IT - Cybersecurity Specialist
61 Credit Associate DegreeProgram Description
The IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Associate Degree program prepares learners to protect and defend critical IT infrastructure and data. This program is for learners who enjoy experimenting with technology and solving complex abstract puzzles. Learners’ ingenuity, attention to detail and analytical skills will be developed through hands on labs. Coursework will focus on analyzing the cyber threat landscape, implementing innovative controls and actively defending against attacks. Learners will also have the opportunity to earn industry recognized credentials like CompTIA Security +.
Found in These Career Fields:
Approximate Program Cost
$11,259
Tuition & Fees:
$10,587
Books & Supplies: $672
Books & Supplies: $672
Starting Salary
$45,401–$58,995
Average,
according to Economic Modeling Specialists International
Financial Aid
Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
Available
100% Online
A Closer Look
Detailed Program Information
Take a deeper dive into the details of this program. This section offers information to help you evaluate whether the program fits your goals, interests, and timeline. Use it as a tool to guide your decision-making process.
Availability
Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to…
Careers
Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:
Courses
The IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Associate Degree is a 61 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
View All Detailed Course Information
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is intentionally integrated across this program to strengthen critical thinking, ethical awareness and workforce readiness. Rather than treating AI as a purely technical tool, students are guided to evaluate its impact on security, trust and decision-making — skills essential for today’s cybersecurity professionals.
First, AI is used to drive active, reflective learning. In the Firewall course, students analyze current AI-related security topics such as service bundling vulnerabilities, algorithmic bias, misinformation, and governance of foundational technologies. These structured discussions require students to form evidence-based opinions, evaluate emerging risks, and articulate thoughtful responses, reinforcing analytical and communication skills critical to cybersecurity roles.
Second, AI integration is industry inspired and scenario based. In the Cybersecurity capstone, students engage directly with multiple AI platforms to investigate real-world cyberattack data. By comparing responses from different AI systems using the same query, students identify inconsistencies, assess data reliability, and explore why results vary. This mirrors how cybersecurity professionals validate threat intelligence and avoid overreliance on a single source.
Third, AI-supported activities are mapped directly to program competencies. Across courses, students demonstrate skills in risk assessment, ethical reasoning, threat analysis, and professional judgment. Written reflections and applied analysis ensure students can clearly communicate findings and propose defensive strategies.
Through intentional, scaffolded use of AI, the Cybersecurity program prepares graduates to think critically, question results, and responsibly leverage AI in a rapidly evolving security landscape — supporting NTC’s commitment to employable skills and student success.
Learn more about Our Commitment to AI Integration
Pathways
Pathways at NTC are designed to help you progress toward your career and education goals, one step at a time. Many programs are structured to build upon each other, allowing you to earn valuable credentials along the way.
If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn credit towards this IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Associate Degree:
The IT - Information Security Certificate will provide you with 15% (9 of 61 credits) of the total credits in this IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Associate Degree
Transfer Information
You can continue your education to earn a four-year degree in a variety of ways.
Program Transfer
The following transfer guides, executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions, are based on agreements that allow you to continue your program at another college.
Bellevue University Online
Lakeland University
UW–Milwaukee
UW–Stevens Point
General Transfer
All associate degrees transfer to a variety of programs at other partner colleges to give you the opportunity to continue your education in other areas of study.
View all transfer guides
Cost of Attendance
2026–2027 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student may incur while attending NTC. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College takes into consideration the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student’s cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies. The costs displayed below are estimates based on a 16-week semester or term enrollment. Expenses such as food and housing, personal or transportation may be less based on the weeks you are enrolled.
- Full Time: 12 or more credits
- 3/4 Time: 9 to 11 credits
- 1/2 Time: 6 to 8 credits
- Less Than 1/2 Time: 1 to 5 credits
| Expense Category | Full Time | 3/4 Time | 1/2 Time | Less Than 1/2 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees* | $2,620 | $1,965 | $1,310 | $655 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $732 | $549 | $366 | $183 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $5,455 | $5,455 | $5,455 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,542 | $1,542 | $1,542 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $43 | $43 | $43 | Not applicable |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $12,342 | $11,504 | $10,666 | $2,788 |
| Expense Category | Full Time | 3/4 Time | 1/2 Time | Less Than 1/2 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees* | $2,620 | $1,965 | $1,310 | $655 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $732 | $549 | $366 | $183 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $1,612 | $1,612 | $1,612 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,542 | $1,542 | $1,542 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $43 | $43 | $43 | Not applicable |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $8,499 | $7,661 | $6,823 | $2,788 |
* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2026–2027 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. Your tuition cost is based on your enrollment level. These will appear on your bill and account.
For more information regarding billed tuition and fees, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.
Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.
NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
-
NTC Financial Aid Office
- 715.803.1647
- financialaid@ntc.edu
Admissions Process
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.
Apply NowWhat’s Next?
We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be emailed to you.