Program Description
The Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Certificate prepares individuals for entry-level roles in today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape by developing practical skills to support the protection of computer systems, networks, and sensitive information across public, private, and Tribal sectors. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in areas such as basic network security, system hardening, threat identification, and data privacy, equipping students to help secure critical infrastructure and digital environments. This certificate serves as a strong foundation for immediate employment in IT and cybersecurity support roles, while also providing a pathway to advance into the AAS Cybersecurity & Data Privacy degree and earn industry-recognized certifications.
Career Outlook
Students who complete the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Certificate are prepared to pursue entry-level opportunities in information technology and cybersecurity throughout North Dakota and across the United States. This certificate provides foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in areas such as network security, system protection, basic ethical hacking concepts, and data privacy, supporting the growing need for cybersecurity professionals across sectors including Tribal governments, healthcare, education, and business. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity careers continue to see strong demand, making this credential a valuable starting point in the field.
Graduates may seek positions such as IT Support Technician, Junior Cybersecurity Technician, Help Desk Analyst, or Network Support Specialist, with opportunities to advance by gaining experience, earning industry-recognized certifications, and continuing their education in the AAS Cybersecurity & Data Privacy program or other related degree pathways.
Application Deadline
Review the TMC Academic Calendar for registration deadlines for each semester.
Program Courses
Program Required Courses
Required General Education Courses
Select 3 credits of General Education courses from the list
| COMM 110 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENGL 110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 120 | College Composition II | 3 |
| HIST | Native American History Elective | 3 |
| HUMM | Humanities Elective | 3 |
| LANG | Language Elective (6) | 6 |
| LANG | Language Elective (6) | 6 |
| MATH 103 | College Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 210 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| SOCI | Social Science Electives | 3 |
Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Certificate Pathway
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Program of Study Year One
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|
Fall Semester
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Spring Semester
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Course #
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Course Title
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Credit
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Course #
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Course Title
|
Credit
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CIS 141
|
Introduction to Cyber Security
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3
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BOTE 177
|
Job Readiness
|
1
|
|
CIS 162
|
Operating Systems
|
3
|
CIS 165
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Network Fundamentals II
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3
|
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CIS 164
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Network Fundamentals I
|
3
|
CIS 168
|
Firewalls and Network Security
|
3
|
|
CIS 215
|
Microsoft Windows Server
|
3
|
CIS 223
|
Linux System
|
3
|
|
CIS 219
|
Hardware Repair & Maintenance
|
4
|
CIS 241
|
Introduction to Digital Forensics
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3
|
|
|
|
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GEN ED
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General Education Elective
|
3
|
|
TOTAL CREDITS
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16
|
|
TOTAL CREDITS
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16
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Total Credits Required: 32