Cybersecurity Specialist Associate Degree

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IT-Cybersecurity Specialist

Program Number: 101512

Your Degree: Associate Degree

Estimated Time to Complete: 61 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years

Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person

Area of Study: Information Technology

Estimated Program Cost: $11,188.07

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Program Overview
If you’re a hands-on learner who wants to help strategize how to protect information and data from network attacks, identity theft and data breaches in today’s digital world, Madison College’s Cybersecurity Specialist associate degree will get you started.
In a world that increasingly relies on electronic data storage and automated systems, very few industries do not employ some sort of cybersecurity. Specialists in the field are in demand, locally and around the world.
Whether you’re looking to start, advance or change your career, this program will give you the training to help you reach your goals. No advanced skills needed—just basic computer knowledge and a passion for learning.
Associate Degree Program Goals
The Cybersecurity Specialist program introduces you to the current threat landscape you'll encounter when working in the cybersecurity field. You’ll start by building a basic foundation in networking, current operating systems and programming. Then, you'll train in offensive security scenarios and the appropriate defensive responses and countermeasures. Your work in extensive hands-on labs will build practical experience in the tools, tactics and techniques used by modern offensive and defensive security teams.
What Skills Do I Need?
We’ll teach you the technical skills to detect and defend against cyber threats, but a successful cybersecurity professional is also:

“We hire graduates from Madison College. I know that whoever we're going to hire comes with real-world experience that can start day one. They also come with a great balance of soft skills, being able to communicate well and work with others.”
Casey Cammilleri, CEO and Founder at Sprocket Security
Madison College Cybersecurity program graduate
See how Madison College students are turning cybersecurity skills into careers.
A Critical Thinker:
You like puzzles and games in which figuring out one challenge gets you to the next challenge. Instead of an instruction manual, you prefer a toolkit. You know how to combine past experience, problem solving skills, research and a bit of intuition to find solutions.
Persistent:
You are willing to try, fail and try again…and again. Complex systems and problems require complex solutions that don’t always come easily, but this doesn’t bother you; you’re in it for the challenge.
Curious:
The world of technology changes quickly. To stay on top of the latest advancements, be prepared to continue your education beyond the degree through professional advancement, online user groups and industry publications.
A Good Communicator:
You’ll need to be able to communicate, verbally and in writing, in both technical and simple terms, what went wrong and how to stop it from happening again. Team meetings and collaboration are a regular part of the job, so people in this field must not only be good with computers but also with people.
The associate degree curriculum is designed to help you hone these skills.
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
Cybersecurity classes are held in Madison College’s state-of-the-art online lab environment to simulate the infrastructures various industries and tech companies actually use. That same lab is available to you 24/7 from any computer. All you need is an internet connection to do your work from anywhere.
Madison College IT program students start coding on Day One.
Core classes teach technical skills in the following:
First year
You’ll learn the fundamentals of how systems work and interact within a modern business network.
Data communications
Windows and Linux operating systems
Scripting task automation
Cloud resource development and deployment
Second Year
Building on your first-year knowledge, you’ll now learn to test, detect and mitigate threats against systems and networks by:
Testing systems and web application vulnerabilities
Responding to incidents in real time
Hunting for currently unidentified threats
Applying current cybersecurity frameworks and standards

“If you’re considering the Cybersecurity Specialist program, I would say go for it. It’s very interesting and hands-on. You’ll learn a lot. It’s fun. I have learned so much, and loved everyone I have met here. Come to Madison College and do an IT degree!”
Emily Grafton
IT Cybersecurity Specialist program graduate
Final Semester Internship
In addition to coursework, you will complete an internship with one of our industry partners. If you are already working full-time, you will have the option of a project. With this real-world opportunity, upon graduation you will have not only the knowledge but also the experience to enter the workforce with the confidence that employers notice.
Flexible Course Offerings
Students in the Cybersecurity Specialist program can attend full or part time.
The core classes unique to the Cybersecurity Specialist program are offered only in person in both day and night sections.
Cybersecurity Specialist classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.
If you start this program in the spring semester it may take 5 semesters to complete and classes are only offered in the daytime or online.
Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester
10-107-111
Exploration of Information Technology
Learn about the different careers available in the vast field of Information Technology and examines the IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist, IT-Cyber Compliance Specialist, IT-Cybersecurity Specialist, IT-Data & Analytics Specialist, IT-Desktop Support Technician, IT-GenAI Front-End Developer, IT-Network Systems Administration, and IT-Web Software Developer career paths. Students create an individualized career path plan as the capstone project for the course.
1 credit
10-150-104
Data Communications
This is an introductory course covering the process used to exchange data between end point applications on a network (Like your web browser connecting to a website). Included will be a basic introduction to the concepts of host addressing, data communication channels/flows, and the fundamentals of the applications, tools, and configurations needed to enable and troubleshoot end host connectivity to an existing data network. NOTE prereq: Students are required to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management).
3 credits
10-151-102
IT Security Awareness
Provides a basic survey of the importance of IT security awareness and data confidentiality. This course walks users through basic aspects of information security in a very broad, easy to understand way and explains the value of securing data. The course will also present best practices in access control and password policies. NOTE: Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management) required.
1 credit
10-154-184
Enterprise Client
Learn how to install, configure, and administer a desktop operating system for an enterprise office environment. Topics include Windows installation, device configuration, establishing network connectivity, Windows user profiles, configuring appropriate NTFS and share permissions, remote connections, and an introduction to commands using Windows PowerShell and Command Prompt. NOTE prereq: Students are required to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management).
3 credits
10-154-190
Linux 1
Introduces Linux with a focus on command line system administration skills. Topics include navigating the filesystem, file and directory management, command execution, input/output redirection and pipes, account management, configuring network services, file system security and troubleshooting.
3 credits
10-156-105
AI Fundamentals
Provides a basic survey of the importance of AI in the IT industry. This course will discuss broad aspects of AI including types, code generation, and how to validate the results from AI. The course will also present best practices for appropriate and responsible use of AI.
1 credit
10-801-195
Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.
3 credits
10-809-199
Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.
3 credits
Second Semester
10-151-114
Linux 2
This class provides a hands-on look at the tools and techniques needed to understand the fundamental security issues involving the linux operating system. You will create shell scripts intended to solve basic security scenarios. In addition, you will learn to set up and secure some of the more common network services usually implemented on Linux. Tools include: Bash, netcat, BIND, sshd, NTP, firewalld, nano.
3 credits
10-152-109
Python Scripting
This is an introductory course focused on scripting in the Python programming language. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating Python scripts and using the Python language to automate the administration of IT systems. No prior programming or scripting experience is necessary to enroll in this course.
3 credits
10-154-171
Windows Server
This hands-on course, based on Windows Server operating systems, allows students to gain administrative knowledge of deploying, configuring, and managing Windows Server. Additionally, students will learn how to implement Windows Server technologies, including but not limited to Active Directory, Account Management, Domain Controllers, Hyper-V, WDS, DNS, DHCP, IIS, Group Policy, File and Print Services, Storage Services, Remote Desktop and Management, PowerShell Management.
3 credits
10-157-101
Introduction to Cloud Computing
Introduces students to cloud based computing architectures through hands-on labs with leading public cloud providers. Students will learn the basics of deploying cloud solutions and what makes cloud-based infrastructure unique. The fundamentals of cloud storage, security, account management, networking and monitoring are covered.
3 credits
10-801-196
Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
3 credits
Third Semester
10-107-175
Job Search Preparation
Introduction to planning and organizing a search for careers in information technology. Activities include the development of a personalized job search plan, resume building, creating a social media presence and a mock interview.
1 credit
10-151-137
Incident Response
Provides an overview of the tools and techniques commonly used for detecting threats to an enterprise infrastructure. Implement strategies for documenting and reporting detected events based on industry standard compliance frameworks. We will use the Security Onion distribution. Tools include Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana (ELK), Suricata, Zeek, Wireshark, and TCP Dump.
3 credits
10-151-164
Penetration Testing
This course provides a broad overview of the tools and techniques commonly used for penetration testing. In depth hands-on exercises are used to instruct the student in the proper selection and application of a given tool for the intended task. Also included are basic strategies for documenting and reporting on the outcome of the test. The student must demonstrate the ability to plan, and execute a basic network security audit in an environment that simulates a common business or organization. Open Source tools include: NMap, Metasploit, Medusa, etc…
3 credits
10-157-135
Virtualization Technology
This hands-on training course focuses on installing, configuring, and managing virtual infrastructure, including hosts, management servers, and virtual machines (VMs) in a Proxmox environment. This course prepares you to administer virtual infrastructure for an organization of any size.
3 credits
10-804-144
Math of Finance
This course takes an algebraic approach to solving financial problems. Topics include personal finance and retirement, mathematics of retailing, mathematics of banking and lending, and statistical applications. Major emphasis is placed on solving problems involving the time value of money by using a financial calculator. The material in this course develops a sound base for subsequent courses by using an analytical approach to problem solving.
3 credits
Fourth Semester
10-151-133
Network Forensics and Threat Hunting
Investigate network and Windows artifacts to reconstruct malicious activity and support threat hunting. Collect, filter, and correlate PCAP, event log, file system, registry, browser, and endpoint evidence. Use forensic and security monitoring tools to build timelines, identify indicators of compromise, evaluate hypotheses, and report evidence-based findings.
3 credits
10-151-142
Web Application Security
This course provides a broad overview of the tools and techniques commonly used for web application security testing. In depth hands-on exercises are used to instruct the student in the proper selection and application of a given tool for the intended task. Also included are basic strategies for documenting and reporting on the outcome of the test. The student must demonstrate the ability to plan, and execute a basic web security audit in an environment that simulates a common business or organization. Open Source tools include: The BURP suite, Python, etc…
3 credits
10-151-168
Security Design
This course affords the cybersecurity specialist the opportunity to design a secure network in a team environment using the skills learned from the prerequisite classes. The student must demonstrate the ability to design, plan and execute an infrastructure that represents the services offered by a common business or organization. The student will research their part of the design and must prepare written document including notes, diagrams, references, and implementation instructions of their part of the total design.
3 credits
10-151-197
Cybersecurity Internship
An on-the-job experience in Madison area companies that maintain, manage and secure computer systems. Students will seek job or internship opportunities and interview to be selected for position. The student spends approximately 216 hours over the course of the semester at the work site. By consent of instructor, a special project may be substituted for the internship.
3 credits
Complete one of the following: (Review Degree Progress Report for any additional options.)
10-809-103
Think Critically & Creatively
Provides instruction about critical and creative thinking that is in high demand in all occupations. Models, theories, and processes provide the foundation for learning logical thinking strategies. Students will apply a systematic approach to problem solving by analyzing the problem, assessing possible solutions, and making effective decisions. In addition, students will generate ideas and analyze complex issues. This course assists students with developing a critical thinking mindset which is essential at every level of personal and professional life.
3 credits
10-809-166
Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application
This course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and/or professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.
3 credits
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!
This program has a limited number of seats available. We encourage early applications to secure your spot, but the program has not historically reached full capacity.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
Application open
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
Spring 2027
Application open
Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
Application available on October 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
GED/HSED completion
College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your IT-Cybersecurity Specialist career.
It's Free to Apply
Transfer Opportunities

UW System Schools
UW Whitewater
This agreement establishes a cooperative relationship between the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W) and Madison College students in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity-Cyber Operations Emphasis, in or after the fall 2022 term
UW Whitewater
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W) and Madison College effective for students starting the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Computer Science-Applied Computing Emphasis, in or after the fall 2022 term
Wisconsin Private Schools
Lakeland University
Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.
Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree.

Career Outcomes

Cybersecurity Specialist Program Outcomes

After completing the Cybersecurity Specialist program at Madison College, you will be able to:

Analyze events for the purpose of mitigating threats (Cybersecurity Defense Analysis).
Manage life cycle and defend infrastructure hardware and software (Cybersecurity Defense Infrastructure Support).
Respond to incidents within the network environment (Incident Response).
Measure effectiveness of defense-in-depth architecture against known vulnerabilities (Vulnerability Assessment and Management).
Be responsible for implementing system security (Systems Analysis).
Exercise modern application security concepts and testing (Dynamic Applications Security Testing).
Apply skills related to security testing of all networks (Network Penetration Testing).

Cybersecurity Career Outcomes

Madison College associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of cybersecurity, including:

Cybersecurity Professional
Network Security Specialist

With additional work experience you may be qualified for employment as a Penetration Testing Specialist.

Graduate Summary

Graduate Report Summary Overview
Count Percents	2023	2024	2025
Number of Program Graduates	17	37	49
Number of Surveys Sent	17	37	49
Number of Surveys Returned	10	21	28
Percent of Surveys Returned
Available for Employment	8	17	23
Percent Available for Employment	80.0%	81.0%	82.1%
Not in Labor Market
Percent Not in Labor Market	20.0%	19.0%	10.7%

Available for Employment
Count Percents	2023	2024	2025
Graduates Employed	5	17	20
Percent of Graduates Employed	62.5%	100.0%	87.0%
Employed in Related Occupation	4	14	15
Percent Employed in Related Occupation	80.0%	82.4%	75.0%
Employed in Unrelated Occupation	1	2	5
Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation	20.0%	11.8%	25.0%
Employed - No Response	0	1	0
Percent Employed - No Response	0.0%	5.9%	0.0%
Seeking Employment	3	0	3
Percent Seeking Employment	37.5%	0.0%	13.0%

Reaction To Training at Madison College
Count Percents	2023	2024	2025
Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)	3.2	3.4	3.4
Number of Satisfaction Responses	10	21	28
Very Satisfied (4)	2	8	11
Percent Very Satisfied	20.0%	38.1%	39.3%
Satisfied (3)	8	13	17
Percent Satisfied	80.0%	61.9%	60.7%
Unsatisfied (2)	0	0	0
Percent Unsatisfied	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Very Unsatisfied (1)
Percent Very Unsatisfied	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%

Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
Count Percents	2023	2024	2025
Number of Primary Reason Responses	10	21	28
Preparation for Getting a Job	7	8	8
Percent Preparation for Getting a Job	70.0%	38.1%	28.6%
Career Change	2	8	13
Percent Career Change	20.0%	38.1%	46.4%
Improvement of Existing Skills	0	0	4
Percent Improvement of Existing Skills	0.0%	0.0%	14.3%
Preparation for Further Education	1	3	3
Percent Preparation for Further Education	10.0%	14.3%	10.7%
Personal Interest	0	2	0
Percent Personal Interest	0.0%	9.5%	0.0%
Other	0	0	0
Percent Other	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%

When Employment was Obtained
Count Percents	2023	2024	2025
Number of When Employment Obtained Responses	5	16	20
Before Enrollment	1	0	6
Percent Before Enrollment	20.0%	0.0%	30.0%
While Attending the College	4	11	7
Percent While Attending the College	80.0%	68.8%	35.0%
After Training at the College	0	5	7
Percent After Training at the College	0.0%	31.3%	35.0%

Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
Count Percents	2023	2024	2025
Number of Employment Location Responses	5	17	22
In College District	5	11	15
Percent In College District	100.0%	64.7%	68.2%
In Wisconsin, Not in District	0	3	2
Percent of In Wisconsin	0.0%	17.6%	9.1%
Outside of Wisconsin	0	2	1
Percent Outside Wisconsin	0.0%	11.8%	4.5%
Employer Location Unknown	0	1	4
Percent Location Unknown	0.0%	5.9%	18.2%

Salary Trend
Salary Trend		2023	2024	2025
Full Time Employment (Related Job)	Full Time Salary Count	4	13	10
	Average Monthly Wage	$4,473	$5,265	$5,605
	Average Hourly Wage	$26.01	$30.61	$32.59
	Average Work Hours per Week	40.3	42.3	40.7
Part Time Employment (Related Job)	Part Time Salary Count		1	2
	Average Hourly Wage		$15.50	$32.00
	Average Work Hours per Week		30.0	13.5

Graduate Employers

Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025
Employer(s)	Job Title	City*	State**
Amazon	IT Support Specialist	Rock Falls	IL
American Family Insurance	Lead Major Incident Specialist
Comfort Systems USA	Systems Analyst	Windsor
Dept of Administration	IS Enterprise Services Specialist
Dept of Administration	Senior Network Infrastructure Professional
Direct Networks Inc	Level 1 Field Engineer
Fall River School District	Tech Director	Fall River
Mead & Hunt Inc	Help Desk Technician
Promega Corporation	IT Service Desk Specialist	Fitchburg
SALT Software	IT Consultant
Self-Employed	Independent Security Consultant
United Alloy	IT Cybersecurity Analyst II	Janesville
Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office	Cybersecurity Specialist

* - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

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School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, C2433

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

schoolofstem@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6990

Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm (Phone and email only.)

Program Overview

Associate Degree Program Goals

What Skills Do I Need?

A Critical Thinker:

Persistent:

Curious:

A Good Communicator:

Real-world, Hands-on Learning

First year

Second Year

Final Semester Internship

Flexible Course Offerings

Program Courses

How to Apply

Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!

Application Dates

Fall 2026

Spring 2027

Fall 2027

Admission Requirements

1. Admission Application

2. Education Completion

Additional Notes

Questions?

Transfer Opportunities

UW System Schools

Wisconsin Private Schools

Out-of-State Schools

Career Outcomes

Cybersecurity Specialist Program Outcomes

Cybersecurity Career Outcomes

Graduate Summary

Graduate Employers

Related Programs