rigorous, hands-on learning philosophy, preparing students for cybersecurity careers in corporate and government sectors.
CTCD Program Requirements
Total Required for Cybersecurity and Data Protection Certificate 32 Credits
Required Courses (32 credits)
| CIT110 | IT Fundamentals | 6 credits |
| CIT111 | Software Essentials | 6 credits |
| CIT120 | Networking & Cloud Deployment | 4 credits |
| CIT130 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 6 credits |
| CIT140 | Cybersecurity Core Concepts | 4 credits |
| CIT150 | Advanced Cybersecurity | 6 credits |