Why Study Cybersecurity at OCC?
An AS degree in Cybersecurity prepares you to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats using in-demand technical skills. It provides a strong foundation for transfer to a four-year program or entry-level careers in one of today’s fastest-growing and high-paying technology fields.
What You Will Learn
You will learn how to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks. You will gain hands-on skills in network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, system administration, and cybersecurity tools, preparing you for transfer or entry-level roles in the cybersecurity field.
Core skills and competencies include:
- Ethical hacking techniques to harden systems against network attacks
- Detect, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity threats
- Assess security risks and ensure legal and regulatory standards
- Analyze and manage security incidents and perform forensic analysis.
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Shell scripting using Python, Bash, and PowerShell
Where Passion Becomes a Career
Cybersecurity majors typically pursue careers protecting digital systems and data, working as information security analysts, cybersecurity specialists, network security engineers, or security consultants. Graduates find opportunities across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and government, with many advancing through professional certifications or further education to take on specialized or leadership roles in cybersecurity.
At A Glance
The Cybersecurity Concentration offers three tracks to accommodate students at different levels of preparation. Choose the track that best reflects your current skills and academic goals.
Algebra Track: For students who need to build foundational math skills before advancing to higher-level security and networking coursework. This track provides the mathematical groundwork necessary to progress toward core cybersecurity concepts, such as risk management and entry-level security analysis.
Precalculus Track: Designed for students with a solid algebra background who are preparing for more technical analytical coursework. This track bridges foundational math and the technical coursework required for cybersecurity transfer programs, network security engineering, and advanced threat detection.
Calculus Track: Ideal for students who are ready to begin calculus immediately. This track is the most direct pathway toward transfer to a four-year cybersecurity or computer science program and is recommended for students with strong math preparation looking to enter high-level security architecture or cryptographic roles.
Length
62 credit hours
~2 Years to Complete
Cost
For Ocean County Residents
Summer – $206 per credit
Effective Fall – $216.00 per credit
Modality
In Person
Academic Pathways
This program is designed to transfer. Where you go next is up to you! After earning your degree at OCC, seamlessly transfer your credits to a four-year college or university, setting the stage for continued academic and career success.
Associate
Build a solid foundation in digital defense and network integrity, mastering the security protocols, ethical hacking basics, and troubleshooting methods needed to protect modern organizational data.
Bachelors
Transfer to a four-year institution to specialize in information security, digital forensics, or security architecture while preparing for leadership roles in cybersecurity management or specialized technical consulting.
Career
Prepare for high-demand roles in government, finance, and technology where protecting systems from cyber threats, ensuring data privacy, and defending critical infrastructure are mission-critical.
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