Virginia Peninsula Community College offers a comprehensive Cybersecurity Program designed for both new and returning students. Our program includes two distinct pathways tailored to meet a variety of academic and professional goals:
- Career Studies Certificate (CSC) – Ideal for individuals who already hold a degree and are seeking to specialize in cybersecurity through targeted, skill-based training.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Systems Technology — Cybersecurity Pathway — Designed for students launching their careers in cybersecurity. This degree is transferable to multiple four-year institutions, giving students a seamless pathway to continue their education at the bachelor’s level.
We also offer courses aligned with major industry certifications, making our program ideal for those already in the workforce who need to validate or upgrade their cybersecurity and networking credentials:
- CompTIA: Cloud+, Network+, Security+, Linux+
- Cisco Systems: CCNA
- SANS GIAC: GISF
Student Engagement and Career Development
Cybersecurity students at VPCC benefit from:
- Participation in state and national cybersecurity competitions
- Access to industry conferences and professional development events
- Opportunities to network with peers and cybersecurity professionals across Virginia
- Flexible course delivery through online or in-person instruction
Join the Effort to Secure the Digital World
With so much of life now happening online — including crime — cybersecurity professionals are more essential than ever. With our program, you’ll gain the skills, certifications, and academic foundation needed to succeed in this high-demand field. Whether you’re just starting out or enhancing an existing career, our cybersecurity programs can help you reach your goals.
Cybersecurity Faculty
Cybersecurity Academics
Our program is designed to serve students who already have a degree or are separating from the military and have some experience and are seeking a Cybersecurity specialization, as well as incoming freshmen seeking a career in Cybersecurity. Students will have the opportunity to earn several certifications as they progress through the Cybersecurity Program, including Network+ and Security+ and those who earn the AAS can choose to transfer to a partner four year institution (see your advisor for more information).
Incoming freshmen will begin with the AAS in IST and use the courses in the Cybersecurity for Enterprise Career Studies Certificate to fulfill the electives in the AAS program, graduating with two diplomas: an AAS in IT with a specialization in Cybersecurity and a Cybersecurity for Enterprise Career Studies Certificate.
Those who already have a degree may choose to complete the Career Studies Certificate and the certifications to add to current knowledge or in preparation for a career switch.
Programs
Course Descriptions
- ITN 109 – Internet and Network Foundations
- ITN 260 – Network Security Basics
- ITN 261 – Network Attacks, Computer Crime and Hacking
- ITN 262 – Network Communication, Security and Authentication
- ITN 263 – Internet/Intranet Firewalls and E-Commerce Security
- ITN 266 – Network Security Layers
Credit for Prior Learning
| Credential or Certification | CPL Courses | Total Credits | Accrediting Organization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Analyst CySA+ | ITN 262 | 4 | CompTIA |
| Network+ | ITN 109 | 3 | CompTIA |
| Security+ | ITN 260 | 3 | CompTIA |
| A+ Hardware AND A+ Software | ITE 221 | 3 | CompTIA |
| Linux+ | ITN 170 | 3 | CompTIA |
| Certified Ethical Hacker CeH | ITN 261 | 4 | EC Council |
| Cisco CCNA | ITN 154, ITN 155, ITN 156 | 12 | Cisco Systems |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | ITN 257 | 3 | Amazon |
Cybersecurity Resources
Competitions
Resources
Industry Advisory Board Members
- Mr. Mark Jordan, IT Project Manager, City of Newport News
- Mr. Darren Spencer, FBI
- Mr. Stephen Foster (retired), Ferguson Enterprises
- Mr. Devin Huling, SOC Analyst, York County
- Mr. Pascal Baumeler, Chief of IT Infrastructure