Cybersecurity Pathway at iCSI
The Cybersecurity Pathway is designed to cater to students' interests in pursuing degrees and careers in the evolving field of cybersecurity. The program begins with a comprehensive introduction to IT fundamentals in the freshman year and progresses through advanced networking and security concepts in the subsequent years. This pathway is structured to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for industry certifications and higher education. By the time they reach their senior year, students have the option to specialize further through a practicum class, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career goals, whether they aim to enter the workforce directly or continue their studies at a post-secondary institution.
The timeline of the Cybersecurity Pathway is clearly defined to ensure a steady progression of knowledge and skills. In the first three years, all students follow a foundational curriculum that includes CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), Network+, and Security+. This structured approach ensures that by their senior year, students are well-prepared to pursue specialized certifications such as Splunk Core, CCNA, Pentest+, or CYSA+, depending on their interests.
Curriculum
The Cybersecurity Pathway at iCSI emphasizes interactive learning and practical exercises. By utilizing modular-based learning platforms and a diverse array of resources, the program offers a dynamic and engaging curriculum. This curriculum is updated annually to stay current with the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.
Students build, configure, test, and problem-solve between both our campus and cloud infrastructures, ensuring they apply their academic knowledge in various ways. Covering foundational programming and web technologies to advanced networking and security principles, the curriculum provides comprehensive cybersecurity coverage. This approach prepares students for both certification exams and real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Career Paths
The Cybersecurity Pathway leads to a variety of career routes, including:
Cybersecurity Consultant: Provide expert advice on security practices and measures, with salaries between $90,000 and $120,000 annually.
Information Security Analyst: Monitor and protect an organization’s information systems, with salaries averaging $100,000 annually.
Network Administrator: Manage and support computer networks, typically earning around $85,000 per year.
Penetration Tester: Identify and exploit system vulnerabilities, with annual earnings ranging from $85,000 to $110,000.
Extracurricular Activities
CyberPatriot Competition: Competing in teams, students tackle cybersecurity challenges and developing problem-solving skills.
National Cyber League (NCL): Students engage in individual and team-based cybersecurity challenges, enhancing their skills.
Technology Workshops: Students participate in emerging tech sessions and hands-on labs to complement classroom learning.
