Cybersecurity

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Protect the digital world with Ozarks Tech’s Cybersecurity Program! Our program prepares you for entry-level roles in cybersecurity. You will learn how to analyze networks for weaknesses. Then, you will develop strategies to defend against threats. Courses cover a wide range of subjects, including:
  • Networking fundamentals
  • Data communication
  • Firewall essentials
  • Cyber operations
  • Digital forensics
  • Security threat assessment
Plus, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to pursue industry-recognized certifications. Get certified with CompTIA A+, Network+, Linux+ and Security+. After graduation, you can step into roles across a wide range of industries. Find jobs in businesses, hospitals, schools, government offices and more.

Dr. Tiffany Ford
Computer Science, Cyber and IT Infrastructure
Department Chair
417-447-8296

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Accreditation

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.

Program Outcomes

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General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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COSTS & OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Applied Science

Cybersecurity
  • Begin working in an entry-level cybersecurity role after completing an associate degree
  • Supplement your technical training with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in general education courses

60 credit hours
4 semesters

$11,854.00*
to
$15,354.00*

Certificate of Achievement

Cybersecurity
  • Complement an existing education or current role in cyber security with additional training
  • Gain the technical skills needed to start working in entry-level cybersecurity positions

32 credit hours
2 semesters

$6,334.00*
to
$8,203.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

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Varies by course

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.

Cybersecurity (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 60 Hours

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity program helps students obtain the knowledge needed for careers in cybersecurity. Students receive a well-rounded experience in basic networking fundamentals and advanced aspects of cybersecurity.  The cybersecurity AAS degree covers topical areas that deal with a study of data communication fundamentals, firewall essentials, basic cyber operations, digital forensics, and security threat assessment. This program also provides the foundation for the following industry-recognized certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Security+, and EC-Council CHFI and CEH.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the "CORE 42."  CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.

Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.

Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

Cybersecurity Certificate

Certificate: 32 Hours

The Certificate of Achievement in Cybersecurity program helps students obtain the basic knowledge needed for entry-level employment in IT with an emphasis on Cybersecurity. Students receive a well-rounded experience in basic networking fundamentals and advanced aspects of cybersecurity.  The cybersecurity certificate covers topical areas that deal with a study of, a partial foundation of the Cisco CCNA curriculum, firewall essentials, and basic network operations.  This certificate also provides the foundation for the following industry-recognized certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Security+, and a partial foundation for Cisco CCNA.

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*Notices and Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.