Infrastructure Security

Program Description

The Infrastructure Security Associate of Science degree confers skills and best practices in secure deployment and configuration of hardwire devices that deliver connectivity and enable the exchange of information services. The graduate of this program is able to design, install and implement network and application services; detect intrusions, monitor and capture network traffic, manage and optimize security infrastructure to ensure compliance with security controls. They have completed instruction in the infiltration of information systems, baseline performance measurement, management of alerts and exception thresholds and formulation of security policies, and formation of an incident response team to investigate and respond to operational security threats and attacks. They conduct security research, analysis and review of infrastructure designs to ensure compliance with company security policies; evaluate new products and technologies to protect against existing and emerging security threats; and develop and implement information security policies and procedures.

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 (SOC 15-1122), Computer and Information Systems Managers (SOC 11-3021), and Computer Systems Analysts (SOC 15-1121).

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Install and configure infrastructure, software, and upgrades.
2. Install, configure, and test network devices, servers, and workstations.
3. Troubleshoot hardware, network, and security problems.