The Modern Superhero. Defending Data, Identities, & More.
What You'll Learn
Cybersecurity is about protecting the systems, networks, and data that people and organizations depend on every day. In Ivy Tech's Cyber Security/Information Assurance program,you'll build that skill set from the ground up. No prior tech experience required.You'll start with the fundamentals: how computers, networks, and operating systems actually work, and the core security principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability that guide every decision a securityprofessional makes. From there,you'll move into hands-on, real-world skills:
Building and securingnetworks and analyzing network traffic to spot suspicious activity.
Working in Linux and virtualized environments.
Thinking like an attacker through ethical hacking and penetration testing, so you can defend like a professional.
Investigating incidents with digital forensics: recovering evidence, analyzing artifacts, and reconstructing how a breach happened.
Understanding cryptography, the threat actors behind attacks and their motivations, and the laws and policies that govern cyber defense.
Planning for the worst with business continuity and incident response.
Managing IT projects and communicating clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Throughout the program,you'll also prepare for industry certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Linux+, AWS Cloud Foundations, and Cisco CyberOps Associate. In the associate degree, you can sit for up to three of these certification exams as part of your coursework.
Career Options
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, withroughly 16,000 openings each year. Nationally, there are hundreds of thousands of open cybersecurity positions and not enough trained professionals to fill them.A credential from Ivy Tech can prepare you for entry-level and technician roles such as:
Security Operations Center (SOC)Analyst
CybersecurityTechnician
JuniorPenetrationTester
DigitalForensicsTechnician
ComputerForensicsTechnician
SystemsAdministrator
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 AAS is Ivy Tech's career-focused cybersecurity degree, built to get you into the workforce job-ready. Across 60 credit hours,you'll master the technical core of the field, including networking, Linux, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and security operations, while preparing for the industry certifications employers value most. Offered in person, online, and in hybrid formats at locations across Indiana, it's a flexible path into a high-demand career.
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 Cyber Academy is an immersive, accelerated version of the AAS that you can complete in just 11 months. Based at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, a U.S. Department of Defense training facility and home to "Cybertropolis," an advanced cyber range, students live on site and train on networks that mirror real-world systems.It's one of only two accelerated cybersecurity programs in Indiana, designed for self-motivated learners ready to launch a new career in a single year. No prior computer experience is required, making it an ideal fit for career-changers, recent graduates, and service members.
The AS is the transfer-focused path for students who plan to earn a bachelor's degree. Built around the Indiana College Core and mapped to the state's Transfer Single Articulation Pathway (TSAP) for Cyber Security, it pairs essential cybersecurity coursework with the general education, calculus, and lab sciences four-year universities expect. Choose this option if continuing to a bachelor's degree is part of your plan from the start.
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.
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
The Cybercrime certificate blends cybersecurity with criminal justice for students interested in the investigative and legal side of the field. In 19 credit hours,you'll study criminal justice systems, digital forensics, and cybercrime investigation while building core IT and security skills. It prepares you for certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, AWS Cloud Foundations, and the EC-Council Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator.
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.)*
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.
This 22-credit certificate prepares you for hands-on, defensive cybersecurity work in a Security Operations Center.You'll develop practical skills in cyber operations, ethical hacking, network protocol analysis, Linux and virtualization, and scripting, which is the day-to-day toolkit for monitoring systems, detecting attacks, and responding to breaches. It's a focused, technical credential for students who want to get into the field quickly.
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.)*
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 17 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:
Youdon't need to be a coding genius or have a tech background to succeed in cybersecurity. You need curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning. If you like solving puzzles, asking "how does this actually work?", and the idea of outsmarting cybercriminals appeals to you, this could be a great fit.
Cybersecurity rewards people who pay attention to detail, think logically, and stay calm under pressure.It's also a field with a strong ethical core: security professionals are trusted to protect sensitive information and do the right thing with it. Good communication helps, too, since you'll often need to explain technical risks to people who aren't technical.
Careers inCybersecurity often involve:
Monitoring networks and systems for suspicious activity and potential breaches.
Investigating security incidents anddetermining how an attack happened.
Testing systems and applications for vulnerabilities before criminals find them.
Responding to andcontaining active threats.
Analyzing digital evidence and recovering data through forensic investigation.
Configuring andmaintaining firewalls, encryption, and other security tools.
Developing security policies, standards, and best practices.
Helping organizations stay compliant with laws and regulations.
Educating employees and users on how to stay safe online.
Keeping current with the latest threats, tools, and technologies.
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.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
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.
Alf Sanford III Faculty Advisor & Professor Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Technologies asanford3@ivytech.edu (463)308-2583
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (463)308-1602
Kevin O'Neill Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications koneill16@ivytech.edu (463)308-2608
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.
Advising Team Ginny Leonard, Senior Director for Academic Advising and Student Success Advisor for: Exploratory/Undecided students vleonard5@ivytech.edu
Dee Denton Advisor for: Nursing Interest and Health Science ddenton@ivytech.edu
Jake Brunsman Advisor for: General Studies, Liberal Arts and Education programs jbrunsman2@ivytech.edu
Will Parshley Advisor for: School of Public and Social Services, School of Information Technology and Psychology-AS TSAP wparshley@ivytech.edu
Zech Saenz Advisor for: School of Business, Logistic and Supply Chain Management, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science zsaenz@ivytech.edu
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-803-1953
Zoom Video Calls Call 812-803-1953 to make an appointment for a meeting via Zoom or join virtual drop-in hours as shown below.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 463-207-5972 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:00pm Zoom Link
Olivia Bruce 463-231-5073 obruce1@ivytech.edu Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Mondays 1:30pm-4:30pm & Tuesdays 8:30am-11:30am Zoom Link
Monday Virtual Office Hours Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm Zoom Link
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Indiana. (2025). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2024-2025
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.
