IST: Cyber Security & Network Administration Specialization

The IST: Cyber Security & Network Administration Program at Virginia Western will equip you with expertise required for a career in cyber security and computer networking, offering diverse roles such as systems administration, infrastructure administration, network security administration, network technician, desktop support technician and security analyst. Throughout the program coursework, you will have the opportunity to earn valuable industry certifications, bolstering your professional credentials. Experienced faculty take a hands-on approach to teaching, offering practical exercises that allow you to learn through real-world experiences.   

What do cyber security professionals do? 

• Threat monitoring and detection: Continuously monitor for security threats and breaches 
• Incident response: Investigate and respond to security incidents 
• Vulnerability assessment: Identify and address system vulnerabilities 
• Security policy enforcement: Develop and enforce security policies and best practices 
• Log analysis and investigation: Analyze logs and security events for potential threats 

What do network/system administrators do? 

• System configuration and maintenance: Set up and maintain server hardware and software 
• Network configuration and maintenance: Set up, configure and maintain network infrastructure 
• User and device management: Manage user accounts, access permission and support networked devices 
• Network security and compliance: Implement security measures, monitor for threats, monitor security measures and compliance 
• Network/system troubleshooting and support: Resolve network-related issues and provide user support; provide technical support; and troubleshoot system issues 
• Backup and disaster recovery: Plan and execute backup and recovery strategies for the network 

Why choose Virginia Western’s IST: Cyber Security & Network Administration Program? 

• A 20-year Tech Talent grant provides equipment and online tutoring for all students. 
• The Cyber Security program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Homeland Security Administration. 
• Industry certifications are strongly encouraged, and costs of certifications may be reimbursed for eligible students. 
• The Virginia Western Education Foundation offers scholarships to aid in tuition, books, living expenses and costs of certification for eligible students. 
• The program is offered online or in person. 
• New cyber security and network labs are open on campus.  
• A student computer club provides activities for learning and networking with other students in the field. 
• Virginia residents may qualify for G3 tuition assistance. 

This course of study includes required completion of the IST: Cyber Security Certificate which is designated as a validated program of study by the Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education.

This program is available completely online.

Related Programs

• Information Systems Technology (IST) (Associate of Applied Science)
• IST: Data Analytics and Programming Solutions Specialization (Associate of Applied Science)
• Computer Science (Associate of Science)
• Engineering: Computer Science (Associate of Science)
• IST: Cisco™ CCNA™ Networking (Career Studies Certificate)
• IST: Cyber Security (Career Studies Certificate)
• IST: Data Analytics and Programming Solutions (Career Studies Certificate)
• IST: Information Technology Support Analyst (Career Studies Certificate)
• IST: Network & Security Administration (Career Studies Certificate)

Transferring

If you’re considering an AAS program and interested in transferring to a four-year college or university, contact a program advisor upon entry to the program to discuss your plans.  

User Groups & Professional Societies

Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) is a non-profit, member-driven association of businesses and organizations working together to promote the growth of the region's technology sector. With over 200 member companies and 24,000 employee members, RBTC hosts a very active list of events including TechNite, Tech and Toast, Security Forums, and Peer Roundtables. https://rbtc.tech/

Roanoke Infosec Exchange (RISE) brings together IT professionals in the Roanoke area to discuss cutting edge topics and applications in the Cyber Security world.  Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month at various companies around town.  https://roanokeinfosec.com

The Oracle Academy mission is to advance computer science education globally to drive knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields. As a member, Virginia Western receives expertly developed learning resources and world-class industry technologies for both the Java and Oracle database world.  Students receive discounts on industry tests. https://academy.oracle.com

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession. ACM provides the computing field's premier Digital Library and serves its members and the computing profession with leading-edge publications, conferences, and career resources. http://www.acm.org.

The Cisco Networking Academy is an IT skills and career building program for learning institutions and individuals worldwide. More than 5.5 million people have joined the Networking Academy and become a force for change in the global economy since 1997. Virginia Western is a part of the Cisco academy and teaches the Cisco curriculum in both the Networking and the Security programs. https://www.netacad.com