Whether you are interested in a degree in Cybersecurity and Defense or a certificate in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, COD offers: 

• Dedicated professors and instructors with a combination of technical industry experience, technical degrees, technical certifications and teaching experience.
• IT training in excellent facilities, such as the Seaton Computing Center (SCC) and Berg Instructional Center (BIC).
• Hands-on experience using production-type equipment.
• Affordable and accredited classes.
• Industry approved, relevant, up-to-date curriculum.
• Industry aligned technical certifications.
• Stackable credentials that allow students to begin their career while growing their expertise.
• Program approval from Cisco Networking Academy, CompTIA Academy, VMware Academy, Microsoft AcademyCenter for Cyber Defense Education.

Cybersecurity and Defense 

The Cybersecurity and Defense Associate in Applied Science degree provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles of cybersecurity.

The program covers computers and justice studies, homeland security, networks, routing and switching, servers and virtualization. 

Cybersecurity Specialist

The Cybersecurity Specialist certificate provides a foundation in basic principles of cybersecurity. It covers function of networks, operating systems and security principles. 

Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Training

Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), College of DuPage can issue a certificate on the behalf of the NSA/DHS confirming a student's competency in a set of core knowledge units designated as a requirement by NSA/DHS in the area of Information Assurance and Cyber Defense. These core knowledge units include:

• Basic Data Analysis
• Basic Scripting
• Cyber Defense
• Cyber Threats
• Fundamental Security Design Principles
• IA Fundamentals
• Intro to Cryptography
• IT Systems Components
• Networking Concepts
• Policy, Legal, Ethics and Compliance
• System Administration 

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Cybersecurity and Defense, Associate in Applied Science
• Cybersecurity Specialist, Certificate

Curriculum offered is consistently maintained to ensure its relevance and currency, staying on top of the latest developments and advancements in the field. Full-time faculty and staff meet periodically with an advisory board made up of business professionals from many areas of the industry. Members of the advisory board provide input and feedback regarding skills necessary for success in the industry. They also assist in the ongoing evaluation of COD’s courses, certificates, and degrees programs. This evaluation helps to maintain the quality and professional relevance of the Cybersecurity program.

• Cyberfire Training
• National Cyber League
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• US Cyber Games
• NCAE Cyber Games
• Gen Cyber Program
• Cyberfire Puzzles
• Homeland Security Training Institute

Tony Chen (POC)

Point of Contact

• Degrees: M.S. in Kinesiology, M.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Computer Science 
• Certifications: Cisco Certified Academy Instructor (CCAI), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Project+, Microsoft: MCSE NT4.0, MCSA server 2012, VMware: VCP 4.0, Novell: CNE411; 50

Felix Davis

• Degrees: Ed.D in Education, Master in Project Management, B.S. in Telecommunication Engineering/Management
• Certifications: IBM Certified for e-business Solution Advisor, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCSP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Academy Instructor (CCAI), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Certified Instructional Designer, Certified Technical Trainer (CTT), Certified Technical Manager (CTT)

Justin Wagner

• Degrees: B.S.
• Certifications: Cisco Certified Academy Instructor (CCAI), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Storage+, CompTIA Digital Home Technology Integrator (DHTI+)

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in cyber security and defense. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or Advising Services to stay on track.

• Dakota State University, AAS Cybersecurity and Defense to Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration
• DePaul University, AAS Cybersecurity and Defense to Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
• Elmhurst University, AAS in Cybersecurity and Defense to BS in Cybersecurity
• Lewis University, AAS in Cybersecurity and Defense to BS in Cybersecurity

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.