The Modern Superhero. Defending Data, Identities, & More.
What You'll Learn
Cybersecurity specialists defend systems, networks, information, data, identities, and programs from digital attacks and cyber threats. These cyberattacks seek to access, alter, or destroy sensitive information, extort money from users, or interrupt business operations.
Some common types of cyber threats include phishing, ransomware, malware, social engineering, insider threats, distributed denial-of-service attacks, advanced persistent threats, man-in-the-middle attacks, spear phishing, emotet, SQL Injection, and password attacks.
Scratching your head now? Well, in the Ivy Tech Cybersecurity program, students not only learn what these types of assets and attacks are, but more importantly, how to fight and prevent them.
The Cybersecurity program will help students:
Build the foundation to identify and fix computer security attacks.
Understand the responsibilities of handling information about vulnerabilities and how the type of legal dispute (civil, criminal, and private) affects the evidence used to resolve industry-wide issues.
Gain hands-on experience with different types of hardware and software that represent tools used in the workplace.
Leverage the Center for Cybersecurity to meet high-quality cybersecurity education and training demands.
Receive education and training through our nationally recognized center for jobs that secure our community, state, and nation’s computers, networks, and critical infrastructure
No prior computer experience or knowledge is required
Career Options
Technology is required for more and more of the things we do, making Cybersecurity jobs increasingly in demand to keep organizations' valuable digital–and even physical–assets safe. Because of this, Cybersecurity jobs are available in various environments. You may be a team of one for an individual organization, part of a large team that services multiple organizations, or even serve your country by working with the military or government in a technical role. There is no typical day because you never know what risks or threats will arise, so you must be fluid, adaptable, and willing to change gears based on customer needs.
Examples of jobs you can get once completing the Cybersecurity program include:
Cloud Security Analyst
Cryptographer
Cyber Crime Analyst
Cybersecurity Technician
Digital Forensics Analyst
Disaster Recovery Specialist
Ethical Hacker
Incident Response Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Intrusion Detection Analyst
Malware Analyst
Network Security Administrator
Penetration Tester
Security Auditor
Security Operations Center Analyst
Security Systems Administrator
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
CYBERSECURITY TOOLKIT
Leverage our Toolkit to access resources and information related to educational opportunities, competitions, certifications, programming languages, tools, blogs, forums, projects, volunteering, freelancing, events, professional associations, and jobs in Cybersecurity.
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Bringing Hoosiers the Best
In 2013, the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated Ivy Tech Community College a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-2Y). We are proud of this recognition and what it means about the quality of education our students receive in the Cybersecurity program. Additionally, based on our designation, Ivy Tech has a Cyber Center, which current students can utilize during their studies with Ivy Tech.
Ivy Tech is also a proud partner of the National Science Foundation.
Try Out Cybersecurity With Non-Credit Classes
Cybersecurity is a rewarding, in-demand career path, but it may seem intimidating and complex at first. Therefore, Ivy Tech has created two ways for students to try out Cybersecurity with quick non-credit classes that can help you develop a valuable industry skill.
FREE Online Cybersecurity Classes with the Cisco Networking Academy
Ivy Tech has partnered with Cisco's Networking Academy to provide two free non-credit classes for students interested in cybersecurity, but just not sure it's for them yet. These classes are:
The Ivy+ IT Academy offers accelerated classes designed to teach you a specific skill and kickstart your career in the IT industry. While you're working, continue your education by enrolling in Ivy Tech's for-credit Cybersecurity program to increase your knowledge and qualify for promotions.
The Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity / Information Assurance program is officially certified as a CAE-CD by the National Centers of Academic Excellence. This curriculum is recognized by the NSA and meets all standards associated with it. Within this program, you will be prepared to earn certifications such as the A+, NET+, SEC+, Linux+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and Cisco Cyberops. Students can even sit for up to three of these certifications as part of this associate degree program.
While the Associate of Applied Science is not designed to transfer to a four-year institution as directly as the Associate of Science, credits you earn at Ivy Tech will still transfer into a bachelor's program should you choose to continue your education further. If you are looking to apply and already know that you want to pursue a bachelor's degree after Ivy Tech, we recommend exploring the Associate of Science option.
Required Courses
Associate degree graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
15 general education course credits
43 cybersecurity / information assurance course credits
Earn Your Associate Degree In 11-Months on a Military Base
The Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity is offered at locations across the state of Indiana, but Ivy Tech Columbus also offers an accelerated way to earn your degree in partnership with Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, a national Department of Defense military base.
Students in this nationally-recognized program live on the base during their training and take advantage of over 300 real-life training structures including the Cybertropolis simulation city.
The Associate of Science in Cybersecurity degree program is designed for students who wish to start a career pathway and then transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this high-demand field.
Transfer as a Junior
Complete your AS in Cybersecurity then pursue a bachelor’s degree through our Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP) program. You can save upwards of $10,000 by completing your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transferring!
Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your associate degree at Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the university to which you plan to transfer. Note that admission is not guaranteed just by enrolling in the Cybersecurity program. You will need to be admitted to the institution you intend to transfer to.
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Cybersecurity/Information Assurance Technical Certificate (TC) program provides students with fundamental cybersecurity, IT, and networking knowledge. Graduates are awarded CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA Network+ certifications.
Cybersecurity/Information Assurance is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Cybersecurity/Information Assurance TC. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelors, masters, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Cybersecurity/Information Assurance TC are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to either of the associate degrees in Cybersecurity/Information Assurance is to complete one or more of the three certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level cybersecurity careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in cybersecurity, you can earn this TC on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level cybersecurity careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 33 credit hours:
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
The Cybercrime Certificate (CT) prepares you for an entry-level role in the industry. You’ll earn certificates in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, EC Council Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator, and AWS Cloud Foundations.
Cybercrime is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Cybercrime CT. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelors, masters, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Cybercrime CT are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Cybersecurity, you can earn this CT on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level cybersecurity careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 19 credit hours.
The Cybersecurity Incident Analyst Certificate (CT) prepares you for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity. You’ll earn certificates in the Cybersecurity/Information Assurance field, including CompTIA A+ and Security +.
Cybersecurity Incident Analyst STC is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Cybersecurity Incident Analyst short-term certificate. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelors, masters, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Cybersecurity Incident Analyst CT are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Cybersecurity, you can earn this CT on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level cybersecurity careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 26 credit hours.
The Security Operations Center Specialist Certificate (CT) prepares you for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity. You’ll be prepared to earn 3rd party certifications in NET+, SEC+, Pentest+, Cisco Cyberops, and CEH.
Security Operations Center Specialist CT is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Security Operations Center Specialist CT. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelors, masters, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Security Operations Center Specialist CT are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Cybersecurity, you can earn this CT on your way. The CT is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level cybersecurity careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 22 credit hours.
Cybersecurity / Information Assurance is offered at 18 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:
No two days are the same in a cybersecurity role, and for the right person, this can be exciting! As cybersecurity often involves protecting an organization from attacks, these roles can move fast and require you to remain calm. Wondering if this is the right path for you? Careers in cybersecurity often involve:
Adaptability
Effective communication
Problem solving
Strong adherence to a code of ethics
Ability to maintain composure under pressure
Technical skills
Analytical thinking
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, cybersecurity may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
All Informatics students will take prerequisite courses during their time at Ivy Tech, typically during the first semester. Students must demonstrate competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in at least one course from each of the following groupings:
Base English Courses (two required)
ENGL 093 - Introduction to College Writing
ENGL 083 - Reading Strategies for College or ENGL 095 - Integrated Reading and Writing
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least 4 weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Cybersecurity / Information Assurance Courses
Descriptions of courses can be found in our online course catalog. View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the class in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming classes are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Class Formats
Ivy Tech is proud to offer our Cybersecurity / Information Assurance program in in-person, online, and hybrid formats. The one exception is the Cyber Academy, which requires students to attend in person and live in provided housing during the 11-month program.
Big Dreams? Go for Honors
If you're motivated and want a more robust, personalized academic experience, consider enhancing your associate degree in Cybersecurity/Information Assurance by pursuing an Honors pathway. Honors courses are fully virtual with opportunities to meet and network with honors students and faculty across the state. The coursework is designed to support a student’s spirit of inquiry and intellectual growth, as well as foster multicultural awareness and leadership. View eligibility requirements
Graduating with a Cybersecurity/Information Assurance degree with an Honors pathway can help you stand out as a high-achieving college student, boost your resume, and help you land an acceptance letter to a top four-year college or university.
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 7374
Angela Boembeke Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications aboembek@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 5409
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 7374
Kevin O'Neill Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications koneill16@ivytech.edu 574-830-0375 ext 4413
Kenyatte Simuel is the Statewide Lead Chair for the Cybersecurity program. He is also the Progam Chair at the Sellersburg campus. Kenyatte earned his Bachelor's in Industrial Technology at Purdue University and Master's in Information Systems at Dakota State University. He is the owner of KSEASOLUTIONS LLC and has previously worked at GE Appliances, ACCENT Marketing, LG&E & KU, Sonopress, openBook Technologies, Harrison Steel Castings Co, Product Action, Teksystems, NetLink Technologies, Purdue University, and Cargill.
He is also certified in AWS Academy Cloud Foundations, ScrumMaster, Nagios Certified Professional, and CompTIA Security+. Kenyatte has volunteered at Louisville Grows Inc, LG&E & KU, and Ivy Tech Community College. He is also a member of Agile Alliance, Society of Information Management, ISSA, International Association of Privacy Professionals, Association of Technology Management and Applied Engineering, and National Society of Black Engineers.
Robyn Schmidt is the Statewide Vice Chair for the Cybersecurity program. She is also the Program Chair and Assistant Professor at the Kokomo campus. Robyn earned her Bachelor's in Education at Ball State University and her Master's in Cyber Security/Information Assurance at Western Governors University. She has previously worked at Conseco.
She is also certified in CompTIA A+, Certified Ethical Hacker, CompTIA Security+, and Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician. Robyn has volunteered at Chapel Hill Christian Church.
Rami Salahieh is the Program Chair and Assistant Professor at the Valparaiso campus. He earned his Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems and Mathematics and Master's in Computer Science at Roosevelt University. Rami previously worked at Westwood College, ITT Tech, The Blackstone Group, and Doors in Motion.
He is also certified in Cryptography and Computer Security, Applied Cybersecurity, Cisco CyberOps Associate, CCNA IoT Security, EMC Academic Associate. and Microsoft Exchange 2000 Administration. Rami has volunteered at Munster Police Department, Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity, and NIISSA Cyber Security Group. He also received awards including National Instructor of the Year from Westwood College, Excellence for Outstanding Career and Technical Education Program in Cyber Security from Ivy Tech Community College, Citizenship Award Winner from Munster Police Department, and North America 2021 Educator of the year Award from Instructure Canvas Team.
Pam Schmelz is the Department Chair and Professor at the Columbus campus. Pam earned her Bachelor's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Purdue University and her MBA in Business Administration and Management at Indiana Wesleyan University. She is the co-owner of Shadey Lake Winery and previously worked at Cummins.
She is also certified in Cisco CyberOps Associate, AWS Academy Accredited Educator, AWS Academy Cloud Foundations, CompTIA Linux+, MTA Networking Fundamentals, MTA Security Fundamentals, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, LPIC-1, Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician, CompTIA CASP, Cisco CCENT, and ISC2 CISSP. Pam has volunteered at Columbus City Band, Lincoln Center Skate Club, and St. Bartholomew Brass Choir. She also received the President's Award for Excellence in Instruction in 2013.
Find Local Admissions Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
If you’re not yet an Ivy Tech student, contact us at 1-888-489-5463 and we’ll be happy to help.
Current Students
Contact your academic advisor, who can answer any questions you have about the Cybersecurity / Information Assurance program and your certificate and degree options.
Find Local Advising Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5:00pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12:00pm Zoom Link
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
