Applications Security

Program Description

The Application Security Associate of Science degree confers best practices and competencies in secure software deployment, design, management, and vulnerability mitigation. A software application delivers value through services accessible through remote connections as well as through systems directly on the local network making it a high value target for hacking attempts. Graduates of this program are able to manage and optimize software applications to ensure compliance with security controls; help prevent, detect, investigate and respond to application security threats and attacks; facilitate application security vulnerability assessments, perform penetration tests and risk assessments; investigate application security events and incidents, including forensic analysis. They are able to form and lead incident response teams and represent software application security interests in the creation of organization practices and policies.

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AS degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities may include: • Information Security Analysts • Computer and Information Systems Managers • Computer Systems Analysts • CA-DIR Cybersecurity Technician Apprenticeship - https://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/results\_aigdetail.asp?varOccId=9266 Career opportunities for military personnel may include: • Advanced Information Operations (IO) Planner (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only) • Aviation Logistics Information Management System (ALIMS) Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted) • Cyberspace Operations, Cyber Command and Control Mission System (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only) • Cyberspace Operations, Cyber Security and Control System (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Design and secure applications and services to protect critical assets.
2. Develop, test, and implement secure applications to safeguard critical information
3. Manage ongoing maintenance and updates to applications and services to respond to changing security threats